Single bets in sports betting

In this article, we explore the most popular type of bet in the world of bookmakers: the single bet. Designed for beginners who want to understand the basics of betting and aim to profit, this guide will explain the critical features of single bets, demonstrate how to calculate and place them, and offer valuable tips for successful betting.

A single bet, also known as an “ordinary” bet, is the simplest and most popular type of sports bet. It accounts for approximately 80% of all bets placed on Fonbet. There are three possible outcomes for single bets: win, loss, or refund. A refund occurs when the match is canceled or declared void, and the bookmaker returns the stake to the player.

Single bets can be placed pre-match (before the match starts) or live (during the event) on any market in the bookmaker’s list. A single bet can also be a double, combining two independent outcomes within one event. For example, you can bet on a team to win and for both teams to score.

There are many types of single bets, especially with major bookmakers that offer a wide range of additional options. For example, on Fonbet, depending on the event, there can be more than 800 different types of single bets. The more varied the list, the better for bettors, allowing them to place bets based on their predictions, including rare outcomes.

Main types of single bets:

• Match outcome: A bet on the victory of a particular team or a draw.
• Total: A bet on the sum of a team’s or player’s performance indicators. These include goals, corners, fouls, sets, points, yellow cards, etc.
• Handicap: A bet with an artificial advantage or permissible lag for one of the opponents. This equalizes the odds when the teams’ chances of winning are different.
• Both teams to score: A bet on whether a particular team or both opponents will score a goal.
• Correct score: A bet on the final score of the match. These bets have very high odds but also significant risks.

For a more detailed description of all types of single bets, visit the “Glossary” section on the Fonbet website.

The potential winnings from a single bet are calculated using a simple formula: stake amount multiplied by the odds. To determine the actual profit, subtract the stake amount from the total. Let’s look at an example of calculating a single bet.

Suppose you place a 2,500 ruble bet on Inter to win with odds of 2.8. If Inter wins, the payout will be 7,000 rubles (2,500 x 2.8). Subtracting the stake amount, the net profit is 4,500 rubles. If Inter loses or draws, the entire bet is lost.

To better understand bet types, read our article on accumulators. Accumulators are bets on multiple events simultaneously, consisting of two or more single bets. An accumulator can include up to 30 events.

The undeniable advantage of single bets is their high predictability. You can select a specific outcome and thoroughly analyze its likelihood. Bettors also appreciate the ease of calculating winnings and profits and the higher chances of winning compared to accumulators.

Predicting accumulator outcomes is quite challenging because the events are interdependent: if one fails, the entire bet loses. Bettors consider it a success to find several truly profitable bets simultaneously, which rarely happens.

A downside of single bets is the relatively small winnings over short periods. Although single bets can have very high odds, such as betting on the correct score, other bets require risking large sums to achieve significant winnings.

Before placing a bet, always review the bet settlement rules. They can vary depending on the type of bet. The settlement rules are outlined in the general rules of the bookmaker.

Recommendations for single bets for beginners:

• Bet no more than 7% of your total bankroll.
• Focus on sports you thoroughly understand to make informed decisions
•  Only choose outcomes you can clearly comprehend.
• Place bets with odds up to 5.00.
• Use betting strategies like the “Ladder” or “Martingale”.
• Learn to predict outcomes by analyzing previous match statistics, game quality, team motivation, player physical condition, and other relevant factors.

If you encounter a losing streak, pause and analyze the situation. Understanding the reasons behind failures is crucial. Being able to stop when necessary is essential to avoid significant losses.