Quick summary
This guide explains what a treble bet is and how it works. You'll learn how it compares to the system bet, with a focus on differences in risk, cost, and payout potential. It also outlines the conditions required to win, such as mixing favorites with longshots and comparing odds, to help you place smarter treble bets. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
Want higher rewards from fewer selections?
What if you could turn three simple bets into a bigger payout? A treble bet lets you do just that by combining three selections into one wager. But how do you make sure you're stacking the odds in your favor?
In this article, we’ll break down what a treble bet is, how it works, and when it might make sense to use it.
What is a treble bet?
A treble bet is a type of accumulator bet that combines three different selections from three separate events. It's like a parlay, where all three picks must be correct for you to win. If one pick loses, the whole bet is a loss. Treble bets are popular in football and horse racing.
Unlike a system bet, which allows for multiple combinations and gives you more chances to win by covering different outcomes, a treble bet requires all selections to be correct, making it riskier but with potentially higher rewards.
How does a treble bet work?
Here's how a treble bet works:
- Choose three selections: Pick three different events or outcomes you want to bet on, such as the winner of three football matches or the result of three races.
- Multiply the odds: The odds for each selection are multiplied together. This means the potential payout is higher than if you placed three separate single bets.
- All selections must win: For your bet to win, all three of your selections must be correct. If any of them lose, the entire bet is lost.
- Payout: If all three selections win, you receive a payout based on the combined odds, giving you a larger return than you would have gotten from three individual bets.
Let’s look at an example:
You place a treble bet on three football matches:
- Match 1: Team A to win at odds of 2.00
- Match 2: Team B to win at odds of 3.00
- Match 3: Team C to win at odds of 1.50
The combined odds are:
2.00 × 3.00 × 1.50 = 9.00
If you bet $10, the potential payout is:
$10 × 9.00 = $90
So, if all three teams win, you'll receive $90. If one of them loses, you lose the entire $10 bet.
Treble bet vs system bet
This table compares treble bet and system bet across core features.
Feature | Treble bet | System bet |
Number of selections | 3 selections from different events | Multiple selections (e.g., 4, 5, or more) |
Risk level | Higher risk – all three selections must win | Lower risk – not all selections need to win |
Cost | Higher cost – you’re betting on three selections | Higher cost – depends on the system chosen |
Payout potential | Higher payout – odds are multiplied for more reward | Varies – payouts depend on the number of winning combinations |
Winning condition | All three selections must win | Multiple combinations win, based on the system type |
Flexibility | Less flexibility – one loss means the entire bet is lost | More flexibility – you can win with some selections even if others lose |
Best for | Bettors looking for a high-risk, high-reward bet | Bettors seeking a safer option with more coverage |
Why consider a treble bet?
- Higher payouts: The odds of each pick are multiplied, giving you a bigger potential payout than three separate single bets.
- Simplicity: It’s easier to place and follow than larger accumulator bets, as it only involves picking three outcomes.
- Better rewards for risk: A treble bet gives you a chance to win more without needing to choose too many picks.
- Manageable risk: With just three selections, it’s less risky than more complicated bets but offers more reward than a single bet.
When should you use a treble bet?
A treble is best when you have three well-researched selections you’re confident in. It works particularly well in sports like football or horse racing, where combining outcomes can give solid value without requiring a large number of picks.
If you want a balance of higher payouts than singles but don’t want the complexity of a system or large accumulator, a treble can be a smart choice.
Conclusion
A treble bet combines three selections into one wager, multiplying the odds for a higher potential payout. While it carries more risk, since all three picks must win, it’s simpler than larger accumulators and offers stronger returns than singles. For bettors confident in a few well-researched outcomes, trebles can provide a straightforward, high-reward option.
Frequently asked questions
How does a treble bet work?
A treble bet combines three selections from different events into one bet. For the bet to win, all three selections must be correct. If one selection loses, the entire bet is lost.
How many trebles are in 8 selections?
In 8 selections, there are 56 possible trebles (calculated using combinations of 3 selections from 8).
How do you calculate a treble bet?
To calculate a treble bet, multiply the odds of each selection together. For example, if you bet on three selections with odds of 2.00, 3.00, and 1.50, the combined odds would be 2.00 × 3.00 × 1.50 = 9.00. Then, multiply the combined odds by your stake to calculate the potential payout.
How do you win a treble?
To win a treble, all three selections must win. If even one selection loses, the entire bet is lost.
What is the difference between a treble and an accumulator?
A treble is a three-pick accumulator. Larger accumulators involve four or more selections, which can offer bigger payouts but increase the risk since every pick must be correct.