What is a Single Bet?
In the realm of sports betting, there are a multitude of ways to place a wager. From accumulators to lucky 15s and complex system bets, punters have a wide range of options at their disposal. However, among all these types, the single bet stands out as the most straightforward and commonly used. A single bet is, quite simply, a wager placed on one outcome in one event. If your selection wins, you win. If it loses, you lose your stake — it’s as simple as that.
Understanding the Basics
A single bet involves selecting a particular outcome — for example, a football team to win, a horse to finish first, or a tennis player to beat their opponent — and staking a certain amount of money on that selection. The outcome is binary: your selection either wins or it doesn’t.
For example, if you place a £20 single bet on Arsenal to beat Tottenham at odds of 3/1, and Arsenal win, your return would be £80 (£60 profit plus your original £20 stake). If the match ends in a draw or Tottenham win, you lose your £20 stake. Unlike an accumulator, where you need multiple outcomes to go in your favour, a single bet is decided by the result of just one event.
Why Choose a Single Bet?
Single bets are especially popular among beginners, but they’re also widely used by experienced bettors and professionals. One of the primary reasons for this is the level of control and clarity they offer. With a single bet, you don’t have to worry about five or six different results all going your way. You can focus your analysis and decision-making on one specific event, which can lead to more informed betting.
Another key benefit is the reduced level of risk. Since your potential win or loss hinges on just one outcome, the probability of success is naturally higher than with combination bets. This makes single bets more sustainable in the long run, particularly for those who adopt a disciplined betting strategy.
Calculating Returns
The returns from a single bet are easy to calculate, which adds to its appeal. Simply multiply your stake by the odds (in decimal format) to determine your total return. To find the profit, subtract your original stake from the return. In fractional odds, the calculation is similar — you multiply the stake by the fraction, then add the stake back in to find the total return.
For example, a £10 bet at odds of 5/2 returns £35 in total (£25 profit plus £10 stake). This transparency makes it easier for punters to understand what they stand to gain or lose before placing a bet.
Popular Markets for Single Bets
Single bets can be placed on virtually any market or event, from horse racing and football to cricket, rugby, tennis, and even political or novelty markets. In horse racing, for instance, backing a single horse to win or place is one of the most traditional forms of betting. In football, common single bets include selecting the match winner, correct score, or first goalscorer.
Many online bookmakers also offer extensive in-play betting options, allowing punters to place single bets during live events. This adds another layer of excitement and gives punters the chance to react to changing circumstances within a match or race.
When Are Single Bets Most Effective?
Single bets are particularly effective when you have strong knowledge or insight about a particular event. If you spot a value opportunity — that is, when you believe the odds offered by a bookmaker are higher than they should be — a single bet allows you to take advantage without having to rely on multiple other outcomes.
Serious or professional bettors often focus almost exclusively on single bets, using detailed analysis and consistent staking plans to build profit over time. While they might not offer the big pay-outs of accumulators, single bets tend to be more sustainable and less volatile in the long run.
Summary
In summary, a single bet is the most basic — yet arguably the most powerful — form of sports betting. It offers simplicity, clarity, and a lower-risk approach that suits both novice and experienced punters. While it may not deliver the glamour of massive accumulator wins, it provides a solid foundation for disciplined, informed betting. Whether you’re betting on the Saturday football, a horse at Cheltenham, or a late-night tennis match in Melbourne, the single bet remains the timeless backbone of the betting world.