How Bet Builders Work

Bet builders are a very popular way of sports betting, with different bookmakers having their own unique titles for this feature, with Sky Bet calling them BuildABet and William Hill calling them #YourOdds. In essence, a bet builder is a bet that is created using multiple selections. However, unlike an accumulator that can be placed on multiple different events, a bet builder can only have selections on the same event. These types of bets can range from two selections to several selections, with the bookmaker creating odds depending on how many selections there are and how likely the selections are to happen. Here at OddsMonkey, we will discuss how they work, where they can be placed, the benefits of placing bet builders, and how exactly they link to matched betting.

What Is A Bet Builder

Bet builders can be made from a huge range of selections, from full-time results to goal scorers. Bet builders let the user choose exactly what they want to place bets on. An example could be betting on one team to win the match and both teams to score, which would be considered a relatively simple bet builder with only two selections. There can also be bet builders with 10 selections, which means all of the different requirements need to be met for the bet to succeed.

Where Can Bet Builders Be Placed

Bet builders have become extremely popular throughout sports betting, with most reputable bookmakers having their own version of a bet builder. Bookmakers such as Bet365 and Coral are examples of bookmakers that support bet builders. However, betting exchanges allow for lay bet builders, meaning exchanges such as Betfair and Smarkets allow for bet builders as well. Players can check out other offers from credible bookmakers here at OddsMonkey through our guides, such as our Bet365 free bet guide and our Coral free bet guide.

What Are The Benefits To Bet Builders

What makes bet builders so popular is the freedom given to the user when creating them; players are able to make multiple selections and decide exactly what they want to include in their betting slips. With this additional choice, players can decide if they want to place more selections for a bigger return, with the bet less likely to come in, or to place fewer selections for a smaller return. Bet builders are especially popular amongst football fans, with players able to place stakes on players who commit fouls and correct score lines. Football fans should check out our dedicated football betting guide, which can be of great use even to the most experienced football bettors!

Another key benefit regarding bet builders is the ability for users to get far better odds than just betting on singles. Every selection of the bet builder has odds and these are multiplied together to give the overall odds of the bet builder. Compared to single bets, the prices these multiple selection bets offer are typically much higher, as expected given the lower likelihood of all outcomes occurring in a match.

How Do Bet Builders Work?

Now we know what a bet builder is, let’s take a look at some real examples of how these bet builders actually work. For this example, we will look at the match-up between Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League.

Here at Bet365, we can see the premade bet builders at the bottom of the screen, which are already made by the bookmaker, allowing for quick selections if you think they have good value. However, you can also create your own bet builder by selecting ‘bet builder’ at the top of the screen.

When you are in this menu, you can choose exactly what you want to include in your bet builder, with options such as Players to score or assist, players to have cards, or both teams to score. 

Once you have chosen your options, you will be able to see the odds that are offered by the bookmaker, and it is important to know that all of the options in the bet have to come in. If even one of the legs is unsuccessful, then the bet will not be successful, and no return will be made.

Bet Builder Tips

When placing bet builders, there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration when creating these bets. Here are some things to do when placing bet builders throughout sports:

• Understand The Risks – It must be remembered that every selection added to the bet, no matter how short the price is, increases the risk of it failing, and it should be treated with caution. If you place a bet builder with 10 selections, it will be very unlikely that it comes in, meaning it is important to be wary of how you are placing these bets.
• Research Your Selections – Doing plenty of research is key, as if you bet on obscure markets, the margin for error can be higher. If you place bets on sports that you have knowledge of, then you can look out for where value is throughout the bets.
• Look for Promotions – When placing bets, it is important to check if there are any promotions you can use before placing your bets. Some bet builders have promotions such as free bets and money-back guarantees, which can be used across the market.

How Do Bet Builders Link To Matched Betting

As bet builders are based around multiple different selections in one bet slip, they can be difficult to lay due to the vast amount of combinations that can be created. However, there are certain bets that players can lay off.  In the typical OddsMonkey way, we have a bet builder calculator available, which can help you create matched bets. You can select the back bet, and it will show you which lay bet needs to be placed.

An example of how to place a lay bet with a bet builder could be placing a back bet on Manchester United to win the game and for there to be under 2 match goals. For the lay bet, the user would have to pick Manchester United to score 1 goal and the other team to score 0, meaning the final result would be 1-0 for Manchester United.

To work out the lay stake that is needed, we will need to add the information into the standard matched betting calculator. Then we can use this stake alongside our back bet to add into the calculator with your back stake and commission, which will generate a lay stake and the overall profit or loss. 

Bet Builder FAQs

Bet builders can be quite confusing, which is why we have gone through some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the topic.

What Markets Are Available For A Bet Builder?

A bet builder can be placed throughout a large variety of markets, including match results, both teams to score, over/unders, cards, goalscorers, corners, and much more. In terms of the sports that are available, there are options such as tennis, cricket, basketball, NFL, rugby, and football.

What Is The Difference Between An Acca and A Bet Builder?

An acca involves multiple games, and usually includes betting on a number of results in different matches. However, a bet builder is limited to selections within a single game. 

How Can I See My Bet Builder Odds?

A bet builder’s odds will be constantly changing depending on each selection that is added or subtracted from the bet. If you are interested in seeing what the odds are, you can simply add your selections together, and the bookmaker will provide the available odds. Here is how Bet365 displays the odds for a bet builder: