ROI vs Yield in Sports Betting

ROI (return on investment) and yield are the two headline numbers serious bettors quote. They are related but not interchangeable — using the wrong one can make a break-even month look like a disaster, or vice versa.

Definitions

ROI = total profit ÷ total stakes × 100%

Yield = total profit ÷ total turnover × 100%

For a flat-stake bettor who never increases size, turnover equals stakes and the numbers match. Once stakes vary — Kelly sizing, compounding, or mixed units — they diverge.

Worked example

Suppose over 10 settled bets you staked £100 each time (£1,000 total stakes) and made £50 profit.

• ROI = 50 ÷ 1,000 × 100 = 5%
• Yield = 50 ÷ 1,000 × 100 = 5%

Now suppose one bet was £500 and the rest £50 (£950 total stakes), same £50 profit:

• ROI = 50 ÷ 950 × 100 ≈ 5.3%
• Yield still references turnover the same way if turnover = stakes

The confusion often appears when people mix bankroll ROI (profit ÷ starting bankroll) with stake ROI. Always label which denominator you mean.

When to use ROI

ROI on stakes answers: “For every pound I risked, how much came back?” Good for comparing strategies with similar stake patterns.

When to use yield

Yield on turnover is common in industry reporting and tipster audits. It emphasises efficiency per unit wagered regardless of bankroll size.

Strike rate is not enough

A 60% strike rate at average odds 1.50 is losing money. Pair ROI/yield with average odds and CLV to see if edge is real or variance.

Practical takeaway

Pick one primary metric and stick to it year over year. mybetrecord reports both profit and yield on settled bets so you can align with whichever standard your staking plan uses.