Double Bets Explained

What is a Double Bet?

The double is a bet where two selections are made, and if the first wins, everything that would have been returned is then used as a stake for a second. This style of bet is popular because it creates the potential for larger returns but at the expense of increased risk as all it takes is one losing selection for the bet to return nothing. Similar to the treble and accumulator the only difference is a lower number of selections. Each way and to-place only options are also available at some bookmakers.

Popular in all sports, especially football and horse racing, all bets in a double must be on separate events.

Examples

Once familiar with the examples, use the double calculator to work out winnings quickly. The accumulator calculator can also be used to experiment with more than 2 selections.

The football scores in the table below are used to demonstrate winnings and losing example bets:

Winning

Assuming a unit stake of £5 on Sunderland to win at odds 2/1 and QPR to win at odds of 3/1 the winnings would break down as follows:

• Returns = £5 * (2/1 + 1) * (3/1 + 1) = £60
• Profit = Returns - Stake = £55

Losing

Assuming a unit stake of £5 on Sunderland to win at odds 2/1 and Chelsea to win at odds of 4/1 the returns would break down as follows:

• The bet of Chelsea to win has lost. Therefore this bet returns £0
• Profit/Loss = Returns - Stake = -£5

Last Update: 15th May 2023

Also See

Double bet calculator - Work out your double winnings by using this calculator. Supporting each way bets, perms, non runners and dead heats.

What is a treble bet? - A rollover bet with 3 selections. The page gives a detailed explanation using football examples to demonstrate winning and losing scenarios.

What is an accumulator bet? - A rollover bet with no limit on the number of selections. Also known as a parlay in the US, this wager is popular due to the potential to win big given a small outlay. The bread and butter of punting, all gamblers should know what this bet entails.

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