Betting apps are designed to make wagering as easy and enjoyable as possible, but one area that often confuses beginners is the odds format. If you’ve ever opened a betting app and wondered why the numbers don’t look the way you’re used to, you’re not alone. Odds can be displayed in several formats—most commonly decimal, fractional, and American (moneyline)—and switching between them is usually just a matter of changing a setting.
As someone who’s tried countless platforms, from big-name bookmakers to niche operators like the best betting sites not on GamStop, I’ve seen just how different odds displays can be across platforms. Understanding how to change the format is not just a matter of preference—it can directly impact how you interpret your bets, manage your bankroll, and spot value in the market.
Why Odds Formats Matter
Odds are more than just numbers—they’re the language of betting. They tell you two things: how much you stand to win and the implied probability of the outcome. A bettor used to decimal odds might struggle when suddenly confronted with fractional odds, just as an American bettor might be baffled by a “1.50” decimal figure.
For example, if you’re used to decimal odds, “1.50” clearly means a £10 stake would return £15 in total. But if you saw fractional odds of “1/2” on the same market, it could take a moment to mentally translate it. That’s why most betting apps allow you to change the format—it’s about making the betting experience more intuitive for you.
Common Odds Formats
Before we get into how to change them, let’s briefly cover the three most common formats you’ll encounter:
Decimal Odds – Popular in Europe, Canada, Australia, and among online bookmakers worldwide. They’re easy to read: just multiply your stake by the odds to get the total return. For example, 2.00 means you double your money.
Fractional Odds – The traditional UK format, still favored in horse racing circles. A price of 5/1 means for every £1 staked, you profit £5.
American Odds (Moneyline) – Common in the USA. Positive numbers show profit from a £100 stake (+150 means £150 profit), while negative numbers show how much you need to stake to win £100 (-150 means you must bet £150 to profit £100).
If you ever use the best betting sites not on GamStop, you’ll likely see all three formats available, with decimal often being the default for international users.
How to Change Odds Format on Most Betting Apps
The process of changing odds formats is surprisingly similar across most betting apps, even though the menu layout might differ. Usually, you’ll find the option in your account settings or preferences.
First, log in to your account. Once you’re in, head to the account menu—this could be represented by your profile icon, a gear symbol, or simply labeled as “Settings.” Look for a section related to “Betting Preferences” or “Odds Display.” From here, you can usually choose between decimal, fractional, and American odds. Some apps even have additional formats for specific markets, like Hong Kong or Malay odds, but these are less common for casual bettors.
Once you’ve made your selection, confirm or save your changes. Your bets, markets, and even in-play odds should now reflect your chosen format. If you’re using the best betting sites not on GamStop, you may find that odds settings are easier to access because these sites often focus on user flexibility and customization.
Practical Example: Changing Odds on a UK Betting App
Let’s say you’re using a UK bookmaker’s app and it’s showing fractional odds. You prefer decimals because you find them faster to work with. After logging in, you tap your profile picture, scroll to “Odds Format,” and select “Decimal.” Instantly, a market that previously showed 5/2 now appears as 3.50. That small change can make a huge difference in how quickly you can assess potential bets—especially if you’re placing multiple wagers in a short timeframe.
On the other hand, if you’re using a site catering to US sports fans, you might prefer the American format. In that case, switching from decimal to moneyline can make it easier to compare NFL or NBA prices with what you see on American sports news sites.
Odds Formats and Betting Strategy
While changing your odds format is primarily about personal comfort, it can also be a strategic move. For example, decimal odds make it easier to compare prices across multiple bookmakers, while fractional odds can sometimes highlight value in horse racing markets where traditional bettors still dominate.
If you’re betting on non-GamStop platforms, being able to switch between formats can also help when comparing odds between regulated UK bookmakers and offshore operators. Sometimes, a bet that looks mediocre in fractional odds can suddenly look appealing when seen in decimal form because the difference in value is more obvious.
User Experience on Non-GamStop Betting Sites
One area where the best betting sites not on GamStop tend to shine is customization. These sites often have more straightforward menus for changing odds formats, along with other personal settings like dark mode, currency selection, and bet slip preferences. This is partly because non-GamStop operators cater to an international audience, so offering multiple odds formats isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
From my own experience, these sites often allow you to change formats directly from the homepage or even the bet slip itself, without needing to dig through multiple settings screens. That’s a time-saver when you’re betting live and need to process information quickly.
Common Problems When Changing Odds Format
Although it’s usually a smooth process, there are times when changing odds formats doesn’t seem to “stick.” This can happen if you’re not logged in, as many apps save settings to your account rather than your device. In other cases, clearing your cache or updating the app might fix the issue.
Occasionally, certain promotional pages or market views may default back to a specific odds format. This is more common in live betting screens where rapid updates are prioritized over displaying your preferred format. If that happens, it’s worth checking your settings again or contacting customer support.
Final Thoughts
Changing odds formats on betting apps is one of those small tweaks that can make a big difference in your betting experience. It’s about choosing the format that allows you to make quicker, more confident decisions. Whether you’re a fan of decimal’s simplicity, fractional’s tradition, or American’s clarity for US sports, most apps give you the freedom to choose.
And if you’re exploring the best betting sites not on GamStop, you’ll often find even more flexibility, faster access to settings, and an overall user-friendly approach to odds customization. In the fast-paced world of online betting, those small advantages can add up to a much smoother—and potentially more profitable—experience.
If you want, I can also prepare a short comparison table of odds formats for quick reference to make the article even more engaging for readers. That would add an extra practical touch. Would you like me to add that?
