What Is an Underdog in Betting?

The underdog definition in sports refers to the team or player expected to lose. In sports gambling, underdogs are represented with plus (+) odds, indicating their higher potential payout compared to favorites. Understanding underdog betting is essential for any serious sports bettor looking to maximize returns, and it's a fundamental concept covered in our comprehensive sports betting guide.

Key Point

Betting on the underdog is one of the most exciting aspects of sports betting. Understanding underdog betting can help you maximize your profits and find value in unexpected places. Many professional bettors use implied probability calculators to identify when bookmakers undervalue underdogs.

How Does Underdog Betting Work?

When you bet on sports, underdogs provide bigger payouts because they're less likely to win. Here's the fundamental breakdown:

  • Positive Odds (+): Indicates how much you win on a $100 bet
  • Negative Odds (-): Indicates how much you need to bet to win $100

Example:

+150 underdog → Bet $100 to win $150

-150 favorite → Bet $150 to win $100

Need help calculating potential payouts? Use our Free Parlay Calculator to determine your potential winnings on underdog bets and parlays. For more advanced betting strategies, check out our arbitrage calculator to find risk-free betting opportunities.

Professional sports bettors often combine underdog betting with other strategies. Our best betting strategies guide explores how to identify value bets, while our sportsbook odds comparison tool helps you find the best lines across multiple bookmakers.

Understanding Plus Odds and Payouts

Plus odds are the foundation of underdog betting. Let's break down the most common underdog odds you'll encounter. For a deeper understanding of how odds work, read our guide on how to read betting odds.

Odds $100 Bet Wins Total Return Implied Probability
+150 $150 $250 40%
+200 $200 $300 33.3%
+300 $300 $400 25%
+400 $400 $500 20%

Common Underdog Betting Questions:

What does a +200 underdog mean?

A +200 underdog means a $100 bet wins $200 (plus your original stake back). Learn more about implied probability in sports betting to understand the true value of these odds.

What does +300 mean in odds?

+300 means a $100 bet returns $300 in profit. Use our moneyline calculator to quickly compute payouts for any odds.

Is +200 good odds?

Yes, +200 odds offer a strong payout for a moderate risk level.

What does underdog +1.5 mean?

This is a point spread bet—the underdog starts with a +1.5 advantage, meaning they can lose by 1 point and still cover the bet.

Calculate your potential winnings with different odds using our Parlay Calculator. For removing the vig from your bets, try our no-vig calculator to find true market odds.

Winning Underdog Betting Strategies

Successful underdog betting requires more than just picking the team expected to lose. Here are proven strategies to improve your underdog betting success. For sport-specific approaches, explore our NFL betting strategies and NBA betting strategies guides.

1. Look for Value Bets

Sometimes, odds underestimate the underdog's chances. Research team statistics, recent performance, and matchup advantages to identify value opportunities. Our NFL prop finder can help you discover undervalued betting opportunities.

2. Bet on Underdogs with Strong Defense

Close games can lead to upsets. Teams with solid defensive records often keep games competitive, increasing upset potential. Check the NFL schedule or NBA schedule and stats to analyze matchups.

3. Use Point Spreads (+1.5, +3.5, etc.)

Point spreads give the underdog a cushion. Even if they lose, they can still cover the spread and win your bet.

4. Follow Injuries & Momentum

A key player injury on the favorite can significantly boost the underdog's odds of winning or covering the spread.

Important Strategy Tip

Don't just bet on underdogs because of the higher payout. Always do your research and look for legitimate reasons why the underdog might outperform expectations. Consider using our Fibonacci betting calculator for progressive staking strategies.

Advanced Underdog Strategies

  • Home Underdog Advantage: Home teams often perform better than expected
  • Divisional Matchups: Familiar opponents can lead to closer games
  • Weather Conditions: Bad weather can level the playing field
  • Motivation Factors: Teams with nothing to lose often play freely

Combine underdog bets in parlays for even bigger payouts using our Parlay Calculator. For more complex bet types, explore our round robin calculator or learn about effective parlay strategies.

