Odds boost

With an odds boost, the bookmaker raises the odds for a particular bet above the normal value. So for the same tip you get a higher possible payout. Providers use odds boosts as a promotion, for example for big matches or tournaments.

Since stake times odds gives the payout, the boost has a direct effect:

possible payout = stake x boosted odds

The boost only changes the odds, not the outcome. The actual probability stays the same; the provider deliberately gives up part of its margin. For you that means: if it comes in, you get more paid out than at the normal odds, but the risk of the bet remains unchanged.

You can read more in the guide Understanding betting odds.

A bet normally has odds of 1.80. With a boost, they are raised to 2.20. The table shows what that means at a 10-euro stake:

The difference of 4.00 euros arises solely from the higher odds. If it comes in, you get more back, but the risk stays the same. This is the core of an odds boost: you bet on the same outcome as before, but in case of success get a higher payout. If the bet loses, your stake is gone all the same, whether with or without a boost.

An odds boost is tied to conditions. Read carefully beforehand what applies:

• Maximum stake: often the boost is only valid up to a certain amount
• Period: the boost usually applies only for a single match or a short period
• Selection: which bet is boosted is set by the offer
• Frequency: sometimes only once per user

An odds boost raises the odds for a particular event for a limited time. A bonus, by contrast, is a more general offer with its own conditions. Both have in common that you should know the small print. The maximum stake is particularly important here. A boost on a set of odds brings little if you may only stake a few euros on it. Providers use such promotions to appeal to new and existing users.

Providers raise the odds in a few different ways. The terms differ, the principle stays the same:

• Single boost: a selected bet gets increased odds
• Accumulator boost: with several tips on one slip, the total odds rise by a surcharge
• Promotional boost: for big matches or tournaments, a particular market is boosted temporarily

With the accumulator boost, the surcharge often grows with the number of tips. Every additional tip lowers the probability that the whole slip comes in. A boost changes nothing about this, because it only raises the odds, not the chance. So with every form, check exactly which conditions apply and whether the bet makes sense for you without the boost.

With the odds boost there are typical traps. These points help you stay sober:

• Read the conditions: check maximum stake, period and frequency
• No sure thing: a boost doesn't turn a weak bet into a good one
• Check the tip: consider as always whether the outcome is plausible for you
• Keep to your budget: only stake within your budget, whatever the odds

The biggest mistake is to place a bet only because of the boost. Higher odds change nothing about the probability of the outcome. If the tip makes no sense without the boost, it makes none with the boost either. So treat an odds boost as a nice extra on a bet you wanted to play anyway. Sports betting is permitted from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen). Never stake more than you planned, just because of a promotion.