Help & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about value betting, EV calculation, and how EVBets works.
What is a value bet? +
A value bet is a bet where the bookmaker's implied probability is lower than the true probability of the outcome. When EV = (odds × true_probability) - 1 > 0, you have a mathematical edge and a value bet.
How does EVBets calculate Expected Value (EV)? +
EVBets scans odds from 94 bookmakers, identifies sharp bookmakers (Pinnacle, Betfair) to calculate the fair 'no-vig' probability, then computes EV% = (best_odds × true_probability - 1) × 100. Positive EV means the bet is mathematically profitable in the long run.
How often are odds updated? +
Odds are fetched every 30 minutes from The Odds API across 94 bookmakers and 88+ sports markets. Top markets like EPL, NBA, and Champions League are updated with every fetch cycle.
Is EVBets free to use? +
Yes, EVBets is completely free. No account registration required. We generate revenue through affiliate partnerships with bookmakers — you get unbiased value bet analysis at no cost.
What is the Kelly Criterion? +
The Kelly Criterion is a mathematical formula for optimal bankroll allocation: stake = bankroll × (EV / (odds - 1)). EVBets displays quarter Kelly (×0.25) to reduce variance while maintaining long-term expected growth. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Which bookmakers does EVBets compare? +
EVBets compares odds from 94 bookmakers including Pinnacle, Betfair, Bet365, 1xBet, Mostbet, Pari, William Hill, Unibet, Betway, and more. Sharp bookmakers (Pinnacle, Betfair) are used as the fair price benchmark.
What sports does EVBets cover? +
EVBets covers 88+ sports markets including soccer (EPL, Champions League, La Liga), cricket (IPL, test matches), basketball (NBA), American football (NFL), ice hockey (NHL), tennis, MMA, boxing, and more.
Will I always win with value betting? +
No. Value betting is a long-term strategy. Even with positive EV, individual bets can lose due to variance. Over hundreds of bets, positive EV bets should be profitable — but you need proper bankroll management and a long-term mindset. Past results do not guarantee future returns.
What is implied probability? +
Implied probability is what the bookmaker's odds imply about the chance of an outcome. For odds of 2.00, implied probability = 1/2.00 = 50%. Bookmakers build a margin into odds, making the sum of all outcomes greater than 100%. EVBets strips this margin (the 'vig') to find the true probability.
How do I use the EV Calculator? +
Go to evbets.app/calculator, enter the bookmaker's offered odds and the true probability (no-vig), and the calculator instantly shows EV%, recommended Kelly stake, and whether the bet has positive expected value. You can also check any bet's EV manually using our tool.
How does EVBets compare to RebelBetting or OddsJam? +
RebelBetting and OddsJam charge $149–$299/month for value betting software. EVBets is completely free — no subscription, no registration. We cover 88+ sports and 94 bookmakers using the same no-vig EV methodology. The difference: we focus on transparency and free access, while paid tools offer features like automated bet tracking and notifications.
Does EVBets work in Russia, Kazakhstan, and CIS countries? +
Yes. EVBets specifically covers bookmakers available in CIS markets: 1xBet, Mostbet, PARI, Fonbet, Leon, Olimp, and BetBoom. These regional bookmakers often lag Pinnacle's line by 1–3 hours, creating the largest value windows for CIS-based bettors.
What is closing line value (CLV)? +
Closing Line Value (CLV) measures how much better your odds were compared to the final pre-match odds. If you bet at 2.20 and the market closed at 1.90, you beat the closing line — a strong indicator of long-term edge. Consistently positive CLV is the best predictor of profitable betting, as it shows your selection process captures information before the market does.
Can bookmakers ban me for value betting? +
Yes. Soft bookmakers like Bet365, Betway, and regional books limit or close accounts of consistent winners. Sharp bookmakers like Pinnacle and Betfair Exchange welcome sharp action. EVBets focuses on soft books where value exists — if you get limited, this is a sign you are winning. Strategies to extend account lifespan include varying bet sizes, betting in-play, and using exchange accounts.
What is the no-vig method for calculating fair odds? +
The no-vig (no-vigorish) method removes the bookmaker's built-in margin from their odds to find the true probability. For a two-way market: true_prob_A = (1/odds_A) / ((1/odds_A) + (1/odds_B)). EVBets uses sharp bookmakers (Pinnacle, Betfair) as the reference — their low-margin odds (3–4% vig vs 8–12% for retail books) are the closest to true probability, making them the best benchmark.
Ready to find value bets?
Start exploring live positive EV bets across 88+ sports right now.
Get the Top 5 Value Bets
Every Sunday — our highest-EV picks from 94 bookmakers. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.