A single bet is the simplest and most straightforward type of bet you can place. It involves staking money on a single selection to win a specific event. If your selection wins, you receive a payout based on the odds of that selection.
In this guide, we'll cover:
What a single bet is
How single bets work
Advantages of single betting
How to place a single bet
Single betting strategies
FAQs
What is a Single Bet?
A single bet is a wager on one outcome in a sporting event. If your prediction is correct, you win. If it's incorrect, you lose your stake. There are no additional combinations or outcomes involved.
Example:
You bet £10 on Manchester United to beat Chelsea at odds of 2.50.
If Manchester United wins, your return is £25 (£10 x 2.50).
Your profit is £15 (£25 - £10 stake).
If Manchester United loses or draws, you lose your £10 stake.
How Single Bets Work
Single bets are calculated using the odds and stake amount:
Formula: Winnings = Stake × Odds
For decimal odds:
A £20 bet at 3.00 odds returns £60 (£20 x 3.00).
A £20 bet at 1.50 odds returns £30 (£20 x 1.50).
For fractional odds:
A £10 bet at 5/1 returns £60 (stake + profit: £10 + £50).
Easy to understand – No complex combinations, just a simple bet.
Lower risk – Unlike accumulators, your entire bet doesn't rely on multiple selections winning.
More control – You can research and make informed decisions on each bet.
Better bankroll management – Single bets allow for more disciplined staking strategies.
How to Place a Single Bet
Choose a bookmaker – Sign in to your preferred betting site.
Select your event – Browse available markets (e.g., football, horse racing, tennis).
Pick your selection – Click on the odds of your chosen outcome.
Enter your stake – Decide how much you want to bet.
Confirm the bet – Check the bet slip and place your bet.
Single Betting Strategies
Odds Shopping – Compare different bookmakers to get the best odds.
Bankroll Management – Use a staking plan to avoid losing large amounts.
Research – Analyse form, injuries, and other factors before betting.
Matched Betting – Use free bets and promotions to guarantee profit.
Value Betting – Look for overpriced odds that offer long-term profit potential.
Final Thoughts
Single bets are the foundation of all sports betting and an excellent starting point for beginners. They offer simplicity, control, and lower risk compared to accumulators or system bets. Whether you're using them for traditional betting or matched betting, mastering single bets is essential for long-term success.
The most frequently asked questions
A single bet is on one outcome, while an accumulator involves multiple selections, all of which must win for a payout.
Yes, bookmakers often allow free bets to be used on single bets. However, winnings may exclude the stake amount.
Football, horse racing, and tennis are popular choices due to the wide range of betting markets available.
Yes! Single bets are commonly used in matched betting strategies to qualify for and convert bookmaker promotions.
Use our Odds Conversion Tool to quickly work out returns based on your stake and odds format.
