Double

Doubles
Odds Result Rule 4
1
/
2
/

Total Stake

Total Return

Total Profit

 

What is a Double Bet?

In the world of sports betting, punters have a variety of betting options at their disposal, from straightforward single bets to more complex systems like Yankees or Lucky 15s. Somewhere in the middle of the scale lies the double bet – a relatively simple yet potentially rewarding form of multiple betting. Whether you’re a novice learning the ropes or a more seasoned bettor looking to boost your returns, understanding how a double bet works is key to making informed betting decisions.

 

Definition of a Double Bet

A double bet is a single wager that combines two separate selections in different events. For the bet to be successful, both selections must win. If either one loses, the entire bet fails, and the stake is lost. However, if both win, the winnings from the first selection are rolled over and used as the stake for the second, leading to potentially larger profits than if both were backed as singles.

In essence, it’s a way of increasing your potential return while keeping the bet relatively simple and manageable.

 

How a Double Bet Works

Let’s say you place a £10 double bet on the following:

  • Selection 1: Liverpool to beat West Ham at odds of 2/1
  • Selection 2: Arsenal to beat Everton at odds of 3/1

Here’s how the bet would play out if both teams win:

  1. Your £10 stake is placed on Liverpool at 2/1. If Liverpool win, you receive £30 (£20 profit + £10 stake).
  2. That £30 is then automatically placed on Arsenal at 3/1. If Arsenal win, that £30 returns £120 (£90 profit + £30 stake).

So, your total return would be £120, with a profit of £110 from your initial £10 bet.

Had you placed two single bets of £5 each instead, your total return would have been £25 from Liverpool and £20 from Arsenal — a combined return of £45. The double bet, therefore, significantly boosts the potential payout by combining the two outcomes.

 

Key Characteristics of a Double Bet

  • Risk and reward: A double bet offers higher returns than singles because of the compounding effect, but the risk is also higher since both selections must win.
  • Simplicity: It’s still a relatively easy bet to understand and place, even for beginners.
  • No flexibility: Unlike more complex system bets, a double doesn’t allow for partial wins – it’s all or nothing.

 

Popular Sports for Double Betting

Double bets can be placed on virtually any sport or market, provided you are betting on different events. Popular choices include:

  • Football: A punter might back two different teams to win their respective matches.
  • Horse Racing: Two horses in different races to win or place.
  • Tennis: Backing two different players in separate matches.

Bookmakers typically prevent you from including two selections from the same event in a double, as the outcomes are often related. For example, betting on both “Team A to win” and “Team A to score first” in the same match would not be allowed in a standard double.

 

Advantages of a Double Bet

  • Higher returns: By combining two bets into one, you increase the potential profit without increasing the stake.
  • Straightforward: Easier to understand than more complex accumulators or system bets.
  • Encourages strategic thinking: You must choose two selections you believe are both likely to win, which adds a layer of skill.

 

Disadvantages of a Double Bet

  • Less forgiving than singles: One wrong result and you lose the entire bet.
  • All-or-nothing nature: There’s no partial return if only one selection wins.

 

When Should You Use a Double Bet?

Double bets are ideal when you’ve identified two strong selections and want to maximise your return without placing a large stake. They’re also useful when odds are relatively short on each selection — combining them into a double can help boost the overall payout.

However, they’re not recommended if either selection is highly uncertain. The added risk means you should have a fair level of confidence in both outcomes.

 

Summary

A double bet offers a great balance between simplicity and higher rewards. It’s perfect for those looking to move beyond single bets but not yet ready to dive into more advanced betting systems. While it comes with increased risk, the potential for bigger wins makes it a popular choice among punters across a wide range of sports.

Scroll to Top