For those interested in alternative betting markets, check out our guides on player prop betting, tennis betting strategies, and even esports betting.

Real Underdog Betting Examples

Let's look at practical examples of how underdog betting works in different scenarios. For real-time odds and betting opportunities, check today's NFL betting lines.

Example 1: NFL Underdog Bet

Scenario: Detroit Lions (+250) vs. Green Bay Packers (-300)

Your Bet: $50 on Lions +250

If Lions Win: You win $125 profit + $50 original bet = $175 total

If Lions Lose: You lose your $50 bet

Example 2: NBA Point Spread Underdog

Scenario: Orlando Magic +8.5 (-110) vs. Boston Celtics -8.5 (-110)

Your Bet: $110 on Magic +8.5

Magic covers if: They lose by 8 points or fewer, or win outright

Payout: $100 profit + $110 original bet = $210 total

Track NBA stats and historical performance with our NBA all-time leaders database.

Example 3: Underdog Parlay

3-Team Underdog Parlay:

  • Team A: +180
  • Team B: +220
  • Team C: +150

$25 Parlay Bet Potential Payout: $1,247.50

All three teams must win for the parlay to cash

Learn more about calculating parlay payouts and optimal parlay betting strategies.

Calculate your own parlay payouts with multiple underdogs using our Free Parlay Calculator. If you're looking to minimize risk, learn how to hedge your bets effectively.

Do You Get Real Money from Underdog Bets?

Yes! If your underdog bet wins, you receive real cash payouts. Most sportsbooks process payouts within 1-3 business days. Before you start betting, make sure you understand where sports betting is legal in your jurisdiction.

Underdog Betting FAQ

Get answers to the most common questions about underdog betting. For more comprehensive information, visit our betting tools hub.

Underdog Sportsbook & Betting App Questions

Does Underdog give you $1000?

Some promotions offer bonuses, but not a guaranteed $1000. Check current promotional offers on your preferred sportsbook.

How long does Underdog take to pay you?

Payouts usually take 1-3 business days, depending on your withdrawal method.

Is Underdog safe to use?

Yes, if it's a licensed sports betting platform. Always verify licensing and regulation before depositing.

What's the lowest you can bet on Underdog?

Most apps allow minimum bets of $1 or $5, making underdog betting accessible to all bankroll sizes.

Odds and Payout Questions

What does +400 underdog mean?

A $100 bet wins $400 in profit, plus your original $100 stake back. Use our trifecta calculator for exotic horse racing bets with similar high-payout potential.

Are underdog bets worth it?

When done strategically with proper research, underdog bets can be highly profitable due to their higher payouts. Check out our EV parlay builder guide for expected value calculations.

What's the biggest underdog win in sports history?

Leicester City winning the Premier League at 5000/1 odds is often cited as the biggest underdog victory in sports betting history.

Strategy Questions

Should I always bet on underdogs?

No. Successful betting requires selective underdog betting based on research, value, and favorable circumstances.

Can I combine underdog bets in parlays?

Yes! Underdog parlays offer massive payouts but require all selections to win. Use our parlay calculator to see potential returns.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Always bet responsibly and within your means. Underdog betting can be exciting and profitable, but never bet more than you can afford to lose.

World Cup 2026 Betting Resources

Get ready for the biggest soccer event of 2026 with our comprehensive World Cup resources:

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Tickets & Merchandise

Apply your underdog betting knowledge to World Cup matches and potentially profit from international soccer's biggest tournament!

Free Betting Calculators & Tools

Maximize your betting profits with our comprehensive suite of free betting calculators and tools:

Essential Betting Calculators

Sports-Specific Tools

Visit our complete Betting Tools Hub to access all calculators and resources in one place.

Comprehensive Betting Guides

Expand your betting knowledge with our in-depth guides covering all aspects of sports betting:

Fundamental Betting Guides

Advanced Betting Strategies

Sport-Specific Betting Guides

Industry News & Analysis

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