System bets are available with the vast majority of online bookmakers today, with this wager being made up by as many selections as you choose. Different to a multiple or accumulator, system betting is popular due to the fact that only a proportion of your picks must win for your bet to bring about returns. So, for those looking to enhance their chances of beating the bookies, system betting could well be for you!
This page will explain exactly how system bets work, including its advantages and how to best take advantage of this option.
What is System Betting?
System betting is often referred to as an upgrade from accumulator bets. Those wagering in this way are effectively placing multiple bets in one. Punters must decide how many bets they wish to place, as well as how many must-wins to bring about a profit.
A host of bet combinations are available. For example, punters may choose 2 out of 3, 3 out of 5 or 4 out of 6 successful bets. Punters must select a minimum of three events, before selecting the system bet option on their bet slip. However, system bets does not only involve combinations, with the following being available to punters:
- Double – Here, two different selections are added to a single bet, with both having to win for your bet to bring about returns. This is available across a host of different sports.
- Treble – This bet type is made up by three different selections. Again, all must win for your bet to be successful.
- Patent – A patent bet involves 7 bets on 3 events, covering all possible outcomes. As a result, punters are in line to make a profit even if just a single bet comes home.
- Trixie – A Trixie involves 1 treble bet and 3 doubles from three separate events. Regarded as one of the easiest bets to win.
- Yankee – Named because of its American roots, a Yankee features 11 combinations from 4 events. In total, there are 6 trebles, 4 doubles and an accumulator with four legs.
- Canadian – Here, a total of 26 bets are placed on 5 events. Also sometimes referred to as a Super Yankee, 10 doubles, 10 trebles and two accumulator bets are placed. At least two bets must win for returns to be received.
- Heinz – Totaling 57 separate bets across 6 events, a Heinz includes 10 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds and 1 six-fold bet. So, your stake will be multiplied by 57, with a profit being made by those making just two successful predictions.
- Goliath – As the name suggests, a Goliath is a bet type that is one of the most complicated around. It consists of 247 combined bets, coming from 8 events. Large profits can potentially be made from a small stake, however the fact that each individual line requires a stake means that it will not suit everyone.
- Lucky 31 – This bet involves 5 selections, consisting of 31 different bets, including 10 trebles, 5 singles, 1 five-fold accumulator and 1 four-fold accumulator. A win anywhere will guarantee a profit.
- Super Heinz – Featuring 120 bets in total, a Super Heinz comes from seven selections. In all, this bet comes with 35 trebles, 35 four-fold accumulators, 21 doubles, 21 five-fold accumulators, 1 seven-fold accumulator and 7 six-fold accumulators. At least two selections must be successful to make a profit.
- Alphabet – Given the name because of its 26 bets, an Alphabet includes 2 patents, 1 Yankee and a six-fold accumulator. Such bets may well need a large stake, however the returns can be hefty.
- Lucky 63 – This bet is made up by six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-fold accumulators, 6 five-fold accumulators and 1 six-fold acca. Just one selection must win for profits to be made.
Why You Should Place System Bets
Many punters will place accumulator bets without considering system bets. However, the benefits of system bets make this form of wagering worthwhile.
System bets provide customers with a form of insurance, with not all selections having to win for profits to be made in many cases. System bets also regularly bring about enhanced earnings, due to the fact that bets are being placed on several different markets. System bets are also available for many markets of sports betting online, with punters having greater freedom on how they back their favourite teams and players.
System Bets FAQ’s
How do system bets work?
System betting is a strategy where you make multiple bets on different matches by calculating how many wins you need to profit. The simplest form is the 2/3 system, where you make three bets, and if two of your predictions wins, you’ll end up on top.
Is system betting difficult?
System betting is considered a more advanced form of betting, which takes some practice to get right. There are several different types of system bets depending on how many types of picks you make, and some math need to be applied. We don’t recommend you dive in with a system bet if you are completely new to betting.
Is system betting legal?
Yes, system betting is completely legal. Many betting sites even have their own tools that make it easier to place system bets.
Maximize Your Advantages with System Bets
Placing system bets is all well and good, but those who are looking to beat the legal betting sites in India on a regular basis will need to take into consideration a number of factors. Beginners to online sports betting should consider a simpler form of wagering, before deciding whether or not to build up to system betting in the future. However, those with more experience should look into system bet calculators, which will help determine how much can be made from all lines.
