If-Bets & Reverses In Sports Betting
Most bettors are familiar with straight bets, parlays, and teasers, but if-bets and reverse bets often fly under the radar. While they are available at most sportsbooks, they’re rarely used—and for good reason. These bet types offer an alternative way to wager on multiple selections while managing risk, but they come with limitations that make them less appealing than traditional betting strategies.
The key difference between if-bets and parlays is that if-bets allow you to carry over your stake to a second bet, but only if your first bet wins. Reverse bets take this concept a step further by combining two if-bets in opposite orders. While these wagers can be useful in specific situations, they often limit flexibility and create unnecessary risk compared to placing individual straight bets.
Understanding how these bets work is essential before incorporating them into your strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down if-bets and reverse bets, explore their advantages and drawbacks, and help you determine whether they’re worth adding to your betting strategy.
What are If Bets In Sports Betting
An if-bet is similar to making two straight bets, but instead of being able to collect your profits after a single win, you have to wager on at least one other selection. Payouts on if-bets won’t be anywhere near parlay payouts, but keep in mind that you’re giving yourself the chance to win two bets while risking the amount of a single wager. Let’s take a look at the possible outcomes of an if-bet when betting $110 to win $100 (standard -110 odds).
When Both Sports Bets Win
We place a $110 if-bet on two teams. The first selection wins, so our funds are rolled over and wagered on our second selection. That bet wins as well. In this scenario, we profit $200.
First Leg Wins & Second Leg Loses
This outcome is the same as if we won one straight bet and lost another. Since we win our 1st wager, our $110 then goes to the 2nd leg of our bet. In this scenario, we are left with -$10 profit from paying the bookmaker’s vig.
First Leg Loses & Second Leg Wins
Unfortunately, this is a caveat of if-bets. If your first leg loses, the wager is graded as a loss, regardless of the outcome of the second wager. In this scenario, you lose your $100 stake, plus the $10 vig.
When Both Legs Lose In Sports Betting
If-bets are rarely used because they offer little value. Placing two separate straight bets is the better +EV decision if your bankroll allows it.
If your bankroll is small, an if-bet may seem like an option, but it doesn’t make much sense—if the first leg loses, the entire bet is graded as a loss. If you’re down to your last few dollars, you probably shouldn’t be betting at all.
What Are Reverse Bets In Sports Betting
A reverse bet is similar to an if-bet but ties two if-bets together in opposite order.
For example, with $110 to bet on two -110 priced wagers—Arizona Cardinals +7.5 and Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5—a single if-bet risks losing the entire stake if the first leg loses. Instead, a reverse bet splits the stake into two $55 if-bets:
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One with the Cardinals first, Steelers second
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One with the Steelers first, Cardinals second
Reverse bets don’t change payouts but reduce risk by ensuring both teams get a chance to trigger the second wager. Payouts are calculated the same way as standard if-bets, just across two bets.
Win Reverse Bet – Explained
In a win reverse bet, the initial wagers within the if bets must have action and win. If the first game is graded as no action, the secondary bet is not placed and the bet loses.
If-Bets & Reverses In Sports Betting – In Conclusion
While if-bets and reverse bets may seem like useful tools for managing your bankroll, they often come with unnecessary restrictions. The inability to continue betting if the first leg loses makes these wagers less favorable than standard straight bets or even parlays. For bettors with a solid bankroll, placing individual straight wagers is almost always the better choice.
If you do decide to use these bet types, consider opting for reverse bets instead of single if-bets to reduce risk. However, for most sports bettors, a more traditional approach to wagering will yield better long-term results. The smartest strategy is to understand your options, assess the value of each bet, and make informed decisions based on your bankroll, risk tolerance, and overall betting goals.
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