Users who are just starting to place bets often wonder what types of bets exist. It can be difficult for a beginner bettor to understand the different bet types. In total, there are three main types of bets: singles, accumulators, and systems.
Single (Ordinary Bet)
A single (or ordinary) bet represents a wager on the outcome of a specific match. There are three possible outcomes for this type of bet: win, loss, or push (refund). A single can also be a double bet, meaning it includes two outcomes from one game that are not directly related. For example, you can bet on a team to win and on the total to be under a specific number.
The payout for a single bet equals the stake multiplied by the odds. To calculate net profit, subtract your stake from the total payout. For example, you placed 500 RUB at odds of 2.5 on CSKA to win. If the team wins, your payout will be 1,250 RUB. The net profit equals 750 RUB.
Accumulator (Express)
This is a combined type of bet that includes at least two singles on different events. If even one of the singles loses, the entire accumulator loses. The user receives a payout only if all singles included in the accumulator win.
The accumulator odds are equal to the product of the odds of all single bets within it. For example, if your accumulator includes singles with odds of 2 and 2.5, the total accumulator odds will be 5. By staking 1,000 RUB, your payout will be 5,000 RUB, and your net profit will be 4,000 RUB.
System
A system is a combined type of bet that consists of several accumulators. The total stake is evenly distributed among the created accumulators. The name of the system includes two numbers, for example, “4 out of 5.” The second number shows the total number of outcomes in the system, and the first indicates the number of selections in each accumulator. In the “4 out of 5” system, there are 5 outcomes combined into accumulators of 4 selections each. To receive a payout, at least 4 out of 5 outcomes must win.
In an accumulator, if even one outcome loses, the bettor receives no payout. However, in a system, it’s possible to earn a return even if one or several outcomes fail. Bettors view systems as a form of insurance. If your accumulators often lose because of one or two wrong picks, try placing system bets instead.
When betting on a system, paradoxical situations may occur where the payout is less than the total stake. You are guaranteed to make a net profit if at least one accumulator wins, provided that the odds of each selection exceed the number of combinations in the system.
You cannot include duplicate or interdependent events within a system. The minimum system includes 3 accumulators. Suppose you place 4,000 RUB on a “3 out of 4” system with the following four outcomes:
- CSKA to win at 2.4;
- Avangard to win at 2.5;
- Real Madrid to win at 3;
- Spartak to win at 4.
We determine the odds for the 4 accumulators, each with 3 outcomes:
- CSKA, Avangard, and Real Madrid to win. Odds: 2.4×2.5×3 = 18.
- CSKA, Avangard, and Spartak to win. Odds: 24.
- CSKA, Real Madrid, and Spartak to win. Odds: 28.8.
- Avangard, Real Madrid, and Spartak to win. Odds: 30.
Since 4,000 RUB was staked, the bookmaker will allocate 1,000 RUB to each of the 4 accumulators. To calculate the potential payout, multiply each accumulator’s odds by 1,000 RUB, sum the results, and subtract the total stake (4,000 RUB). This gives you the net profit. In this case, the potential payout is 96,800 RUB. If one accumulator loses, you can still receive a significant return. The final payout depends on the odds of the winning outcomes.
By understanding the differences between singles, accumulators, and systems, you can confidently place bets with any bookmaker. Beginners are advised to start with singles, while experienced bettors should explore system bets. Risk-takers may want to experiment with accumulators.