System Bet Examples
If you are still unsure of exactly how system bets work, the following example should help paint a clearer picture. Let’s imagine that you are looking to bet on three matches from the Indian Premier League cricket on an IPL betting site:
- Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (Indians Win at 2.2)
- Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Sunrisers Win at 2.3)
- Kolkata Knight Riders vs Dehli Capitals (Capitals Win 1.9)
A possible system bet could come in the form of the following:
- Bet 1: Indians and Sunrisers to win
- Bet 2: Indians and Capitals to win
- Bet 3: Sunrisers and Capitals to win
In the event of both the Indians and Sunrisers winning and the Capitals losing, results would be as follows:; Bet 1: Win Bet 2: Loss Bet 3: Loss
Those who placed a 2/3 system bet know that just one of the three combinations must be correct.
Pros & Cons of System Betting Sites
As we have already mentioned, system betting will not be for everyone. This type of sports wagering comes with its own unique benefits and limitations. Based on our experiences, the following are the main pros and cons of system bets:
Pros
- System bets offer a greater winning percentage than many other bets
- System bets make it easier for punters to choose a style of betting that suits them
- Higher limits are often available with system bets
- Punters can guarantee a return with just two accurate predictions
- System bets allow for a variety of different betting strategies
Cons
- Those placing system bets are likely to require a larger budget
- Not suited to beginners and those with less disposable income
- Small mistakes can often occur when placing system bets
- Some bookies will ensure that system bets cannot be placed using bonus funds
System Betting Odds
In order to weigh up the potential returns from system bets, it is important that punters fully understand how the betting odds are calculated and how many games must be won to make generate a winning margin. It may well be worth using a system betting calculator for this, which requires punters to enter the total odds and stake involved. With system bets being complicated, this is the easiest method of deciding whether to place wagers or not. However, with bookmakers delivering efficient bet slips, this may not be necessary.
System Bets Offers & Promotions
Unfortunately, the nature of system bets means that punters are unlikely to be in a position to utilize online betting bonuses and offers when wagering in this way. Most online bookies will specifically state in their terms and conditions that system bets are not eligible when it comes to placing qualifying bets or using bonus funds. As with any betting promotion, be sure to look at the small print before signing up or depositing.
What Are the Alternatives to System Betting?
Let’s face it, system betting will not be for all. Its complex nature will put some punters off, who are looking for a more simplistic method of backing their favourite sports teams and players. With that being said, the following are some good alternatives to system betting:
- 1X2 Betting – Available on sports where a draw is possible, such as soccer, cricket and basketball, 1X2 bets simply involve backing a home win, away win or tie. With just three different potential outcomes, the opportunity to back a winner is relatively high.
- Live Betting – The chance to stake on sporting events that are already underway is both exciting and potentially rewarding. Here, odds change regularly, with those who place in-play bets at the right time reaping the rewards.
- Handicap Betting – 1X2 betting is often overlooked due to the poor odds. This is where handicap markets come in. Betting on the margin of victory using handicaps is useful, whether it be a surplus or deficit.
- Arbitrage Betting – Also known as sure betting, arbitrage betting allows you to make a guaranteed profit if used correctly. By making two bets on the same match or event, you are sure to win one of them regardless of the outcome. You can learn more in our article covering arbitrage betting sites here.
Responsible Gambling
System bets often require a larger stake, meaning that those taking part will potentially need a more substantial budget. However, whichever bet type you are taking advantage of, being responsible at all times is a must. Betting sites work hard in order to assist punters in this area, including by setting deposit limits and working alongside leading organizations. Such organizations provide support to those in need, whether it be for overspending or knowing when to quit.
Meanwhile, before placing bets, be sure to come up with a strict budget, based on your disposable income.
Bottom Line on System Bets
While it may take some time to get your head around the concept, system betting can be hugely rewarding for those in the know. The element of insurance, as well as the potential rewards, mean that system bets are placed daily at Indian betting sites. We do not recommend system bets for beginners, but those who are prepared to take the time in carrying out research and doing the sums could well reap the benefits of this form of sports wagering.
Arjun Jindal | Last Modified: August 10, 2022
