Sports betting guide - how to place bets
A sports bet is a prediction about the outcome of a sporting event. If your prediction is correct, you win money based on the odds of your bet. This guide explains the basics, the bet types and the key terms so a beginner can start with confidence.
Betting basics
Every bet has three key parts. Selection - the outcome or market you are betting on. Stake - the amount of money you place. Odds - the multiplier that sets your potential winnings. Example: a €10 bet at odds of 2.50 returns €25 (€10 × 2.50), of which €15 is profit.
Single bet
A single bet is a bet on the outcome of one event only. It is the simplest bet type - if your selection is correct, you win. Potential winnings = odds × stake.
Multi bet (parlay / accumulator)
A multi bet combines two or more selections from different events into one bet. The odds of each selection are multiplied, so the potential return is much higher. The catch: every selection must win - if even one is wrong, the whole bet is lost. 2 selections = double, 3 = treble, and so on.
System bet
A system bet is made of several combined bets created from a set of selections (at least 3). Unlike a multi bet, you do not need all selections to be correct - you win if at least one of the combinations within the system wins. This gives more coverage and reduces risk.
Bet Builder
A Bet Builder lets you combine several markets from the same match into one bet - for example the match winner, a player to score, and over 2.5 goals. The odds are combined into a single price, and all selections must be correct for the bet to win.
Live betting and Cash Out
Live (in-play) bets are placed while the event is running, with odds changing in real time. The Cash Out feature lets you settle a bet before the event ends - locking in part of a win or cutting a loss. Cash Out availability depends on the market and match conditions.
Beginner tip
Start with single bets while you get to grips with odds. Don't stake your whole budget at once and don't chase losses. Sports betting is entertainment, not guaranteed income - bet responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
