What Are 1/1 Odds? Guide to Even Betting Odds

Betting odds might seem technical at first, and 1/1 odds are one of the first terms people often notice. Sometimes called even odds or evens, they are a common starting point for understanding how potential outcomes are priced.

This blog post gradually explains what 1/1 means, how potential returns are worked out, and where these odds might appear in football and horse racing. Clear examples show how the numbers play out in practice.

Read on to learn more.

Understanding 1/1 Odds in Betting

1/1 odds, often called evens, are one of the simplest types of fractional odds. Essentially, the potential profit is directly linked to the amount staked.

For instance, if you choose to place a bet at 1/1 and it succeeds, you would receive back more than your initial stake—but exactly how much depends on how the bet is calculated, as explained later.

Although evens might suggest a roughly equal chance of either outcome, it reflects the price set by bookmakers rather than an exact probability. Bookmakers include a margin, which means the implied chance is slightly different from 50/50.

These odds are often seen when contests are close, with neither side dominating. They appear across many markets because they represent a natural benchmark for balanced scenarios.

Practising responsible gambling is important. If you choose to bet, only stake amounts you are prepared to lose, and consider features such as deposit limits or self-exclusion if needed.

What Does 1/1 Mean in Betting Payouts?

At evens, the potential profit matches the amount staked. For example, if you were hypothetically placing a £5 bet at 1/1, a successful outcome would return £10 in total. That total consists of £5 in profit plus the £5 you initially staked.

Similarly:

A £25 bet at 1/1 could hypothetically return £50 (£25 stake + £25 profit) if the bet is successful.

The total potential return is simply the sum of the stake and the potential profit. The potential profit itself is the additional amount beyond the stake. Understanding both numbers can help to make comparisons across different markets.

The same principle applies at higher stakes. A hypothetical £100 bet at evens would give £200 in total if successful.

Always make sure that the amounts you wager fit within your personal limits if you choose to place any bets. Gambling should remain recreational rather than a financial burden.

How Are 1/1 Odds Calculated?

Fractional odds show how much profit is possible relative to the stake. With 1/1, the fraction is one to one, meaning the profit is equal to the stake.

The basic formula is:

Profit = Stake × (Numerator ÷ Denominator)

So, for 1/1:

Profit = Stake × (1 ÷ 1) = Stake

The total return is then:

Total return = Stake + Profit

For example, hypothetically staking £8 at evens would result in £16 returned if successful—£8 profit plus the £8 stake.

Bookmakers adjust odds depending on various factors:

Form: How teams or horses have been performing recently.
Team news or jockey changes: Injuries, suspensions, or last-minute swaps.
Conditions: Weather, pitch, or track conditions.
Market sentiment: Public perception and betting volume might shift the price.

This means that a selection priced at evens early in the day might move slightly higher or lower before an event starts.

Are 1/1 Odds Common in Football and Horse Racing?

Evens appears in both football and horse racing, though exact 1/1 pricing is slightly less frequent than nearby odds. It usually reflects closely matched scenarios.

In football, whether a market lands around evens depends on several factors:

Recent results may influence how a team is perceived.
Missing key players might alter expectations.
Tactical match-ups may balance overall strength.
Fixture congestion or travel could affect performance.

Evens might be offered in both main markets and smaller side markets:

Both-teams-to-score: If teams are evenly matched offensively and defensively.
Over/under goals: Scores projected to be close might see evens pricing.
Draw-no-bet or double chance: Competitions where outcomes are finely balanced may approach 1/1.

In horse racing, evens often appears for strong contenders facing credible competition. Factors include:

Going: Certain horses perform better on specific ground conditions.
Draw and course form: Stall positions and past success affect pricing.
Trainer and jockey: Established trainers or leading jockeys might influence confidence in a horse.

Odds may fluctuate before a race, so a horse listed at evens in the morning might shorten or drift slightly by race time depending on betting trends or late developments.

Examples of 1/1 Bets in Real Games

Evens often appears in side markets in football betting rather than outright results. For instance:

Both-teams-to-score: If both sides frequently score and concede, a market might hypothetically price this at 1/1.
Over/under 2.5 goals: Close expected scores may settle near evens.
Draw-no-bet or double chance: Balanced contests might see these lines around 1/1.

For match results, a team could be offered at evens if home advantage is offset by an opponent’s recent form.

In horse racing betting, a strong runner in a six- to eight-horse race might be quoted at evens if there are one or two credible rivals. Considerations include:

Going: Track conditions might favour or hinder a horse.
Draw position: Certain stalls may provide an advantage.
Trainer and jockey: Experienced trainers or jockeys could shift market perception.

Odds may move before the race. A horse at evens in the morning might drift to 6/4 or shorten to 4/6 depending on late betting or last-minute information.

If you choose to place a bet, only stake amounts you are prepared to lose. Taking breaks, setting deposit limits, and seeking support from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware is recommended if gambling begins to affect daily life.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}