A Straight Bet?
If you’ve ever place any type of bet before, in person in a betting shop, online or via a mobile app, you’re probably already familiar with straight bets. They’re one of the most basic and popular types of bets and for good reason.
Straight bets are simple, straightforward, and can offer great payouts if you’re able to combine the right selections in the most suitable bet type.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at straight bets, from singles all the way up to multi-selection accumulators.
What Are Straight Bets?
Straight bets are bets that are placed on a single outcome, in one or more events, such as the winner of a football match or a selection in a horse race. In their most simple form (one selection) they are referred to as “single bets”.
For example, you might place a straight bet on a football match between Manchester United and Chelsea, betting on Manchester United to win. If Manchester United win, you’ll receive a payout based on the odds of that outcome and the amount you have staked.
If you wish to include more selections in your bet, to cover more football matches, more horse races or any other events, then you would still pick a single selection in each event but could combine these in a double, treble, fourfold, fivefold, etc. You can include any number of selections but as you add more, the chances of your bet being successful, and therefore getting a return, are greatly reduced.
In straight bets, all of your selections usually have to win or place (you an do straight bets each-way) for the bet to be a winner and a payout due.
How Do Straight Bets Work?
The basic concept of straight bets is simple: you choose an outcome, and if that outcome happens, you win. However, the odds and payouts can be a bit more complicated.
When you choose a selection and place a straight bet, you’ll see the odds listed next to the outcome you’re betting on. These odds represent the likelihood of that outcome happening.
For example, if the odds of Manchester United winning the match are 2/1, that means that for every £1 you bet, you’ll receive a payout of £3 (£2 profit and your initial £1 stake returned) if Manchester United wins.
If you place a £1 double bet on Manchester United to win at odds of 2/1 and Derby to also win at 2/1 (a double), and they both win, you’ll receive a payout of £9 in total. The original £3 return (£1 @ 2/1) from Manchester United is taken and used as the stake for the second bet on Derby, this again returns three times the stake (£3) for a £9 return.
This principle is the same in all straight bets. Whatever return exists from the earlier selections is used (rolls-on/accumulates) onto the latter selections, with each winning selection increasing the return/stake funds until the final outcome.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the returns from straight bets, be it singles or multi-selection accumulators, can be quite lucrative.
Types of Straight Bets
There are several different types of straight bets, ranging from singles to accumulators. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
- Singles: A single bet is a bet on a single outcome. For example, betting on Manchester United to win a match, a bet on Rafa Nadal to win a tennis match or a bet on a horse to win its race.
- Doubles: A double bet is a bet on two outcomes. Both outcomes must be correct in order for you to win. For example, betting on both Manchester United and Liverpool to win their respective matches.
- Trebles: A treble bet is a bet on three outcomes. All three outcomes must be correct in order for you to win. For example, betting on Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal to win their respective matches.
- Fourfolds: A fourfold bet is a bet on four outcomes. All four outcomes must be correct in order for you to win. For example, betting on Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham to win their respective matches.
- Fivefolds and upwards: As before but the number of selections are increasing. You can choose to add any number of selections in either fivefolds, sixfolds, etc. or the more common and generic term of ‘accumulator’. You can place a ten team accumulator on the football, six horse accumulator on the racing or a mixed combination of selections, events and sports in any number of bets.
When placing a straight bet, it’s important to remember that each additional outcome you add to your bet increases the risk and therefore reduces the likelihood of success. While the potential payout may be higher with accumulators, the likelihood of winning decreases with each selection added.
Straight Bet Data
Our data table below details the various types of straight bets that are available, the selections required, how many individual bets will be placed and the number of each bet type in the overall bet.
| Bet Name | Selections | Bets | x1 | x2 | x3 | x4 | x5 | x6 | x7 | x8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Double | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Treble | 3 | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Fourfold | 4 | 1 | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - |
| Fivefold | 5 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
| Sixfold | 6 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Sevenfold | 7 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - |
| Eightfold | 8 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
So looking at the table above, if the punter wanted to place a ‘sixfold’ (otherwise known as a six team/horse accumulator) they would need to choose six selections, they are placing one single bet on all six (which would mean only one stake unit, e.g. £2), and logically, there is one single sixfold being placed as the only bet.
Whilst this is simple for now, as bets combine and become more complicated this data will change as the bets do.
Advantages Of Straight Bets
Straight bets are a popular choice among sports punters due to their simplicity and potential profitability. Ideal for beginners as well as experienced punters, straight bets offer a straightforward betting experience that is easy to understand.
Here are some of the key advantages of straight bets:
- Simplicity: In a single straight bet, you only need to make one prediction. If it’s correct, you win. This simplicity makes straight bets an excellent starting point for those new to sports betting.
- Reduced bookmaker margin: With straight bets, you are betting on just one outcome, which means the bookmaker margin (the profit the bookmaker takes on each bet) is minimised. However, as you add more selections, the margin increases with each additional choice. To maximize profitability, it’s best to keep things simple.
- Quick and easy betting: Straight bets are popular among experienced punters who want to place a bet without spending too much time analysing the odds.
- Research is still crucial: Despite their simplicity, straight bets still require research and understanding of the sports and teams you’re betting on. This includes analysing past performance, injury reports, current news, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors that could affect the outcome of the event.
Straight bets offer a simple and accessible way to engage in sports betting. They are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced punters, providing a quick and easy betting experience with reduced bookmaker margins. However, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and analysis to make informed decisions when placing straight bets, ensuring a higher chance of success in your sports betting endeavours.
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Disadvantages of Straight Bets
While straight bets offer several advantages, it’s essential to understand their potential drawbacks to make informed decisions when engaging in sports betting.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the disadvantages of straight bets:
- Limited payout potential: Due to their simplicity, single straight bets may have lower odds and consequently lower payouts compared to other more complex betting options like accumulators, which involve multiple selections.
