Types of Bets and How to Place Them

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Types of Bets & How to Place Them: A Guide for UK Punters

Whether you're completely new to betting or just want to get more out of your punts, understanding the different types of bets — and how to place them — can make a big difference. From simple single bets to complex accumulators and live betting tactics, this guide walks you through the key options, how to use them, and where they work best.

🎯 1. Different Bet Types Explained

There’s more to betting than just picking a winner. Here's a breakdown of the most popular bet types used by UK punters — each one with its own purpose, strategy, and risk.

🟢 Single Bet
One selection, one stake. The most straightforward bet type.

Example: £10 on Arsenal to win at 2/1 = £30 return.

🎯 Accumulator (Acca)
A multi-leg bet where all selections must win. High risk, high reward.

Example: A £5 five-fold at 25/1 = £130 return.

↔️ Each-Way Bet
Two bets in one: win & place. Common in horse racing and golf.

Example: £5 E/W at 20/1 = total £10 bet. A place still gives a return.

📅 Ante-Post Bet
Placed well in advance, usually for major events. Better odds, but riskier.

Example: Cheltenham Gold Cup months ahead.

🏆 Outright / Tournament Winner
Betting on the overall winner of a tournament or league.

Example: England to win the Euros.

🐎 Forecast / Tricast
Predict the exact finishing order in a race.

Forecast = 1st & 2nd

Tricast = 1st, 2nd & 3rd

💷 Pool Bets (Tote, Placepot)
Bet into a shared pool with others. Winnings depend on pool size & correct picks.

Example: Pick a placed horse in 6 races for a Placepot.

⚽ Fantasy Bets
Betting in fantasy-style contests, like weekend football dream teams.

Example: Top scoring team wins prizes based on real-life player performance.

🔼🔽 Over / Under
Bet on whether total goals/points in a game will be over or under a set value.

Example: Over 2.5 Goals — wins if the match ends 2–1 or higher.

⚖️ Handicap Betting
Gives one team a virtual head start or deficit to level the playing field.

Example: Liverpool -1 = they must win by 2+ for the bet to land.

➡️⬅️ Spread Betting
Returns depend on how right or wrong you are. High risk, high reward.

Example: Buy Total Goals at 3.0 — if 5 goals scored, you win (5 - 3).

🔁 Exchange Betting
Bet against other punters, not the bookmaker. You can back or lay outcomes.

Back: You think it will happen
Lay: You think it won’t

🛠️ 2. How to Place a Bet (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a generic walkthrough for placing a bet, whether you're using a sportsbook like Bet365, Paddy Power, or William Hill.

🖥️ On a Desktop Website

Log in to your account (or create one and claim a welcome offer).
Choose your sport and market (e.g. Premier League → Match Odds).
Click your selection. It appears in your betslip.
Enter your stake.
Confirm the bet by clicking Place Bet.

📱 On a Mobile App

Open the app and sign in.
Navigate to the sport and event you want to bet on.
Tap the outcome you want → it adds to the betslip.
Type your stake and hit Place Bet.
Use cash out or live stats to monitor your bet.

💡 Tip: Always double-check odds and markets before placing your bet, especially for in-play.

🔁 3. In-Play Betting vs. Pre-Match Betting

⚽ Pre-Match Betting

✅ Pros:
- More time to research
- More available markets (especially player props, specials)
❌ Cons:
- No opportunity to adapt to live match events

🔴 Live Betting (In-Play)

✅ Pros:
- Bet as the game unfolds (e.g., next goal, match winner, total goals)
- Use momentum and form to guide decisions
❌ Cons:
- Odds shift fast, harder to get the best value
- Risk of chasing losses

🧠 Strategy Tip:
Watch the match or live stats to spot value — a team dominating possession but 0–0? That’s when Over 1.5 Goals might be good value.

🎯 Ready to Start Betting?

If you’re ready to put your knowledge into practice, head over to our [Top New Customer Offers] page where you’ll find the latest free bets and sign-up deals from trusted UK bookmakers.