Is there an easy formula to determine if a soccer game can be scalped?

randyrohm · Jul 9, 2005

Like most Americans I know little about soccer. Euro punters can most likely just look at the odss, but I can't. CONCACAF match best lines I see,
Costa Rica -165
Cuba +600
Draw +280
Thats all there is to it right? No other outcomes can screw you over. There has to be an easy math formula to plug those prices in and see if it can be scalped. Thanks to any soccer heads who take the time.

Dante · Jul 9, 2005

I copied a version to the SOCCER forum for you randy so check there later..lots of soccer guru's there

randyrohm · Jul 9, 2005

Thanks, I would have never seen it.

Woody0 · Jul 9, 2005

First you convert American odds to European (EU) odds. European odds are the ratio of the return to the bet. So:

Costa Rica -165 265/165= 1.606
Cuba +600 700/100= 7.00
Draw +280 380/100= 3.80

Then divide 100 by each of the individual EU odds and sum the products. This is the amount you have to bet on each outcome to return $100. If the total is less than $100 you have a scalp.

100/1.606 +100/7 + 100/3.8 or 62.27 + 14.29 + 26.32 = 102.88.

It is uncommon to find soccer scalps because of the generally higher vig the books charge.

szlem · Jul 9, 2005

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD>Stake</TD><TD>Profit</TD><TD>Profit%</TD></TR><TR><TD>CR(1)</TD><TD>60.47
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Draw (X)</TD><TD>25.62
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cuba(2)</TD><TD>13.91
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD><TD>-2.64
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

At given odds I don't think you can get anything of this game :100 units distributed between 3 possible outcomes leaves you 2.64 units behind

I used an online calculator available on the Polish gambling site mecz pl