- Difficulty in finding value: With the popularity of straight bets, bookmakers often adjust the odds to attract bets on both sides of the market. This may make it challenging for bettors to find value in their bets. Value may exist in events with bigger fields, but this also factors in more bookmaker margin.
- Risk of upsets: Straight bets, particularly when betting on heavy favourites, are vulnerable to unexpected upsets in sports events. An unforeseen injury or a sudden change in the form of the team can lead to a loss, even if the bet seemed like a safe choice initially.
- Limited strategy options: Straight bets offer fewer opportunities for strategic betting compared to other bet types. In more complex bets, bettors can employ various strategies, like hedging or arbitrage, to increase their chances of winning or minimise potential losses.
In summary, straight bets come with their fair share of disadvantages, including limited payout potential, difficulty in finding value, susceptibility to upsets, and fewer strategic options.
By considering these drawbacks alongside the benefits, punters can make more informed decisions about whether straight bets are the right choice for their sports betting activities. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and develop a betting strategy that suits your risk tolerance and desired outcomes.
How to Place a Straight Bet
Now that you understand the basics of straight bets, you might be wondering how to place one. It’s actually quite simple.
First, you’ll need to choose a bookmaker or online betting site that offers straight bets. This bet is so common, it’s essentially the most basic bet of any kind, that all bookmakers will accept them.
Once you’ve chosen your bookmaker or betting site, you’ll need to create an account and deposit funds into it. This will give you the ability to place bets on your chosen site and manage your account.
Next, you’ll want to find the game or event you want to bet on. When you locate the event you will be shown a list of teams, players, runners, etc to choose from. Pick a selection and this will then be added to your betting slip (this is online, if you were in a high street bookmakers then you would write this out yourself), look for the straight bet option (single, double, treble, etc.) and select it. You’ll then be prompted to enter the amount you want to bet.
After you’ve entered your bet amount, double-check all of the details to make sure everything looks correct. Once you’re satisfied, and this is your last chance to check all of the details, click the “Place Bet” button.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your event.
If your bet wins, congratulations! You’ll receive your winnings directly in your account. If your bet loses, don’t worry, you can always try again.
It’s important to note that different bookmakers and betting sites may have slightly different processes for placing straight bets. However, the general steps outlined above should apply to most situations. If you ever have any questions or issues, don’t hesitate to contact their customer support for assistance.
Now that you know how to place a straight bet, it’s time to start making some predictions and hopefully raking in the winnings!
Choosing Your Straight Bet
When placing a straight bet there are many factors that can determine your choice of selection.
It’s paramount to research and understand the sport, team, stable, runners, jockeys that you are going to be backing, do as much research as possible
It’s important to understand the odds. The odds determine how much you stand to win if your bet is successful. The higher the odds, the higher the potential payout, but the lower your chances of winning.
It’s also important to manage your bankroll when placing straight bets. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses by placing bigger and riskier bets. Gambling sensibly and responsibly and it will be an enjoyable pastime.
Tips For Placing Straight Bets
Remember, the key to successful betting is to be knowledgeable, disciplined, and patient. With these tips and a good understanding of straight bets, you can increase your chances of winning and enjoy the excitement of betting.
- Research is key: Before placing your straight bet, research the teams or individuals involved in the event. Check their recent form, injuries, and any other relevant information that could impact the outcome of the event.
- Be selective: Only bet on events that you have a good understanding of. Don’t be swayed by high odds or pressure from others to place a bet on an event that you don’t have a good grasp of.
- Manage your bankroll: It’s important to set a budget for your betting and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses by betting more than you planned to.
- Compare odds: Different bookmakers will offer different odds for the same event, so shop around to find the best value for your money. This can increase your potential payout if your bet is successful.
- Keep track of your bets: Keeping a record of your straight bets can help you to identify patterns in your betting strategy and see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you to improve your betting strategy over time.
The Bottom Line
In summary, straight bets are the simplest and most common type of bet in sports betting. They offer the chance to win by predicting the outcome of a single event and can also be combined to create accumulators with multiple selections.
While straight bets are simple to understand, it’s still important to do your research, understand the odds, and manage your bankroll.
Good luck and keep winning!
Straight Bet FAQs
Can I place straight bets on any sport or event?
Yes, straight bets can be placed on a wide range of sports and events, including football, horse racing, tennis, basketball, and more. You should check with the individual bookmakers when placing your bet, as sometimes events or markets may be restricted in some way, e.g. certain selections have to be placed in trebles as a minimum. This will be made apparent on each site.
How do I calculate my winnings from a straight bet?
To calculate your winnings, simply multiply your stake by the odds of your selected outcome. For example, if you bet £10 on a horse with odds of 5/1, your winnings would be £50 (10 x 5).
As you add more selections, the return from each winning selection becomes the stake on any subsequent ones, thereby ‘accumulating’ the returns.
What is the difference between a single bet and an accumulator bet?
A single bet is a bet on a single event, while an accumulator bet is a bet on multiple events. In an accumulator bet, all of the outcomes you select have to win or place for you to win the bet and get any return.
Can I place a straight bet on any sporting event?
Yes, you can place a straight bet on almost any sporting event, as long as there are bookmakers offering odds on that event. There may be some events in which these are not offered or restricted in some way but this will be made clear on the website or in the bookmakers.
How do I know which bookmaker to use for my straight bets?
It’s important to shop around and compare the odds offered by different bookmakers to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Additionally, you may want to consider factors such as the bookmaker’s reputation, customer service, and available promotions when deciding which bookmaker to use.
