Betting Glossary

A single bet combining 4 or more selections. All must win for the bet to pay out. Returns from each selection roll onto the next. Also called an "acca".

A bet placed well before an event, often at longer odds. Non-runners are usually settled as losers under ante-post rules.

An instruction to place a further bet from the winnings of an earlier bet if it wins.

Placing bets on all outcomes of an event across different bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of result.

A selection you are highly confident in. In a Lucky 15 or Heinz, a banker is a near-certainty used as the foundation of the bet.

A football market where you bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal in the match.

A feature offered by bookmakers allowing you to settle a bet early for a guaranteed return before the event ends.

A bet predicting the exact final score of a match.

When two or more selections finish in a tied position. The stake is divided by the number of tied runners and settled at full odds.

A bet on two selections. Both must win for the bet to pay out. Returns from the first selection roll onto the second.

A market that removes the draw outcome. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned.

Backing multiple selections in a race or event, staking on each to return the same profit if any wins.

Two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. The place part pays a fraction of the win odds if the selection finishes in the top 2, 3, or 4 places.

1/1 fractional odds (2.00 decimal, +100 American). You profit the same amount as your stake.

The average return per bet calculated from the true probability and the offered odds. Positive EV bets are profitable long-term.

Odds agreed at the time of placing the bet, which do not change regardless of market movement.

A bet on which selection will finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order.

A full-cover bet on 8 selections comprising 247 bets (28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds, 1 eight-fold).

A market where one selection is given a virtual head start or deficit to level the competition.

A full-cover bet on 6 selections comprising 57 bets — named after the 57 varieties. Includes all doubles, trebles, four-folds, five-folds, and a six-fold.

Betting placed after an event has started, with odds updating in real time.

The probability of an outcome implied by the odds. Calculated as 1 ÷ decimal odds. A 2.00 shot has a 50% implied probability.

A formula for calculating optimal bet size based on your edge and the available odds. Maximises long-term bankroll growth.

On a betting exchange, a lay bet means you are acting as the bookmaker — you are betting against an outcome occurring.

A full-cover bet on 4 selections comprising 15 bets: 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, and 1 four-fold accumulator.

A full-cover bet on 5 selections comprising 31 bets.

A full-cover bet on 6 selections comprising 63 bets.

Using free bet promotions and lay bets to guarantee a profit regardless of outcome.

The American odds format. +200 means profit £200 per £100 staked. −150 means stake £150 to profit £100.

A selection that is withdrawn from an event after bets have been accepted. Usually results in stake returned; may trigger Rule 4 deductions on remaining selections.

Fair odds with the bookmaker margin removed. Useful for finding the true implied probability of an outcome.

When the odds are shorter than evens — i.e. you risk more than you stand to profit. Example: 1/2 (1.50 decimal).

A market on whether a statistic (goals, points, etc.) will be over or under a specified number.

A full-cover bet on 3 selections comprising 7 bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble. A single winner returns something.

A bet on a selection to finish in the top places (2nd, 3rd, etc.) without needing to win.

The odds offered on a selection.

A deduction applied to winnings when a horse is withdrawn from a race after bets are placed. The deduction percentage depends on the withdrawn horse's odds.

Two forecast bets covering both orders of a 1st/2nd finish.

A bet on one selection. The simplest form of bet.

The official odds of a horse at the moment the race starts, determined by the on-course market.

A full-cover bet on 7 selections comprising 120 bets.

A full-cover bet on 5 selections comprising 26 bets.

A bet on three selections. All three must win for the bet to pay out.

A bet on 3 selections comprising 4 bets: 3 doubles and 1 treble. Two winners required to see a return.

A bet where the true probability of an outcome is higher than the implied probability in the odds — giving you a positive expected value.

A bet that is cancelled, with the stake returned. Common reasons include match abandonment, errors, or ante-post rule conditions.

A bet on a selection to win outright. Distinct from a place or each way bet.

A market that excludes the favourite, with remaining runners' odds recalculated.

A full-cover bet on 4 selections comprising 11 bets: 6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold. Two winners required for a return.