Single Bets vs Multi Bets

Understanding the difference between single bets and multi bets is essential for developing your betting strategy. Each has its own advantages and risks.

What is a Single Bet?

A single bet is a wager on one selection in one event.

How Single Bets Work

• One selection only - You bet on one outcome in one race or match
• Independent result - Only that selection needs to win
• Simple payout - Stake × Odds = Return

Single Bet Example

Race 3 at Flemington:

• You bet $20 on Horse #5 at odds of $4.50
• If Horse #5 wins: You receive $90 ($70 profit)
• If Horse #5 loses: You lose your $20 stake

What is a Multi Bet?

A multi bet (also called a parlay) combines multiple selections into one bet. All selections must win for the bet to pay out.

How Multi Bets Work

• Multiple selections - Combine 2 or more selections from different events
• All must win - Every selection must be successful
• Multiplied odds - Odds are multiplied together for bigger returns

Multi Bet Example

3-Leg Multi Bet:

• Selection 1: Horse #3 at $2.50
• Selection 2: Team A at $1.80
• Selection 3: Horse #7 at $3.00

Combined odds: $2.50 × $1.80 × $3.00 = $13.50

Stake: $10 Potential return: $135 ($125 profit)

Single Bets vs Multi Bets Comparison

Advantages of Single Bets

• Better winning chances - Only one selection needs to be correct
• Less risk - Each bet is independent
• Easier to manage - Simple to track and understand
• Partial wins possible - Some bets can win while others lose
• Good for research - Focus on finding one strong selection

When to Use Single Bets

• When you're confident in one specific selection
• For beginners learning the ropes
• When you want lower risk
• For larger stakes on strong favorites
• When managing your bankroll carefully

Advantages of Multi Bets

• Higher potential returns - Odds multiply for much bigger payouts
• Small stakes, big wins - Turn a small bet into a large return
• More excitement - Follow multiple events with one bet
• Efficient use of bankroll - One bet covers multiple selections

When to Use Multi Bets

• When you have multiple strong selections
• For entertainment and excitement
• When you want to maximize small stakes
• For experienced punters with good research
• When you're confident in multiple outcomes

Multi Bet Requirements

Minimum Legs

You need at least 2 selections from different events to create a multi bet.

Eligible Markets

Most markets are eligible for multi bets, but some restrictions apply:

Allowed:

• Selections from different races
• Selections from different sports matches
• Mix of racing and sports selections
• Win/Place bets in racing
• Most sports markets (Win, Draw)

Not Allowed:

• Multiple selections from the same race (use Same Race Multi instead)
• Some exotic bet types
• Certain sports markets (Totals, Lines, Margins in some cases)
• Related contingencies

Calculating Multi Bet Returns

The Formula

Multi Odds = Odds 1 × Odds 2 × Odds 3 × ...

Example Calculation

4-Leg Multi:

1. Horse #2: $2.00
2. Team A: $1.50
3. Horse #8: $4.00
4. Team B: $1.80

Combined odds: $2.00 × $1.50 × $4.00 × $1.80 = $21.60

Stake: $5 Potential return: $5 × $21.60 = $108 Profit: $108 - $5 = $103

Multi Bet Strategies

Start Small

1. Begin with 2-leg multis - Easier to win than larger multis
2. Use smaller stakes - Multi bets are riskier, so bet less
3. Gradually increase - Add more legs as you gain experience

Mix Favorites and Value

• Include some favorites - Short-priced selections ($1.50-$2.50) increase winning chances
• Add value selections - One or two longer odds ($3.00-$6.00) boost the return
• Avoid all longshots - Don't combine multiple unlikely outcomes

Research Each Leg

Parlay Combinations (Advanced)

For 3+ leg multi bets, you can place parlay combinations that cover multiple betting combinations:

Available Combinations

• Doubles - All possible 2-leg combinations
• Trebles - All possible 3-leg combinations
• Four Picks - All possible 4-leg combinations
• And more...

Example

With 4 selections, you can bet:

• 6 × Doubles (all 2-leg combinations)
• 4 × Trebles (all 3-leg combinations)
• 1 × Four Pick (all 4 legs)

This way, you can still win if not all selections are successful!

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Single Bets If:

• You're new to betting
• You want better winning chances
• You prefer lower risk
• You have one strong selection
• You're betting larger amounts

Choose Multi Bets If:

• You have multiple strong selections
• You want bigger potential returns
• You're comfortable with higher risk
• You're betting smaller amounts
• You want more excitement

Mix Both Strategies

Many experienced punters use both:

• Single bets on their strongest selections with larger stakes
• Multi bets for entertainment with smaller stakes

Common Questions

Can I combine racing and sports in a multi bet?

Yes! You can mix racing and sports selections in the same multi bet.

What happens if one leg is void?

If a selection is voided (e.g., race abandoned), that leg is removed and the multi continues with the remaining legs at adjusted odds.

Can I cash out multi bets?

Cash out availability depends on the event and market. Check your bet slip for cash out options.

How many legs can I add to a multi?

You can typically add up to 10 legs to a multi bet, but this may vary by event type.

Are multi bets worth it?

Multi bets offer bigger returns but lower winning chances. They're best used with small stakes for entertainment or when you have multiple strong selections.

Tips for Success

• Start with singles - Master single bets before moving to multis
• Don't chase big odds - A 10-leg multi at $1000 odds is extremely unlikely to win
• Research every selection - Each leg should stand up as a good single bet
• Use smaller stakes on multis - The risk is higher, so bet less
• Consider 2-3 leg multis - Sweet spot between risk and reward
• Track your results - See which strategy works better for you