What Is a Reverse Bet?
A reverse bet (also called action reverse) consists of two if-bets running in opposite directions. It provides more coverage than a parlay while offering higher potential returns than two straight bets.
Structure of a reverse bet:
- If-bet 1: Stake on Selection 1; if it wins, the winnings go as a bet on Selection 2
- If-bet 2: Stake on Selection 2; if it wins, the winnings go as a bet on Selection 1
Total stake = 2 × your individual bet amount
How the Reverse Bet Calculator Works
- Select odds format - Decimal, Fractional, or American
- Enter odds for Selection 1 and Selection 2
- Enter stake per if-bet (total cost is 2× this amount)
- See results for all 4 possible outcomes:
- Both selections win
- Only Selection 1 wins
- Only Selection 2 wins
- Both selections lose
Understanding If-Bets
An if-bet is a conditional bet:
IF Selection A wins → place winnings on Selection B
IF Selection A loses → bet ends, lose original stake
A reverse bet simply creates two if-bets going both ways:
- If A wins → bet on B
- If B wins → bet on A
This gives you coverage regardless of which selection wins first.
Detailed Example
Setup
Selection 1: Patriots at 2.50 (3/2, +150) Selection 2: Lakers at 3.00 (2/1, +200) Stake: $50 per if-bet ($100 total)
Outcome Calculations
Both Win (Best Case)
| If-Bet | Result |
|---|---|
| If-bet 1: $50 on Patriots (wins) | Profit: $50 × (2.50-1) = $75 |
| If-bet 2: $50 on Lakers (wins) | Profit: $50 × (3.00-1) = $100 |
| Net Profit | +$175 |
Only Selection 1 Wins
| If-Bet | Result |
|---|---|
| If-bet 1: $50 on Patriots (wins) | Profit: +$75 |
| If-bet 2: $50 on Lakers (loses) | Loss: -$50 |
| Net Profit | +$25 |
Only Selection 2 Wins
| If-Bet | Result |
|---|---|
| If-bet 1: $50 on Patriots (loses) | Loss: -$50 |
| If-bet 2: $50 on Lakers (wins) | Profit: +$100 |
| Net Profit | +$50 |
Both Lose (Worst Case)
| If-Bet | Result |
|---|---|
| If-bet 1: $50 on Patriots (loses) | Loss: -$50 |
| If-bet 2: $50 on Lakers (loses) | Loss: -$50 |
| Net Profit | -$100 |
Reverse Bet vs Other Bet Types
| Feature | 2 Singles | Reverse | Parlay | Round Robin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Stake | $100 | $100 | $50 | $150+ |
| Both Win | +$175 | +$175 | +$325 | Varies |
| 1 Wins | +$25-50 | +$25-50 | -$50 | Varies |
| Both Lose | -$100 | -$100 | -$50 | -$150 |
| Break-even | 1 win (usually) | 1 win (usually) | Both must win | Depends |
| Complexity | Simple | Medium | Simple | Complex |
Key Insight: Reverse ≈ Two Singles
A reverse bet produces identical results to placing two single bets on the same selections at the same odds. The difference is structural:
- Two singles: Independent bets, no connection
- Reverse: Conditional if-bets, linked outcomes
The practical results are the same, but some bettors prefer the reverse format for tracking purposes or because their sportsbook offers it as a distinct bet type.
When to Use Reverse Bets
Good Scenarios
- Two confident picks in different sports/events
- Want coverage on splits - profit even if only one wins
- Lower risk than parlays - don’t need both to win
- Horse racing - popular for combination plays
- Similar confidence in both picks - no clear “banker”
When to Avoid
- One pick much stronger - just bet it as a single
- Want maximum payout - parlays pay more when both hit
- Budget-conscious - costs 2× a single bet
- Correlated events - if one winning makes the other more/less likely
Reverse Bet with Different Odds
The profit when only one wins depends heavily on the odds:
| Sel 1 Odds | Sel 2 Odds | Both Win | Only 1 | Only 2 | Both Lose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 | 1.50 | +$50 | -$25 | -$25 | -$100 |
| 2.00 | 2.00 | +$100 | $0 | $0 | -$100 |
| 2.50 | 3.00 | +$175 | +$25 | +$50 | -$100 |
| 3.00 | 4.00 | +$350 | +$50 | +$100 | -$100 |
| 5.00 | 5.00 | +$700 | +$150 | +$150 | -$100 |
Note: At 2.00 decimal odds (even money), a single win exactly breaks even.
Advanced: 3-Selection Reverse
Some sportsbooks offer reverses with 3+ selections. This creates 6 if-bets:
- A→B, A→C
- B→A, B→C
- C→A, C→B
Total stake: 6× individual bet Complexity: Increases rapidly with more selections
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a reverse bet the same as 2 if-bets?
Yes, a reverse bet is exactly 2 if-bets running in opposite directions.
Is a reverse bet the same as two singles?
In terms of profit/loss, yes - identical financial outcomes. The difference is structural.
Can I do a reverse with more than 2 selections?
Yes, but it creates 6 if-bet pairs for 3 selections. Gets complex quickly.
When is a reverse bet better than a parlay?
When you’re not confident both will win. A reverse profits if just one wins (at decent odds); a parlay requires both.
What odds do I need for a reverse to break even with one winner?
At 2.00 decimal odds (even money), one winner exactly breaks even. Above 2.00 means profit on a single winner.