Multiple Bets

What are multiple bets?

In this form of betting, you are wagering on more than one possible outcome of a given sporting event. This makes most sense, of course, when the wager in question involves a so-called 3-way bet with – as the name suggests – a total of three potential outcomes. If, however, you wish to bet on both outcomes of a 2-way bet and thus ensure a positive outcome to your wager, you will have to do so through different bookmakers: However, in that circumstance we are not really talking about a classic multiple bet. A regular football game would be the most obvious example of a 3-way bet – since this can end in a home victory, a draw or an away victory. Let us assume you decide to place a multiple bet covering 2 of the 3 possible results. In this case, you are making two independent wagers. Or, stated more simply: You are placing two different wagers on the same event! This approach is similar, in some ways, to the type of bet known as “double chance”: The major difference lies in the fact that, in this variant, two outcomes are covered by means of a single bet, e.g.: 1X or X2. This means, your multiple bet might look as follows:

In this example, we are looking at two distinct independent bets. They do not constitute a combo bet. Logically, this is the bookmaker’s way to cover their own back as much as possible!

What are the best strategies for multiple bets?

Whenever you place a multiple bet, your chances of winning increase, naturally. In the above example, those chances would be doubled – from 33.33% to 66.67%. Simultaneously, your maximum winnings will be reduced, since one of those two bets is certain to lose after all. If you’re unlucky, you might even lose both bets and everything you have staked. That said: You need to be particularly cautious when considering your multiple bets – avoid unnecessary risks whenever you can! Below, we discuss a number of strategic considerations with respect to how best to exploit this particular betting opportunity.

Example of a multiple single bet

Multiple single bets work well for indecisive tipsters above all. It is strategically wise and sensible to bet on balanced matches, allowing you to wager on two outcomes but with a clear conscience, the betting odds quoted in each case higher than 2.00. In this way, you can always count on a profit – regardless of which of the two results ultimately occurs. Let us assume you believe that Borussia Mönchengladbach might well win against Werder Bremen, though you are a little uncertain. On the other hand, you do feel quite certain that Werder Bremen can’t win. As a consequence, you decide to place two separate bets: Tip 2 and Tip X. Instead of wagering 20 $ on one bet, you can now split your budget, wagering 10 $ on each.

As you can see, in both scenarios you end up with a profit. Your only risk is that Bremen wins the match. In that case, everything you wagered would be lost. So, what do we feel would be a bad strategy for your multiple bets? We illustrate here by means of another example:

This should not be your approach: If you wager the same amount in both cases, with the odds for the favorite under 2.00, then the probability is very high that you will end up at the end of the day with a loss. Based on that, it would make more strategic sense to wager a higher amount on a win by the favorite, thus “counterbalancing” the lower odds. Nonetheless, we advise against these kinds of multiple bets.

Example of a multiple combo bet

One thing is for certain: Multiple bets lend themselves far better to combo bets than they do to single bets. With a little bit of tactical skill and well-calculated risk minimization, you are still looking at considerable winnings. It is best to go with a certain number of so-called “bank tips”, in other words, tips where you are relatively certain of success.
Always bear in mind: you shouldn’t overload your combo bets – 3 to 4 wagers suffice in order to achieve lucrative odds. At this stage, you add to those bank tips your own multiple tip. You will then have two separate, independent combo bets. It would be unwise to place a multiple combo bet that includes more than one risky wager. Here’s an example: (wager 10 $)

As we can see, a multiple combo bet lends itself more as a way to hedge a longshot wager (in our case: Watford vs. Arsenal Tip X) and thus the more lucrative, riskier of the two combo bets. If it does not work out, in which case combo bet #1 will, you would still step away with a small profit. However, you should not underestimate the risk of both combo bets falling through either. That said, you need to carefully consider whether a multiple bet is worthwhile within the framework of your personal sports betting strategy.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of multiple bets?

Clearly, the main advantage of multiple bets is that you maximize your chances of making a profit. The associated risk minimization pays off particularly when you are wagering on longshots. Naturally, due to the additional amount you have to stake, since you are actually placing two wagers, your winnings will be lower. Using this conservative strategy, you will be able to achieve smaller, though regular winnings. An occasional multiple combo bet might help you rake in larger amounts. However, in a worst-case scenario you might lose both bets and leave empty-handed. If you do indeed go with this betting variant, you should be on the cautious side and pursue your longer-term goals. 5 to 10 such wagers per week can generate a pretty sum of money by month’s end. On the other hand, if you are hunting for quick money and higher profits, multiple bets are not such a good choice. If you want to use a similar form of betting that involves less effort, we recommend considering a double chance bet.