The original table in the ToA supplement contains errors in the odds presentation and payout calculations as they are presented backwards:
7:1 Odds: Incorrectly listed as Wager ÷ 7 for payout, which actually represents 1:7 odds.
1:2 Odds: This should be listed as 2:1, meaning the payout is double the wager.
This confusion misleads players into thinking they receive less than they should for higher odds bets. The table should be corrected to accurately represent the intended odds and payout mechanics especially if the DM does not understand how odds work. Telling a player who does know how odds work, will certainly feel cheated if he wins.
Clarifying the Dinosaur Races in Tomb of Annihilation (ToA)
Common Confusions
Many DMs I have spoken to about it are confused about the dinosaur races in ToA, primarily because the odds are presented backward. This causes misunderstandings about payouts and betting mechanics.
Also, I have spoken to people who have played ToA and they paid upfront for their bet when they should not have, and when they win that 7:1 odds, they get 14 gold back because the DM just read directly off the table and did not read further.
Odds Misinterpretation
A frequent point of confusion I have seen is: "I bet 100 gold on a dinosaur with 7:1 odds, and I only get 14 gold back?" This misunderstanding arises because players familiar with how odds typically work expect 800 gold if they pay upfront or 700 gold if they don't.
Correct Understanding of Odds
7:1 Odds: If you bet 100 gold and win, you should receive 700 gold (7 times your wager) plus your original 100 gold, totaling 800 gold.
1:7 Odds: To win 1 gold, you need to bet 7 gold. A 100 gold bet would yield approximately 14 gold winnings plus the original wager, totaling around 114 gold.
Betting and Payment Mechanics
After the tables about dinosaur stats and betting odds, it mentions that bettors must pay their debts or be hunted down by 1d4 thugs or similar enforcers. This indicates that players place bets without upfront payment, allowing them to bet more than they can immediately cover.
Corrected Odds and Payout Table
Odds
Roll
Win on
Payout Calculation
Debt if Lost
Racer Example
1:7
d8
2-8
Wager ÷ 7
Wager
Big Honker (crowd-pleasing young tyrannosaurus rex)
1:5
d6
2-6
Wager ÷ 5
Wager
Ubtao’s Favorite (young triceratops on a streak)
1:3
d4
2-4
Wager ÷ 3
Wager
Banana Candy (well-trained hadrosaurus)
1:2
d3
2-3
Wager ÷ 2
Wager
Bonecruncher (young, ill-tempered allosaurus)
1:1
Any
Even
Wager
Wager
Grung Stomper (young ankylosaurus)
2:1
d3
1
Wager × 2
Wager
Scarback (young tyrannosaurus rex on its last race)
3:1
d4
1
Wager × 3
Wager
Nasty Boy (allosaurus with famous trainer)
5:1
d6
1
Wager × 5
Wager
Jungle Princess (deinonychus with frightened jockey)
7:1
d8
1
Wager × 7
Wager
Mountain Thunder (aging dimetrodon)
Winning Bets: For 7:1 odds, a 100 gold bet wins 700 gold, totaling 800 gold with the original wager.
Losing Bets: If you lose, you owe your original wager (100 gold in this case).
Flexible Betting: This system lets players place bets they might not immediately cover, adding an element of risk and excitement.
By correcting the odds and understanding the betting process, players can better engage with the dinosaur races in ToA, making the experience less troublesome.
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Bug Report: Incorrect Odds Table
The original table in the ToA supplement contains errors in the odds presentation and payout calculations as they are presented backwards:
This confusion misleads players into thinking they receive less than they should for higher odds bets. The table should be corrected to accurately represent the intended odds and payout mechanics especially if the DM does not understand how odds work. Telling a player who does know how odds work, will certainly feel cheated if he wins.
Clarifying the Dinosaur Races in Tomb of Annihilation (ToA)
Common Confusions
Many DMs I have spoken to about it are confused about the dinosaur races in ToA, primarily because the odds are presented backward. This causes misunderstandings about payouts and betting mechanics.
Also, I have spoken to people who have played ToA and they paid upfront for their bet when they should not have, and when they win that 7:1 odds, they get 14 gold back because the DM just read directly off the table and did not read further.
Odds Misinterpretation
A frequent point of confusion I have seen is: "I bet 100 gold on a dinosaur with 7:1 odds, and I only get 14 gold back?" This misunderstanding arises because players familiar with how odds typically work expect 800 gold if they pay upfront or 700 gold if they don't.
Correct Understanding of Odds
Betting and Payment Mechanics
After the tables about dinosaur stats and betting odds, it mentions that bettors must pay their debts or be hunted down by 1d4 thugs or similar enforcers. This indicates that players place bets without upfront payment, allowing them to bet more than they can immediately cover.
Corrected Odds and Payout Table
By correcting the odds and understanding the betting process, players can better engage with the dinosaur races in ToA, making the experience less troublesome.