Quick summary
This article explains what a back bet is, how it works, and why it’s the most common form of betting. We’ll look at examples from traditional sportsbooks and betting exchanges, compare it with lay betting, and highlight the benefits of placing back bets. For more guides like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
The most familiar type of bet you’ll place
If you’ve ever bet on a team to win a match or a player to score, you’ve already placed a back bet. It’s the standard type of wager where you’re betting for something to happen.
In this article, we’ll explain what a back bet is, how it functions, and why it's a popular choice among bettors.
What is a back bet?
A back bet is a wager where you bet on a specific outcome to happen.
Examples:
- Backing Liverpool to win against Chelsea.
- Backing a horse to finish first in a race.
- Backing a tennis match to end with Over 2.5 sets.
If your prediction is correct, you win; if it’s wrong, you lose your stake.
Types of back bets
- Standard back bet: This involves wagering on a team or player to win, or on a specific event to occur. For example, backing Team A to win or betting that the match will have over 2.5 goals.
- Each-way back bet: An each-way back bet splits the wager into two parts: one for the outcome to win and one for the same outcome to place. It is often used in horse racing or tournaments with multiple possible positions.
- Double chance back bet: A double chance back bet covers two potential outcomes in a match, like betting on Team A to win or draw, giving you two chances for a successful wager.
- Outright back bet: An outright back bet is placed on a long-term outcome, such as who will win the league or tournament, like betting on the NBA Champion or Premier League winner before the season begins.
- Accumulator back bet (Acca): An accumulator back bet combines multiple selections into a single bet. All selections must win for the wager to pay out. The combined odds are higher than for individual bets, but so is the risk.
How does a back bet work?
- Choose your outcome: Select the outcome you want to bet on.
- Place your stake: Decide how much you want to risk on the bet.
- Odds set the return: The odds determine how much you can win. Higher odds result in a larger potential payout.
- Settlement: If the chosen outcome happens, you receive your winnings plus your original stake. If the outcome doesn’t happen, you lose your stake.
Example;
- Match: Arsenal vs Liverpool
- Bet: Back Arsenal to win at odds of 3.60
- Stake: £5
- If Arsenal wins → Return = £18 (£5 × 3.60). Profit = £13
- If Arsenal draws or loses → Bet lost (£5 stake).
Back bet vs lay bet
Feature | Back bet | Lay bet |
Definition | Betting on an outcome to happen (e.g., a team to win). | Betting on an outcome not to happen (e.g., a team not to win). |
Where used | Available at both traditional sportsbooks and betting exchanges. | Available only on betting exchanges, not traditional sportsbooks. |
Example | Back Chelsea to win their match. | Lay Chelsea, meaning you are betting they will not win (a loss or draw pays you). |
Risk | Limited to the stake you wager. | Potentially unlimited, since you may have to pay out the backer’s winnings. |
Reward | Odds multiplied by your stake if your selection is correct. | Equal to the backer’s loss if your lay bet proves correct. |
Back bets are the traditional approach, whereas lay bets only exist in betting exchanges, such as Betfair.
Benefits of placing a back bet
- Simple and intuitive: Back bets are easy to understand, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced bettors.
- Wide accessibility: Nearly all sportsbooks offer back bets, ensuring they are widely accessible to bettors across different platforms.
- Low risk: With a back bet, you can’t lose more than your stake, so the risk is limited to the amount you wager.
- Versatility: Back bets can be used for various types of wagers, such as match winners, totals, and prop bets, giving you a wide range of betting options.
- Predictable outcomes: Back bets are based on straightforward outcomes, making it easier to assess the potential risk and reward before placing your wager.
Conclusion
A back bet is the simplest form of sports betting, wagering on an outcome to happen. Whether it’s a football team to win, a horse to finish first, or a player to score, back bets are the foundation of betting markets.
They’re easy to understand, widely available, and carry limited risk (your stake). While they lack the flexibility of lay bets, back bets remain the go-to option for most bettors.
Frequently asked questions
Is a back bet safe for beginners?
Yes, back bets are the most straightforward type of wager for beginners. Since you're betting on a specific event or outcome to happen, it is simple to understand and involves a clear, predictable process.
How are the odds determined for back bets?
The odds for back bets are determined by sportsbooks based on the likelihood of an outcome occurring. The odds can vary depending on the event, the teams or players involved, and various other factors such as form, injuries, or historical performance.
Can I place multiple back bets on the same event?
Yes, you can place multiple back bets on the same event, such as betting on both the match winner and the total goals. However, be mindful of how these bets may interact with each other and impact your overall betting strategy.
Can I cash out a back bet?
Yes, some sportsbooks allow you to cash out a back bet before the event finishes. This lets you lock in a profit or reduce a potential loss based on current in-play odds.
Can I use bonuses or free bets for back bets?
Yes, most sportsbooks let you use bonuses or free bet credits on back bets. However, the returned winnings typically exclude the value of the bonus stake.