Definition
An odds boost is a sportsbook promotion that pays a better price than the regular market price on a specific bet. The boost changes the payout, not the underlying chance of the bet winning.
For positive American odds, profit = stake × (odds / 100).
For negative American odds, profit = stake × (100 / absolute odds).
Worked Example
A team is listed at +150 to win. A $100 bet at +150 returns $250 total: $150 profit plus the $100 stake.
If the sportsbook boosts that same bet to +180, a $100 bet returns $280 total: $180 profit plus the $100 stake.
The boost adds $30 of profit on the same $100 stake if the bet wins. The bettor still loses the full $100 stake if the bet loses.
Why It Matters
An odds boost can create value when the boosted price is better than the bettor’s fair price for the same outcome. It helps a bettor compare the promo price against no-vig probability, market prices at other books, and their own projection before staking.