What Are System Bets in Sports Betting?
System bets are a popular strategy that allows bettors to place multiple combinations of bets from a set of selections. Unlike traditional accumulator bets, where all selections must win, system bets provide a safety net, meaning you can still win if some of your selections lose. This makes system bets an appealing option for those who want to reduce risk while aiming for higher returns.
If you enjoy accumulator betting but want to lower the chance of a total loss, system bets can be your go-to. This guide will explain how system bets work, explore the different types of system bets, and offer tips to maximize your chances of winning.
How Do System Bets Work?
A system bet involves placing multiple bets on combinations of your selections from different events. The key advantage of system bets over traditional accumulator bets is that you don’t need every selection correct to win. For example, in a Trixie system bet, you only need two correct selections to win a profit.
Why choose system bets?
- Safety Net: You don’t need every selection to win.
- Reduced Risk: You can still get a return even if some selections are lost.
- Higher Potential Returns: More complex systems cover more combinations, increasing your chances for big payouts.
Types of System Bets
System bets come in different formats, each offering varying levels of coverage and potential payouts. Here are some of the most popular system bet types:
1. Trixie Bet
- Selections: 3
- Total Bets: 4 (1 accumulator, 3 doubles)
- How It Works: The Trixie bet includes 1 accumulator with all three selections and 3 doubles. You need at least two correct selections to win.
2. Patent Bet
- Selections: 3
- Total Bets: 7 (1 accumulator, 3 doubles, 3 singles)
- How It Works: Similar to the Trixie but includes 3 single bets. You can win from just one correct selection, thanks to the singles.
3. Yankee Bet
- Selections: 4
- Total Bets: 11 (6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold accumulator)
- How It Works: You can win with just two correct selections. It’s more complex than the Trixie but offers more betting options.
4. Lucky 15 Bet
- Selections: 4
- Total Bets: 15 (4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold accumulator)
- How It Works: A Lucky 15 adds singles on each selection to the structure of the Yankee. You can get a return even if only one selection wins.
5. Heinz Bet
- Selections: 6
- Total Bets: 57 (15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds, 1 six-fold accumulator)
- How It Works: Heinz bets cover 57 combinations, offering more ways to win with multiple selections. These bets can result in enormous payouts but at a higher cost.
6. Super Heinz Bet
- Selections: 7
- Total Bets: 120 (21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, 7 six-folds, 1 seven-fold accumulator)
- How It Works: This system increases the number of combinations even further, offering a vast potential payout for bettors who can handle the significant stake.
7. Goliath Bet
- Selections: 8
- Total Bets: 247 (28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds, 1 eight-fold accumulator)
- How It Works: The Goliath system is the most complex, covering 247 possible combinations. It’s for experienced bettors with a larger bankroll.
How to Place a System Bet: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to place a system bet with ease:
- Choose a Bookmaker: Find a reputable bookmaker that supports system betting.
- Deposit Funds: Add funds to your betting account.
- Pick Your Sport: Select your preferred sport and browse available events.
- Make Your Selections: Choose the outcomes you think will happen.
- Choose Your System: Select a system bet type like Trixie, Yankee, or Heinz.
- Set Your Stake: Decide how much you want to wager.
- Place the Bet: Confirm your selections and place your bet.
Example of a Trixie System Bet
Let’s say you’re betting on Premier League matches. Here’s an example of a Trixie system bet:
Matches:
- Chelsea vs. Manchester City
- West Ham vs. Aston Villa
- Newcastle vs. Southampton
Selections:
- Chelsea to win
- West Ham to win
- Newcastle to win
System Bet Breakdown:
- Double 1: Chelsea to win + West Ham to win
- Double 2: Chelsea to win + Newcastle to win
- Double 3: West Ham to win + Newcastle to win
- Treble: Chelsea to win + West Ham to win + Newcastle to win
Possible Outcomes:
- All three teams win: You win all 4 bets.
- Two teams win, one loses: You win one of the doubles and get a return.
- Only one team wins: You get no payout because at least two selections need to be correct for a Trixie to pay out.
System Bet Calculator: Simplify Your Betting
Calculating potential winnings with system bets can be complicated. Thankfully, system bet calculators can help! Input your selections, odds, and system type, and the calculator will show you the possible outcomes and potential profits.
Pros and Cons of System Bets
Like all betting strategies, system bets come with both pros and cons. Let’s take a look at them:
Pros:
- Safety Net: You don’t need every selection to win.
- Reduced Risk: You can win even if some selections lose.
- Higher Returns: More complex system bets can lead to big payouts.
- Versatility: You can use system bets in most sports.
Cons:
- Costly: Some systems, especially the Heinz or Goliath, require a more significant stake.
- Complexity: Some systems, such as the Goliath, can be challenging to understand.
- No Guaranteed Profit: Even with a system bet, there’s no guarantee of making a profit.
