Bookmakers today offer a wide range of betting lines and markets for various sports and competitions. Players look for different winning strategies — both in single matches and over the long run. One such approach is betting on high odds. Let’s examine the features of this high-risk betting style and provide several strategy examples.
What odds are considered high?
For some, odds above 1.50 may already seem large and risky. But let’s be realistic and define several categories of high odds:
- from 3.00 to 7.00 – a reasonable range suitable for applying high-odds betting strategies;
- 7.00–13.00 – high-risk bets with the expectation that one win will offset several unsuccessful predictions
- 13.00+ – odds that effectively turn betting into a lottery.
To assess the level of risk, use a simple mathematical formula:
100% / K = X%, where K is the bookmaker’s odds, and X is the probability of the outcome as estimated by the bookmaker.
For example, if you bet at odds of 3.00, then 100% / 3 = 33.33%. Subtract about 2–5% margin, and you get that the bookmaker estimates this outcome’s probability at around 30%. It’s up to the bettor to decide whether the risk is justified.
First, it’s difficult to pick 5–6 events with guaranteed wins. Second, the margin in accumulators multiplies, meaning that over the long run, the player will lose while the bookmaker profits.
Advantages and disadvantages of betting on high odds
The advantages of high-odds betting strategies usually include:
- the possibility of large one-time profits;
- availability of strategic approaches that can yield profit over the long term;
- a wide range of options in bookmaker lines and markets;
- the ability to find value bets for players who are experts in a specific sport.
The disadvantages include several factors. The first is that when betting on high odds, most wagers will lose — putting psychological pressure on the player.
The second is the increased risk of financial losses. To implement high-odds strategies, a substantial bankroll is required.
Conclusion: Both the pros and cons indicate that betting with odds above 3.00 is suitable for experienced handicappers and absolutely not recommended for beginners.
How to bet on high odds
Two approaches are used — the lottery principle and the strategic one. In the first, you simply look for odds above 10.00 and rely on incredible luck. In the second, you select odds suitable for your chosen strategy and aim to make a profit over time. The betting algorithm is standard:
- log in to the bookmaker’s website or app;
- study the line for the chosen sport;
- select the event and review the market;
- find odds that seem inflated — value bets;
- add your selection to the betting slip;
- enter the stake amount and confirm the bet.
Which markets to bet on?
The advantage of betting on high odds is that virtually any market can work. Here are just a few examples:
- betting on an underdog’s win or double chance — useful if the favorite has little tournament motivation;
- betting on a strong favorite’s negative handicap — when the favorite aims to redeem itself after previous failures;
- betting on total fouls or yellow cards — when aggressive teams face off or a heated derby is expected;
- long-term bets on tournament winners — usually offered with high odds.
When choosing high-odds bets in football, tennis, basketball, hockey, or other sports, rely on your preferences, knowledge, analysis, and even intuition.
High-odds betting strategies
You can create countless strategies and betting models for odds starting from 3.00. However, don’t get carried away — it’s easy to lose large sums of money. Approach such strategies creatively but never neglect financial discipline. Below are several possible examples.
The “2 out of 5” system
This strategy works best with odds around 3.20–3.70. It’s most often used in football for betting on draws, but it can be applied to any market with similar odds.
The mathematical logic is as follows:
- the “2 out of 5” system consists of ten possible double accumulators;
- if at least one wins, the payout will cover or exceed the stake (3.30×3.30 = 10.89);
- if three or more of the five predictions win, the bettor earns a significant profit.
In other words, there are three outcomes:
- only one of five predictions wins or all lose — full loss of stake;
- two predictions win — nearly full refund or a small profit;
- three or more wins — significant profit.
This strategy is recommended for betting on football draws because odds for this market are typically between 3.00 and 4.00. Moreover, experienced bettors can identify matches likely to end in a draw.
Progressive betting (Martingale-style)
High odds (3.00+) can also be used for progressive betting — increasing the next stake to recover previous losses and secure the desired profit. The formula is simple:
S = (L + W) / (K – 1), where:
- L – total losses from previous rounds;
- W – desired profit for the series;
- K – odds for the next bet.
For example, suppose you’ve lost $100 on previous bets, and your target profit is $10. The next bet has odds of 4.00. The calculation is:
($100 + $10) / (4 − 1) = $36.66
Round up to $37. If the bet wins, you get $37 × 4 = $148. Net profit = $148 − $137 = $11.
Bankroll management for single bets
If you prefer single bets without progressive staking or complex calculations, it’s crucial to follow bankroll management rules. We recommend limiting each stake to 1% of your total bankroll. The math for singles is simple: if you bet at odds of 6.00, at least one out of six bets should win to break even. Much depends on the handicapper’s analytical skills and patience — essential for studying betting lines in search of inflated odds.
How to find high odds for betting
The term “value” comes from English — meaning worth or advantage. It refers to an outcome whose probability is underestimated by the bookmaker.
For example, a bookmaker sets odds at 5.00, implying a 15–18% probability including margin. The bettor, however, believes the true probability is 35–40%, making the bet mathematically valuable.
Value bets can be found manually, but there are also automated scanners that detect:
- sharp changes in odds across different bookmakers;
- arbitrage situations;
- odd or chaotic odds movements.
The classic approach is to “follow the money” or go against public trends. Odds change automatically based on large betting volumes — catch favorable odds by aligning with or opposing popular opinion.
Examples of high-odds betting
To better understand, let’s illustrate abstract theory with real examples of successful high-odds bets.
Single bet
Sometimes value bets are quite obvious. A good example is the Russia vs Belgium match at Euro 2021. Experts agreed that the two teams were on completely different levels — Belgium being much stronger. However, national sentiment influenced the market: Russian fans heavily backed their team.
As a result, the odds on Belgium’s win rose above 2.00, while a -2.00 handicap for the favorite was priced around 4.80–5.00. This bet was entirely justified based on pre-match analysis. Many experienced handicappers bet on Belgium with handicaps (-1.5), (-2), and even (-2.5). Those bettors profited handsomely from odds between 3.00 and 5.00.
Example of a high-odds betting series
For a series-based high-odds strategy, consider betting against a favorite. For instance, betting on Atlético Madrid’s losses during the 2021/22 La Liga season.
In the first six matches, Atlético recorded four wins and two draws. Betting $100 per match resulted in −$600. But in the seventh game, against Alavés, Atlético lost. The odds for that outcome were 8.50. Payout = $100 × 8.50 = $850. Net profit after the series = $850 − $700 = $150.
This example demonstrates both the pros and cons of such bets. Yes, a good profit was achieved, but it required enduring significant drawdowns and stress. Was the profit worth the risk and anxiety? That’s the main question every bettor must answer before deciding to play on high odds.
Conclusions
Let’s summarize the key takeaways:
- don’t risk large sums on high-odds betting if you’re new to betting;
- conduct detailed pre-match analysis and calculate the mathematical probability of outcomes;
- follow strict bankroll management — never stake more than 1% of your total bankroll;
- keep detailed statistical records to assess the success of your strategy.
Finally, you’ll need nerves of steel to bet at odds above 3.00, 5.00, or 7.00. Such risk inevitably involves long losing streaks. Are you ready to endure them, hoping for a big win that might never come? The answer to that question will determine whether high-odds betting is right for you.
