Sports Betting Guide and Terms - Double Bet

Definition

A “double bet” is simply the doubling of a normal unit on a particular game. As in the entry of what a ‘unit’ means, a ‘unit’ is simply a percentage of one’s bankroll and is usually 1-2% of said bankroll.

Example

For example, if a sports bettor’s normal unit is $100 and there is a game where he/she wants to have a double bet, the amount of money that the gambler would want to win is simply $200.

Reasons for a double bet

There are multiple reasons why someone might have a double bet: some include, but are not limited to, having a strong feeling about a game, one is on a hot streak, (and vice versa) one is on tilt, the play calls for double units, etc.

A note about double bets

In general if one is following good money management skills, one can often have double bets. One must be careful, though, to designate only the strongest plays double bet plays. As in the money management entry, one should designate a percentage of one’s bankroll as one unit (usually 1-2%). A double bet, hence should be approximately 2-4% of one’s bankroll.

Differences between ‘doubling up’ on a game and making two separate, straight plays

To a sports gambler, the question of whether to double up on a game (using a double bet) or simply just play another side, or total, comes up quite frequently. The author recommends that the sports gambler really take a look at the odds of winning and consider aptly. If one really feels strong about a particular game, then the author suggests to not be afraid of doubling up on such a game. If the sports gambler decides to make this play a single unit and decides to play game, he/she must win both bets to make a profit. By choosing only one game, though, the gambler ensures profit by simply winning one game. Often, gamblers play too many games, some of which are ‘whim’ plays and do not even fall within one’s systems, or angles. This is called playing too much and going outside one’s normal betting regimen—one sure way to lose money and deplete one’s bankroll.

Summary

In summary, a “double bet” is simply the ‘doubling up’ of one’s predetermined unit based on a sports gambler’s bankroll. For example, if one’s unit is $100, a “double bet” would be equal to $200. Several reasons exist why someone might have a “double bet”, some include one being on tilt, one is on a hot streak, the play calls for a bigger unit than a single one, etc.