Double Action
By Kris Lazaro (11/30/2006)
Definition
A “double action” is a type of bet involving 2 separate single bets that are joined together. Also known as in “if bet,” this type of betting is similar to a parlay, with the exception that if the first bet wins and the second bet loses, the player will only lose juice money.
Example
Double action bets can best be explained by this example. If a gambler wishes to bet 2 games but has money left for only one bet, one may choose to have “double action” on these bets. Let us assume that a sports gambler wanted to bet Georgia –7 and USC –7 (each at –110 juice). If the risk is $110 on a double action, the maximum win possible for this bet is $200. The main difference in “if bets” is that the first bet must win, push, be no action, or cancel in order for the second bet to have action. The gambler also has the option of having an “if bet” be ‘action’ or ‘win only’. In ‘action’, the first bet has to either win, push, be no action, or cancel for the second bet to proceed. In ‘win only’, the first bet has to win in order for the second bet to proceed. If the first bet wins and the second one loses, the gambler just looses juice money. In our example, if Georgia had covered the –7 and USC lost the cover of –7, the gambler would only lose $10. If Georgia had covered, $100 would be credited to the account, and the remaining original capital of $110 would be placed on USC. So, if both bets had won (both Georgia and USC covered), the gambler would win a total of $200.
Advantages
Betting this type of bet stretches one’s bankroll and gives the bettor the ability to play 2 games with a limited bankroll. Double action bets also limit the amount of loss a player can assume.
Disadvantages
One main disadvantage in placing double action bets is the limitation that the first bet has to win, push, be no action, or cancel in order for the second bet to have action.
Alternatives
In reality, it is better to play the 2 plays separately as single bets. Although the gambler has to risk twice the amount of money, it is better to lay equal units (2 units in total) on 2 sides than to lay 1 unit on an “if bet”. For example, in the 2 straight bets if the plays go 1-1, the bettor just loses juice money (order does not matter). But, in a double action, if the plays go 1-1, but the first bet loses, the bettor is down 1 unit. Mathematically, it is better to just gamble using straight bets.
Summary
A “double action” bet is another term for an “if bet”. This type of bet includes 2 plays, whereby the first bet has to win, push, be no action, or cancel in order for the second bet to have action.
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