# How Do You Calculate a Betting Payout?

> How to calculate betting payout: the return and profit formula, single and accumulator payouts, void bets, and a note on tax on winnings.

Source: https://oddsclass.com/learn/how_to_calculate_betting_payout/ · Publisher: OddsClass editorial team · Reviewed: 2026-11-06 · Language: en
> **Short answer:** To calculate a betting payout, multiply your stake by the decimal odds. That gives your return. Subtract your stake from the return to get your profit. For an accumulator, multiply all the odds together first, then multiply by your stake.

## Betting payout example: Enyimba vs Rivers United

Say you stake (the money you bet) ₦1,000 on Enyimba to win at 2.40 (example odds).

If the match ends 2–1 to Enyimba:

- Return = ₦1,000 × 2.40 = ₦2,400
- Profit = ₦2,400 − ₦1,000 = ₦1,400

If the match ends in a draw or a Rivers United win, you lose the ₦1,000. There is no payout.

## What is the betting payout formula?

The betting payout formula is: return = stake × odds. Then profit = return − stake.

This works for decimal odds, the format most bookmakers in Africa use. The return always includes your stake.

| Stake | Odds (example odds) | Return (stake × odds) | Profit (return − stake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₦500 | 1.60 | ₦800.00 | ₦300.00 |
| KSh 100 | 2.25 | KSh 225.00 | KSh 125.00 |
| GH₵10 | 3.40 | GH₵34.00 | GH₵24.00 |
| R20 | 1.35 | R27.00 | R7.00 |
| USh 2,000 | 1.75 | USh 3,500.00 | USh 1,500.00 |
| TSh 1,000 | 1.85 | TSh 1,850.00 | TSh 850.00 |

If your odds are in fractional form, like 5/2, convert them first. See [how betting odds work](https://oddsclass.com/learn/how_betting_odds_work/).

## How do you calculate a single bet payout?

A [single bet](https://oddsclass.com/learn/single_bet/) (a bet on one outcome only) pays your stake × the odds if it wins. If it loses, you get nothing back.

Example: KSh 50 on Tusker to win at 3.10 (example odds).

- Return = KSh 50 × 3.10 = KSh 155
- Profit = KSh 155 − KSh 50 = KSh 105

That is the whole calculation. Your [bet slip](https://oddsclass.com/learn/bet_slip/) should show the same "possible win" figure.

## How do you calculate an accumulator payout?

To calculate an accumulator payout, multiply the odds of every selection together. Then multiply that total by your stake.

An accumulator (one bet that links several selections) only pays if every selection wins.

Example with GH₵10 and three selections (example odds):

| Selection | Odds |
|---|---|
| Asante Kotoko to win | 1.90 |
| Simba to win | 1.60 |
| Kaizer Chiefs to win | 1.40 |
| **Total odds** | 1.90 × 1.60 × 1.40 = **4.256** |

- Return = GH₵10 × 4.256 = GH₵42.56
- Profit = GH₵42.56 − GH₵10 = GH₵32.56

If any one selection loses, the whole bet loses. Learn more in our [accumulator bet](https://oddsclass.com/learn/accumulator_bet/) guide.

## What is the payout when a bet is void?

When a bet is void (cancelled by the bookmaker), a single bet returns your stake. You get no profit and no loss.

Bets are often made void if a match is postponed or abandoned. Each bookmaker has its own rules, so check the terms.

In an accumulator, a void selection is usually counted as odds of 1.00. The bet then continues with the other selections.

Using the example above, say the Simba match is void:

- New total odds = 1.90 × 1.00 × 1.40 = 2.66
- Return = GH₵10 × 2.66 = GH₵26.60
- Profit = GH₵26.60 − GH₵10 = GH₵16.60

The payout is lower, but the bet is still alive.

## Do you pay tax on betting winnings?

In some countries, yes. Tax rules on betting differ from country to country, and they change often.

In some places the bookmaker takes tax from your winnings before paying you. In others, tax is taken from your stake. That means the money you receive can be less than stake × odds.

Always check the current rules in your country. Your bookmaker's terms or bet slip may also show the tax.

If you bet in Kenya, read our guide to [betting tax in Kenya 2026](https://oddsclass.com/ke/learn/betting_tax_kenya_2026/).

To work out a payout quickly, use our [payout calculator](https://oddsclass.com/tools/payout_calculator/).

## Common mistakes

- **Mixing up return and profit.** ₦1,000 at 2.40 returns ₦2,400, but your profit is ₦1,400.
- **Adding accumulator odds instead of multiplying.** 1.90 + 1.60 + 1.40 is 4.90, but the real total is 4.256.
- **Thinking a void leg kills an accumulator.** Usually it counts as 1.00 and the bet goes on.
- **Forgetting tax.** In some countries, tax lowers the amount you actually receive.
- **Ignoring maximum payout limits.** A big accumulator can hit the bookmaker's cap.

## Bet responsibly

Only stake money you can afford to lose. Set a deposit limit in your bookmaker account before you start. If betting stops being fun, read [where to get help](https://oddsclass.com/learn/gambling_help/).

## Related guides

- [How betting odds work](https://oddsclass.com/learn/how_betting_odds_work/)
- [What is an accumulator bet?](https://oddsclass.com/learn/accumulator_bet/)
- [Betting tax in Kenya 2026](https://oddsclass.com/ke/learn/betting_tax_kenya_2026/)
- [How cash out works](https://oddsclass.com/learn/cash_out/)