What Is a Double Bet? Explained
Double betting is a strategy popular in horse racing, greyhound racing, football matches, and other sports events. Essentially, a double bet is when you place two bets simultaneously. This can be done by placing two separate single bets or by combining your bets into one bet slip.
When you place double bets, you are doubling your odds. This is because you are betting on two different outcomes where you predict that both of them will win.
This type of bet is also referred to as a multiple bet, and it can be a great way to hedge your bets and protect yourself against potential losses. However, it’s important to note that double bets come with a high risk, and that is, if both of your bets lose, you’ll lose twice as much money as you would have if you’d just bet on one outcome. If you’re still sitting there asking yourself, what does “doubles” mean in betting? We have examples of the double bet type with tips on using it in this guide.
How To Place a Double Bet
To place a double bet, you need to place two separate bets on two different events. You can do this by picking two different sports or two different outcomes within the same sport. Keep in mind that when placing double bets, the odds for both bets must be different.
Once you have chosen your two events and placed your bets on your bet slip, you must decide how much you want to wager on each one. You can either bet the same amount on each bet, or you can bet different amounts.
A Double Bet Example
Let’s say you place £10 on Chelsea to beat Manchester United with odds of 3/1, and you also place £10 on Manchester United to win with odds of 5/1. If Chelsea were to win, you would receive £30 (3x your original stake of £10). If Manchester United were to win, you would receive £50 (5x your original stake of £10). In this case, you at least get to win a bet, with one giving you bigger winnings than the other.
If you bet on two separate events, the odds are multiplied together. So if you are to place £10 on Chelsea to beat Fulham with odds of 3/1 and £10 on Liverpool to beat Everton with odds of 2/1, your total odds would be 6/1. If either Chelsea or Liverpool wins, you would collect £60 (your original £10 stake plus £50 in winnings).
As you can see, double bets offer a greater chance of winning money than single bets. However, a few things to remember when placing a double bet. First of all, make sure that both selections are at decent odds. You don’t want to combine a high-odds selection with a low-odds selection, as the combined odds will be much lower.
Secondly, make sure that the two selections are not linked in any way. For example, you don’t want to combine a winner and a loser. This is because if the first selection loses, you will also lose your stake in the second selection.
Each Way Double Bet: What Is It?
An each-way double bet is a horse racing bet where the punter bets on two horses to finish first and second in either order. In other words, the gambler is betting on two horses to come in first and second but doesn’t care which order they finish in. This type of bet can be made at most racetracks and off-track betting parlours.
Be aware not to mistake this for Double Chance betting.
When making an each-way bet, specify how much money you want to wager on each horse. The total amount of the bet must also be at least twice the original wager. So, if you bet £2 on each horse, the total bet must be at least £4.
This type of bet is perfect for those who want to risk a bit more money to earn a bigger return. However, it’s important to remember that you also stand to lose more money if your bets don’t pan out.
Tips For Using This Strategy
Understand How Double Bets Work
Make sure you understand how double bets work before placing any bets. While a double bet can offer a larger payout, it’s also riskier. With a single bet, you only stand to lose the amount you placed on the bet. With a double bet, you can lose twice that amount. So if you’re inexperienced with sports betting, it’s best to start with single bets until you get a feel for the game.
Shop Around For The Best Odds
Not all bookmakers offer the same odds on double bets. So, shopping around and finding the best bookie for your needs is important.
Use a Betting Calculator
Plenty of betting calculators online will do the job for you if you’re unsure how to calculate the odds on a double bet. This can help you ensure you are getting good value on your bets. We’d suggest trying the William Hill calculator.
Choose Your Bets Wisely
Not all double bets are created equal. Some offer better value than others. So, it’s important to research and only bet on good value outcomes. Also, remember you are not limited to double bets. Our What Is a Treble Bet? How It Works guide shows how this works when another bet is added.
Take Advantage of Free Bets
Free bets are a type of bet that is wagered without any risk. This means you will not lose any money if you make this type of wager. Bookmakers usually offer free bets to entice new customers to sign up with their site.
Stay Updated
To make informed double bets, staying up to date with the latest news in your sport is important. This will help you to make better decisions about where to place your bets.
Know Your Limits
Gambling can be a fun and exciting way to pass the time, but it’s important to gamble responsibly. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and ensure you know the risks involved.
Conclusion
You must know how to work out double bet odds and winnings to increase your chances of winning big with doubles. An easy way to do this is to use a double bet calculator. This will help you determine how much you can win if your bet succeeds.