Complete guide to bet types: singles, accumulators, each-way, handicaps, totals, props, and more. Learn when to use each type.
In This Guide
- Singles
- Accumulators (Parlays)
- Handicap Betting
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
- Props and Specials
Singles
A single is a bet on one selection. It is the simplest and most recommended bet type.
Your entire stake rides on one outcome. If it wins, you collect your return. If it loses, you lose your stake.
Professional bettors almost exclusively use singles because they offer the best long-term expectation.
Accumulators (Parlays)
An accumulator combines multiple selections into one bet. All selections must win for the bet to pay out.
The odds multiply together, creating potentially huge returns from small stakes. But the probability of winning drops dramatically.
A 4-fold accumulator of selections each at 2.00 pays 16.00 — but has only a 6.25% chance of winning.
| Accumulator Size | Odds (at 2.00 each) | Win Probability | 10 Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double (2) | 4.00 | 25.0% | 40 |
| Treble (3) | 8.00 | 12.5% | 80 |
| 4-fold | 16.00 | 6.25% | 160 |
| 5-fold | 32.00 | 3.13% | 320 |
| 10-fold | 1024.00 | 0.10% | 10,240 |
Tip: Accumulators are fun but the bookmaker's margin compounds with each leg. Use them for entertainment, not as a strategy.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting levels the playing field by giving the underdog a virtual head start.
Asian handicaps eliminate the draw outcome. European handicaps include three-way results.
Example: Team A -1.5 means they need to win by 2 or more goals for the bet to win.
Totals (Over/Under)
Bet on whether the total score will be over or under a set line.
The most common football total is Over/Under 2.5 goals. In NBA, totals range from 200-240 points.
Half-lines (2.5, 3.5) mean no push is possible — the bet always settles as win or loss.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A simple yes/no bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal.
Very popular in football. Not affected by the final score — only whether each team scored.
Can be combined with other markets (BTTS + Over 2.5 goals) for higher odds.
Props and Specials
Player props: individual player markets like goalscorer, assists, points scored, rebounds.
Game props: corners, cards, first half result, exact score.
These markets often have wider margins but can offer value when you have specific player knowledge.
Next Steps
Build accumulators with wagerbase picks. Predictions →
For more guides, tools, and analysis, visit wagerbase.