Combi Bets in Sports Betting explained

What are combi bets?

Combi bets, also known as accumulator bets, are sports bets where you combine multiple predictions. Instead of predicting the outcome of a single match, you select, for example, three or four outcomes. The odds of your selections are then multiplied, which can significantly increase the potential payout.

If all your predictions are correct, you win the bet. However, if even one of your selections is incorrect, you lose the entire bet. This makes combi bets very attractive and exciting, but also quite risky.

How do combi bets work?

With a combi bet, you place multiple predictions in a single wager. For example, you might predict the winners of three different football, tennis, or darts matches. All these selections are linked, meaning one mistake ruins the entire bet. But how does it work exactly?

Multiplying odds
In a combi bet, the odds of your selected bets are multiplied. Suppose you have three predictions with odds of 1.80, 2.00, and 1.50. The total odds are calculated by multiplying them together, resulting in total odds of 5.40.

These relatively high odds can lead to a substantial payout. This makes combi bets attractive if you’re aiming for big wins. On the other hand, each additional selection also makes it harder to win the bet.

When do you win a combi bet?
There is only one way to win a combi bet: all your predictions must be correct. If even one of the selected bets loses, the entire combi is lost. In that sense, it’s an “all or nothing” wager.

It may happen that a selection is removed from your bet. For example, if a chosen goalscorer is injured or doesn’t play. We recommend staying well-informed about the rules to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Pros and cons of combi bets

It’s clear that combi bets offer a lot of excitement and high potential winnings. However, there are also some drawbacks to placing these accumulator bets. Below are some pros and cons:

Advantages of combi bets
• The multiplied odds increase potential winnings
• You can win a lot with a small stake
• More excitement as multiple matches are involved
• You can turn low odds into higher odds

Disadvantages of combi bets
• One wrong prediction results in losing the entire bet
• Higher risk compared to a single bet
• Difficult to be profitable in the long term

Strategies for successful combi betting

Placing combi bets is something that should be considered carefully. While the excitement and potential winnings increase, so does the risk of losing. Still, there are strategies that can make betting on combi bets more successful. Here are four:

1. Don’t select too many matches
The more matches you add to a combi bet, the smaller the chance that all predictions will be correct. Choose a few strong selections you truly trust. In short, the quality of your picks is more important than the quantity, especially if you want to place successful combi bets.

2. Combine favorites wisely
At first glance, combining favorites seems safe. However, it rarely results in high odds. Try to find a balance by adding one or two slightly riskier selections. This increases potential winnings without taking unnecessary risks.

3. Use statistics and form
The most successful combi bets come from thorough analysis. Look at recent performances of teams and players, as well as past head-to-head results. By supporting your predictions with data, you increase your chances of winning. There are no guarantees, but research often points you in the right direction.

4. Spread your stake
It’s smart to have a set budget for sports betting. A key tip: spread your stake. Don’t put your entire budget on a single combi bet just because you’re aiming for a big win. The risk of losing is real. This way, you maintain control over your bankroll and can play responsibly for longer.

Example of a combi bet at Oranje Palace

Are you starting to understand how combi bets work? To make it even clearer, here’s an example of an accumulator bet based on the matches PSV vs AZ Alkmaar, Real Madrid vs Barcelona, and Inter Milan vs AC Milan.

The total odds for this bet are 1.55 × 2.10 × 1.80 = 5.86. If you place €10 on this bet and all your predictions are correct, €58.60 will be added to your account. Subtract your €10 stake, and you’ve made a profit of €48.60. If one of your predictions is incorrect, you lose your €10 stake.