What is a Reverse bet? (How it works explained)

Betting Education5 min read
H
Henry Thomas

Quick summary

In this guide, we explain what a reverse bet is, how it works, and how it compares to if bets, parlays, and straight bets. We cover the structure, payout logic, and risk level, showing why some bettors prefer reverse bets for added flexibility and reduced risk. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.

Is there a smarter alternative to parlays?

Every bettor has experienced the frustration of seeing a parlay collapse because of one bad pick. Parlays can deliver massive payouts, but they’re also unforgiving; one miss and the entire ticket fails. Straight bets, on the other hand, are safer but often bring modest returns. 

That’s where the reverse bet comes in. By combining multiple selections with “if bet” logic in both directions, reverse bets give you more coverage and more chances to walk away with a payout, even if not every pick wins.

What is a reverse bet?

A reverse bet is a wager that combines multiple selections into a single bet, but with a twist. Unlike parlays, where you need every pick to hit, reverse bets allow you to win from multiple smaller combinations, even if one of your picks loses. 

Think of it as a safety net: you stake more upfront, but you spread the risk across several potential payout paths.

How does a reverse bet work?

Make your selections

Choose two or more outcomes you want to bet on, like multiple teams or horses in a race. For example, you could pick three teams or horses.

Automatic combinations

Instead of just placing one bet, reverse betting automatically creates several smaller bets with different combinations of your picks.

"If Bet" logic in both ways

The reverse bet works like an "If Bet," where each combination depends on the previous one. If your first pick wins, it triggers the next. This logic runs both ways, so you’re covered no matter the order of your picks.

Example 

Let’s say you’re betting on three horses in a race: Horse A, Horse B, and Horse C.

A reverse bet creates the following combinations: 

  • Combination 1: Horse A and Horse B win.
  • Combination 2: Horse A and Horse C win.
  • Combination 3: Horse B and Horse C win.

If two out of three horses win, you could still make a profit because the reverse bet covers multiple winning paths. This makes it less risky than a parlay where all three must win.

Example of a reverse bet payout

Let’s say you place a $30 reverse bet on three basketball teams:

  • Team A at –110 (1.91)
  • Team B at +140 (2.40)
  • Team C at –120 (1.83)

The reverse bet breaks into six $5 “if bets”: A → B, B → A, A → C, C → A, B → C, and C → B.

  • If only one team wins: all paths lose, so the $30 stake is lost.
  • If two teams win: two paths cash. For example, if Team A and Team B win, both A → B and B → A return payouts.
  • If all three win: all six paths return winnings, maximizing the return.

This example shows how reverse bets cost more upfront but provide more ways to win compared to parlays, where one wrong pick eliminates the ticket.

Reverse bet vs. if bet, parlay, and straight bet

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of reverse bets against other popular wagering options:

Feature

Reverse bet

If bet

Parlay

Straight bet

Bet structure

Covers all possible “if bet” combinations in both directions

One-direction conditional bet

Combines multiple selections into a single all-or-nothing wager

Single bet on one selection

Winning condition

Some combinations must win for a payout

Each bet depends on the previous outcome

All selections must win for a payout

Selection must win

Risk level

Lower – spreads risk across multiple linked bets

Medium – depends on sequence order

High – one loss kills the entire ticket

Low – clear and simple

Cost

Higher – counts as multiple smaller bets

Lower – fewer linked wagers

Lower – one combined bet

Lowest – only one bet

Flexibility

High – can still win if some picks lose

Medium – only runs in one direction

Low – must be perfect

High – full control

Payout potential

Moderate payouts across combinations, more frequent wins

Moderate, depends on outcome order

Very high but rare – only if all hit

Modest payout, but simple to track

Best for

Bettors seeking reduced risk and multiple chances to win

Bettors who want linked bets without covering all directions

Bettors chasing maximum reward with high risk

Beginners and risk-averse bettors

Why some bettors use reverse bets

  • Lower risk: Reverse betting reduces the risk of losing everything by covering multiple combinations, so you can still win if some picks lose.
  • Increased coverage: It automatically creates combinations of your selections, giving you more chances to win, even if some outcomes are unexpected.
  • Flexibility in strategy: You can adjust your strategy by covering various combinations. This way, you’ll balance risk and reward based on the specific event.
  • Better bankroll management: Reverse betting helps manage a bankroll more effectively by spreading out the risk across different combinations, increasing the chances of a payout.
  • Higher win potential: By covering multiple combinations, reverse betting increases the overall chances of winning without requiring a large investment on any single pick.

Conclusion 

The reverse bet offers a middle ground between the simplicity of straight bets and the high risk of parlays. It spreads your chances across multiple smaller wagers, giving you more ways to win even if some picks fail. For bettors who want flexibility and better bankroll management, reverse betting can be a powerful tool. 

Frequently asked questions

How does a reverse bet work compared to a parlay?

In a parlay, all selections must win for the ticket to pay out. With a reverse bet, the wager is broken into multiple smaller bets, so you can still receive a payout if only some of your picks win.

What is a reverse bet payout?

A reverse bet payout is the total from all successful smaller combinations within the wager. Instead of one big jackpot, you can win multiple smaller payouts, which makes earnings more consistent.

When is a reverse bet useful?

Reverse bets are best when you have two or three confident picks and want protection against one selection failing

What is the difference between a reverse bet and an if bet?

An if bet runs in one direction—if the first pick wins, the next is placed. A reverse bet covers both directions, meaning all possible “if bet” sequences are created, giving more chances to win.

How are winnings calculated in reverse betting?

Winnings in reverse betting are calculated by the number of winning combinations. Each combination is treated as a separate bet, and you receive a payout for every winning combination. The total payout is based on the odds of those combinations.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or gambling advice. Always gamble responsibly.

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