What Is a Double Bet?

A Double Bet is a type of accumulator (or multiple bet) involving two separate selections. Both selections must win (or place, if you’re betting each-way) in order for you to receive a payout. The stakes and returns from the first selection roll over onto the second. This means:

  1. If your first selection wins, the winnings (including your initial stake if it’s a standard bet) become the stake for the second selection.
  2. If either selection loses (or fails to place, in the case of an each-way bet), your entire double bet is lost.

For example, you pick a horse in the 2:00 pm race and a football team playing later that evening. If that horse comes first (wins), you’re already in profit. But instead of celebrating early, the entire return (stake + winnings) then backs your football team. If that team also wins, you’ll score a return much bigger than if you’d simply put two separate single bets on.

But remember: both selections need to come good. If one misses, the whole bet’s off. That’s the trade-off—bigger potential reward but a bit more risk.

How to Use the Double Bet Calculator on OddsCalculator.io

  1. Add your stake: How much are you betting? Enter that amount.
  2. Pick your Odds format: Choose from decimal or fractional—whatever you’re most comfortable with.
  3. Enter your two selections: Type in the odds for #bet1 and #bet2.

Result: Once you enter the details you’ll instantly see your Payout (profits + stake) and Net profit.

Best Practices for Double Bets

  • Research is key: It’s more fun to pick teams or horses on a whim, but a bit of homework goes a long way—especially when both legs need to come through.
  • Mind your bankroll: Doubling up can be lucrative, but keep an eye on that balance. Small stakes can still yield surprisingly big returns in a double.
  • Check the fine print: Bookies have different rules for things like correlated bets (two bets from the same event) or how they handle pushes. Read the T&Cs before you place your wager.
  • Compare Odds: Different bookmakers can offer drastically different prices. A quick odds comparison could see you boosting your returns without doing anything else.
  • Consider each-way if the price is right: Each-way doubles can help soften the blow of near-misses—just be sure the place terms offer good value.