One type of sports bet gaining momentum at bookmakers is a Round Robin bet. A Round Robin is a risk vs. reward bet that lets punters combine multiple bets into a number of Parlay bets (Combination or Accumulators).
As the Round Robin bets are more suited for experienced punters, this article will explain what is a Round Robin, how does a Round Robin bet work, how much does a Round Robin bet cost, and the difference between a Round Robin bet in the UK and the US.
What is a Round Robin Bet
A Round Robin bet is designed to allow you to stake three to ten parlay bets at once. When you make a Round Robin, you’re betting on every possible parlay combo within the selected wagers. Round Robin bets are typically used in horse racing and football markets. They are made up of doubles, trebles, and singles.
A Round Robin bet creates all possible matchups based on the selections. The best part is that you don’t have to win every parlay, as each is a separate wager. The point of this is to maximize your profit/returns.
How to Bet Round Robins?
As explained, a Round Robin bet has multiple stages, and for some bettors, understanding how a Round Robin works can be challenging. As this is a sports bet, understanding how it works is as important as knowing what a Round Robin bet is. To understand this better, I have provided a three selection round robin bet as an example.
You opt to select two horse racing bets for your round robin (Montys Star 12/1 (13.00), The Real Whacker 33/1 (34.00) and pair it with a Premier League bet (Arsenal 1.80). The bookie will use your picks to create four parlays:
- Montys Star – The Real Whacker
- The Real Whacker – Arsenal
- Montys Star – Arsenal
- Montys Star, The Real Whacker and Arsenal all to win (another parlay with all three bets)
To place a Round Robin bet, here are the steps you will need to follow:
- Choose at least 3 selections from 3 different events. This can combine different sports, like 2 selections from the Cheltenham Festival from the Cheltenham odds available and a Premier League selection.
- You’ll then need to add your selections to your betslip and select the multiple betting option.
- Next, you will need to enter your stake. Remember that your stake will be multiplied by the number of events/selections in your Round Robin bet.
- After entering your stake, if horse racing betting, you can opt for each-way betting. Bear in mind that this will double the stakes you’re risking.
- Once you’ve made your selections, click the Place Bet button to confirm and submit your Round Robin bet.
What is the Difference of Round Robin Between the UK and the US?
First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between a UK Round Robin bet and a US Round Robin bet.
A UK Round Robin is made up of three selections and 10 individual bets. The pattern of the bet is:
- one treble
- three single-stake up and down bets (each single has two bets)
- three doubles
A U.S round robin bet is similar in so far as it lets punters combine multiple parlay bets into one bet. Once three selections have been made, the Round Robin will create every possible combination based on your selections.
For example, if you have three separate favourites in NBA games to win, let’s say LA Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, then your US Round Robin Bet will feature the following combinations:
- Lakers & Raptors to Win
- Lakers & Bucks to Win
- Raptors & Bucks to Win
That way, you have three separate bets, and if one of the teams doesn’t win and the others do win, you will still have a winning combination. Instead, if you make a parlay bet with all three selections and one of them loses, your bet will be lost overall.
Ideally, I suggest using a Round Robin calculator to help you calculate the potential winnings. A Round Robin calculator allows you to select several options (Each way bet/Show Rule 4), the outcome, the odds, the format, the selection count, and the parlay size. Bettors can then enter the stake per bet amount to calculate the total outlay, return, and profit.
Round Robin Bet vs Other Combination Bets: What is the Difference?
The difference between a Round Robin bet and other combination bets is determined by the type of combination bet in question. In addition to Round Robin bets, there are Trixie bets, Yankee bets, patent bets, and lucky bets. That said, let’s summarize the differences:
Round Robin Bet
A Round Robin bet is a multi-selection parley that spreads the risk over a number of smaller bets. It consists of singles, doubles, and trebles.
Trixie Bet
A Trixie bet consists of four bets derived from three selections. It includes three doubles, and one treble. To see a return from this type of bet, bettors must successfully pick two winners.
Yankee Bet
A Yankee bet is a multi-selection bet that is split across 11 individual bets from four selections. This type of bet consists of six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator.
Patent Bet
A patent bet is an accumulator bet consisting of seven bets on three selections. It consists of a treble, three singles, and three doubles.
Lucky 15 Bet
The Lucky 15 bet is a combo bet of four selections across fifteen individual bets. This consists of 1 four-fold accumulator, 4 singles, 4 trebles, and 6 doubles.
Is It Worth it to Use Round Robin Bets? Nostrabet’s Thoughts
After explaining the round robin bet meaning and knowing how to work out a round robin bet, the question is whether it is worth it to use round robin bets. The answer is yes, but that ultimately depends on whether you enjoy placing them or not.
Personally, I find Round Robin betting is worth it as it increases my chances of winning. I also like the flexibility this type of betting provides. That said, the sheer number of games, teams, and bets involved makes Round Robin betting experience, and at times, the higher stakes impact the profit margins.
Therefore, it makes it hard to determine whether it makes sense to place Round Robin bets. Ultimately, that is a decision that only you, as a bettor, can answer.