Understanding Malay vs. Decimal Odds: The Mystery of Negative Odds
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The Confusion Point
If you have ever switched from a European sportsbook to an Asian sportsbook like BK8 or CMD368, you might have been shocked to see a negative number like -0.90. How can odds be negative?
This is the biggest confusion point for new bettors in Malaysia. But once you understand it, you might realize that Malay Odds are actually superior for managing your risk.
The Visual Difference
Let's start with the basics. How do you spot the difference instantly?
- Decimal Odds (Global Standard): Always a number greater than 1.00 (e.g., 1.50, 2.80, 5.00). It represents Total Payout (Stake + Profit).
- Malay Odds (Local Standard): Can be Positive (0.90) or Negative (-0.95). It represents Profit Only or Risk Needed.
The Power of Malay Odds
1. Positive Odds (The Underdog)
If the number is positive (e.g., 0.85), it works exactly like simple profit calculation. You are betting RM 1 to win RM 0.85.
Example: Bet RM 100 on 0.85. If you win, you get RM 85 profit. If you lose, you lose RM 100.
2. Negative Odds (The Favorite)
This is where the magic happens. A negative number usually indicates the Favorite team. It tells you exactly how much you need to risk to win 1 Unit.
The "Safe Bet" Filter: Think of negative odds as a discount on your risk.
If the odds are -0.80, and you want to win RM 100, you only need to bet **RM 80**.
If you lose the bet, only RM 80 is deducted from your wallet, not the full RM 100 unit.
If the odds are -0.80, and you want to win RM 100, you only need to bet **RM 80**.
If you lose the bet, only RM 80 is deducted from your wallet, not the full RM 100 unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let's look at the exact same match: Man City vs. Burnley. Man City is the heavy favorite.
| Feature | Decimal Odds (1.90) | Malay Odds (0.90) |
|---|---|---|
| The Bet (Risk) | RM 100 | RM 100 |
| Potential Profit | RM 90 | RM 90 |
| Total Payout | RM 190 | RM 190 (Stake returned + Profit) |
| Display Logic | Includes Stake | Profit Only |
Notice how the profit is the same, but the display is different. Malay odds isolate the profit, making it easier to see your "net win" at a glance.
Conversion Cheat Sheet
Want to switch back and forth mentally? Use this simple rule of thumb:
- Malay to Decimal (Positive): Add 1. (e.g., 0.90 becomes 1.90).
- Malay to Decimal (Negative): (1 / Odds) + 1. (This gets complicated, so trust the platform to do it!)
At BK8, you can toggle between these formats in your settings. We recommend beginners start with Decimal for simplicity, but switch to Malay once they understand the value of "risking less to win more" on favorites.