What is a Double Bet? A Complete Guide for UK Bettors

Peter Addison

Sports betting writer

Updated: 9 November 2023

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Why bet once, when you can bet twice? Instead of betting on two singles, why not combine them to bet on a double? This answers the question what is a double bet – two bets entangled so the returns from the first bet becomes the stake of the second. The upside of this is that your returns are increased if both bets win. The downside is that both bets have to win for your double bet to return anything.

This article will provide a comprehensive explanation of the double bet, including how it works, how to place it, calculating payouts, strategies for success, and its applications in various sports. Additionally, we will delve into the differences between a double bet and a double chance bet, discuss the pros and cons, and suggest reputable UK sports betting sites for placing your bets.

Double Bet Explained: How It Works and What It Offers

A double bet involves combining two separate selections into a single wager. It requires both selections to win for the bet to be successful. The odds of each selection are multiplied together, resulting in potentially lucrative payouts. This type of bet is particularly popular among sports betting enthusiasts due to the high-risk, high-reward nature of the wager.

How to Place a Double Bet

Placing a double bet is relatively straightforward, but we are going to walk you through an example at one of our recommended UK sports betting sites, bet365.

We are going to keep thing very simple, and bet on two football matches in the EPL – Arsenal to draw with Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth to draw with West Ham United.

You can see the odds as listed – 6.00 for a Arsenal/Forest draw, and 3.40 for a Bournemouth/West Ham draw. To add these selection to our slip as a double, just click on both sets of odds.

As you can see, bet365 had added both selections to our slip as a double automatically, as opposed to two singles. It has done that because we didn’t set a stake after adding the first selection.

We have set our stake to £2, and stand to win £41.77 if both games end in draws. There is a promotional deal at bet365 which adds a percentage to all wins that are not single bets. For a double it is 2.5 percent, but the more selections you choose, the higher that bonus rises.

Calculating Double Bet Payouts

To calculate the potential payout of a double bet, multiply the odds of the two selections together. For instance, if Selection A has odds of 2.00 and Selection B has odds of 3.50, the combined odds for the double bet would be 7.00 (2.00 x 3.50). If your stake is £50, your potential payout would be £350 (£50 x 7.00).

If our example above, the odds were 6.00 and 3.40 which when multiplied together come to 20.40. Normally, a £2 stake would return £40.80, but thanks to that 2.5 percent bet365 bonus, our potential winnings rose to £41.77.

Note that if he had placed two singles and they had both won, our returns for two £1 bets would have been £9.40. The risk with doubles though is that both selections have to win, else you lose your stake.

If you don’t like number crunching, then there are several tools available on the internet that can work out payouts and potential payouts for you … and we have one ourselves! Our versatile double bet calculator is infallible, and can save you from having to work out winnings yourself.

Double Bet Strategies

Developing an effective strategy for double bets can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are some practical tips to consider:

What is a Double Each Way Bet?

A double each way bet combines a double bet with an each way bet, adding an extra layer of security. In an each way bet, your selection can still provide a return if it finishes within a specified number of places, usually in the top two, three, or four, depending on the event. This type of bet is often used in horse racing, where the chances of a higher-placed finish are more significant.

Double Bet in Different Sports

While double bets can be placed on a wide range of sports, some sports lend themselves better to this type of wager. Football and horse racing are two popular sports for double bets due to the variety of matches and races available. These sports provide ample opportunities to find favourable odds and exciting combinations.

What Does Doubles Mean in Horse Betting?

A horse racing double bet means you combine two horse racing single bets into a double. Both selections have to win though in order for your horse racing double bet to win. For this reason, an each way double bet on horse racing might be the better option. You’ll find the each way double bet explained above.

What Does Doubles Mean in Football Betting?

Many people want to know what is a double bet in football, and the answer is a very simple one – it’s a bet on two football matches (usually) rolled into one. The overall odds are the odds of the two bets multiplied together. A double bet in football will only win though if both elements of the bet win.

Double Bet vs. Double Chance: Key Differences and Considerations

While a double bet involves combining two selections to win, a double chance bet allows you to cover two possible outcomes within a single event. In a double chance bet, you can bet on two of the three possible outcomes, such as Team A to win or draw. Double chance bets offer greater security but generally have lower odds compared to double bets.

Let’s take our Arsenal v Forest match-up as an example. The possible double chance bets are:

• Arsenal win or draw
• Draw or Forest win
• Arsenal or Forest win

Double chance bets can therefore be seen a double bets that are not actually double bets as the odds have been worked out for you. In addition, double chance bets can only be placed on the 1X2 outcome of a specific match.

Pros & Cons of Double Bets

We’ve now delved into everything about the double bet, and now it is time to examine the main pros and cons of adding double bets to the array of bets that you commonly place.

Where Can I Place a Double Bet?

There are numerous reputable online sportsbooks and bookmakers that offer double bet options. Some popular platforms include bet365, BetUK, and Betfair. It is essential to choose a trusted and UKGC licensed betting provider to ensure the safety of your funds and a fair betting experience.

You can always rely on us the recommend the best sportsbooks currently available in the UK. You can find our list of the very best here.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the double bet is a enjoyment-enhancing and potentially money-spinning option for sports betting enthusiasts. By understanding how double bets work, calculating potential payouts, implementing effective strategies, and exploring the options in different sports, you can enhance your betting experience. Remember to exercise caution, conduct thorough research and practice responsible bankroll management to maximise your chances of success.

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Peter Addison

Sports betting writer

Peter joined the BettingSites.co.uk team in 2023, having previously worked for many high-profile gambling-related sites such as RightCasino, JustSlots, WhichBingo and Gambling.com. An experienced head when it comes to all aspects of iGaming, Peter is a fanatic fan of sport, including football and US sports such as baseball and American football. He is also a multi-published fiction writer, although sadly, not a wealthy one.

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