When it comes to sports betting, not every strategy is about going for the big win. Some of the most consistent profits come from the smaller consistent bets that add up over time. That’s what we’re going to focus on today: short odds betting. It’s not flashy, but if executed with discipline, it’s a reliable way to build your bankroll over time.
I’ve been betting for over a decade, and while I love a calculated long shot as much as the next trader, there are profits to be made from short odds strategies that should not be over looked. Those strategies are designed to leverage probabilities in your favor and build consistency.
Let me show you why this approach matters, how it works, and most importantly, how you can execute it like a pro.
What Is Short Odds Betting?
Short odds betting, as the name suggests, refers to betting on outcomes that are highly likely to happen. These could include things like a top-seeded tennis player winning their match or a favourite football team defeating an underdog. Typically, short odds bets range between 1.10 (1/10) to 1.50 (1/2). The payouts aren’t huge, but the likelihood of success makes this strategy attractive for those that like to win more often then not.
That said, short odds betting comes with its own set of challenges. Backing every single short odds selection is not going to be profitable, we still need to be able to find consistent value with our bets. Discipline and studious research are vital here if you want to win long term.
Why Focus on Short Odds?
There have been numerous studies into betting at different odds ranges that have shown that blindly betting at shorter odds generally is much better then backing outsiders. There is an excellent article from Pinnacle on the favourite-longshot bias that highlights this in the tennis betting markets. It shows the results you would have attained from backing at every different odds range from 2011 to 2015 in the ATP and WTA.
What you may notice is that the shorter odds selections with higher win expectancy (1.01 to 1.2) had much better returns in comparison to long shot bets. Although not profitable these were not cherry picked selections but were results to blindly backing all selections. There have been other studies that have shown the same occurs in football betting markets with bookmakers offering much fairer odds on short odds selections.
Profiting From Short Odds Betting Example
Recently I made a video about using a short odds betting strategy (view above) to double my money using a rollover betting strategy. This involved backing selections at short odds and rolling over my stake and winnings onto the next bet until I either doubled my money or lost. The aim of this video and challenge was to see if I could find value at shorter odds and employ a smart betting strategy in order to profit. The starting bankroll for this challenge was £100.
| Date | Selection | Odds | P/L | Bankroll |
| 06/07/25 | Bosnia (In-play) | 1.2 | 20 | 120 |
| 06/09/25 | Over 0.5 goals (Italy vs Moldova In-play) | 1.07 | 8 | 128 |
| 15/06/25 | Rose Namajunas (UFC) | 1.46 | 59 | 187 |
| 29/06/25 | Jake Paul (Boxing) | 1.2 | TBD | 225 (if wins) 0 (if loses) |
This challenge is still to be determined and whether it wins or loses is really irrelevant, the idea of the video was to show how shorter odds betting can be approached with value in mind.
The Fundamentals of a Successful Short Odds Strategy
Short odds betting isn’t about blindly picking the favorite and hoping for the best. Like any strategy, preparation and execution make all the difference.
1. Research Is Everything
Before placing any bet, think about this question: “What do I actually know about this outcome?” It’s not enough to bet on a heavily favoured team because the odds suggest they’ll win. A team’s form, injuries, weather conditions, and even motivation to win each game matter. The reasoning to place any bet should be because you believe there is value in the current odds. Conor Mcgregor vs Floyd Mayweather is often quoted as one of the best value bets of the last 20 years why?
Come fight time Mayweather was close to odds of 1.2 suggesting an 83% win chance. Most sharp sports bettors however knew that his true probability was much higher, probably around 95%, which is why it was such a huge value bet. The true odds should have been around 1.05.
2. Bankroll Management
Short odds strategies still require excellent bankroll discipline. The small payouts mean you need a larger stake to generate meaningful profits if you are using single bets, if you are using a rollover strategy again you still must be patient. I use a fixed staking plan for my short odds bets, typically wagering between 2% to 10% of my bankroll depending on the odds range. This keeps the risk manageable while allowing steady, long term growth.
3. Avoid Chasing Losses
The biggest trap in betting short odds or otherwise is chasing losses. After losing a bet, it’s tempting to increase your stake on the next wager to recover losses quickly. This is where the wheels come off for most bettors. Keep your head and apply a disciplined approach knowing that in the long term betting value wins!
4. Don’t Overbet
A common mistake I see beginners make is placing dozens of short odds bets on a single day. Scattergun betting is a recipe for disaster. The quality of your bets will drop, and you’ll burn out quickly. Focus on finding the highest value bets possible, if there isn’t any for that day or week that’s fine. Quality beats quantity every time.
5. Track Your Results
If you aren’t tracking your bets, you’re leaving money on the table. Diligent record-keeping helps you identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in your strategy. Personally, I use a simple spreadsheet that includes:
- The sport
- The event
- The type of bet (e.g., moneyline, spread)
- Odds
- Stake
- Outcome (win/loss)
- Profit or loss
This data helps me analyze which sports or betting markets I perform best in and adjust accordingly.
The Long-Term Benefits of Short Odds Betting
Short odds bets won’t make you rich overnight. What they will do is give you a structured, disciplined approach to sports betting. Over time, they can form the foundation of a profitable portfolio.
By focusing on the probabilities and making betting decisions rooted in logic. Many sports bettors over look short odds betting as it isn’t exciting but you know what is exciting- making money long term.
Final Thoughts
Short odds betting might not have the excitement of backing a 26.00 underdog, but it’s a strategy that rewards patience, discipline, and research. If you want to transition from casual bettor to consistent earner, this is one of the best ways to start. Track your results, learn from your mistakes, and above all, keep your expectations grounded.
Whether you’re aiming for a secondary income or simply want to be a smarter bettor, a strong foundation in short odds strategies will give you the tools to succeed.
