What is a Single Bet: Single Betting Explained for Beginners

A single bet is the most common type of bet that any and all bettors place. It is a simple and easy thing to do and can return strong winnings.

This football betting guide will take you through exactly what a single bet is, how to place them, what to look out for and the best betting sites for placing single bets.

What is a Single Bet?

A single bet, sometimes called singles, is essentially one bet on one potential outcome, with one set of odds.

This can be a football team to win a game, or a player to score, or a horse to win a race. But it is one selection and one alone.

This looks something like this:

Multiple single bets can be added to the bet slip to form either an accumulator or a bet builder.

A single bet has its benefits in that players only need one selection to come in so in theory the probability of this winning is raised.

Whereas in bet builders or accumulators, bettors require multiple legs thus the probability is lower.

However with this can come the decreased odds of single bets, but it is worth keeping your eye out for some valuable single bets.

How to place a Single Bet

Once you have selected the single bet you would like to place, this is then added to your betslip.

Then you set your stake, and your potential winnings are determined by this and the odds.

For the example above, if you wagered £10 on Man Utd to win at 3/1, you would win £30 in profit plus your £10 stake back returning winnings of £40 if they went on to win.

Enhanced Single Bets

Some betting sites provide players with bet boosts or enhanced odds on single bets.

This will often see the odds of these single bets boosted or raised, sometimes well above the prices they were previously at.

These represent opportunities for players to take advantage of as these odds can sometimes give potential value, on what is when compared to other multi-leg bets like accas or bet builders, in theory, more likely to come in.

Pros and Cons of Single Bets

Single bets are possibly the most common type of wager placed in the UK, and it brings with it so many different opportunities, odds and avenues for players to explore.

Single bets can range from the probable sub-even bets all the way up to the 250/1 and beyond the sort of bets, offering players tonnes of range and opportunities when it comes to wagering on these.

They also, in theory, have an increased probability of winning, particularly when held in comparison to other betting types. Singles just require one outcome to swing the bettor's way, in order for the bet to count as a winner.

Whereas doubles, trebles, accas and many other types of wagers require anywhere between two, and fifteen selections to land for the bet to win.

It also allows for punters to just have to focus on one aspect, like one match, horse or footballer, in an event, instead of having to cast a wide net, and keep an eye on many different factors.

This varies from bettor to bettor, but some prefer to just have to focus on one outcome for the bets.

Now, whilst single bets can hold massive odds when held in relation to multiples, doubles and accas, they can sometimes come up short. But of course, this must then be balanced out by the need for all selections to land, compared with just one for the single.

On the whole, single bets can bring players both profitable odds, a technically higher chance of landing, and an easier betting experience, even if their odds can sometimes be a touch lower than multiples.

What is a Single Bet FAQs

What is a single bet?

A single bet is, simply put, a scenario where a player is betting on one single outcome of an event.

All this means is that just one thing needs to happen for the bet to land. This can be as simple as a team to win, a player to score or something else.

Are single bets profitable?

Yes and no, the profitability of a bet depends on the total odds and the amount staked.

Should the single have high odds like 5/1+ then it could be profitable, but it has a lower probability of coming in.

However, should it have odds of 1/1 then depending on the stake it could be profitable, but it has a higher implied probability of coming in.

It simply depends on the odds and stake, as to whether or not a single bet can be profitable.

Can I place single bets in play?

Yes, single bets can be placed at virtually any point pre or during a match.

In fact, they can be more promising during the game as the odds are live and prone to going up and down with the flow of the game, perhaps opening up some opportunities for bettors.

Can I cash out single bets?

Yes, most single bets are able to be cashed out.

However some bookmakers do not allow some of their betting markets to be cashed out, and if the single is placed on one of these it will not be able to be cashed out.