A rule of thumb in sports betting is to always understand the type of wager before placing it. That’s fair, considering that various options exist, one of them being an action reverse bet.
These bet types are complicated at first glance because they work hand-in-hand with another type of wager — the “if bet.” But don’t worry; it’s not as complex as it sounds. In this guide, I will break down an action bet, explaining its meaning, how it works, how to place it, and other essential details you need to get started.
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What is an Action Reverse Bet?
To understand an action reverse bet, you must have a good idea of how if bets work.
An if bet is based on the basic idea of predicting the outcome of an event. They are a type of parlay that always consists of two to seven selections. However, unlike parlays, if bets are executed one after the other.
To illustrate what I mean, consider a parlay with the following picks:
| Game | Your Selection |
| Kansas City Royals (+120) vs Cincinnati Reds (-145) | Cincinnati Reds (-145) to win |
| Washington Nationals (+220) vs Philadelphia Phillies (-275) | Philadelphia Phillies (-275) to win |
These two games are same-day events. The Royals are to play the Reds first, then later in the day, you watch the Nationals go against the Phillies. Keep in mind that you can’t make an if bet on games occurring simultaneously. One has to come before the other.
If this is an if bet, you place a single wager, let’s say $10. You don’t need to worry about the bet amount of the second pick because it depends on the outcome of the first selection.
Now, consider two scenarios where the Reds wins and loses.
- If Reds win, you get a payout of approximately $16.90. In this case, the $16.90 win is automatically placed on the next game (Nationals vs Phillies).
- If the Reds lose, the bet ends there – no wager is placed on the following game.
Don’t mistake the action reverse bet for a teaser. If you’re wondering, “what is a
teaser bet,” here’s your answer: this is a type of wager where you can adjust the point spread in your favor in exchange for lower odds. You can read up on this bet type if you’re interested in learning more.
So What Is Action Reverse Bet?
An action reverse bet involves placing if bets in pairs, but they go in opposite directions. It operates on these principles:
- One: If team A wins, a bet is placed on team B.
- Two: If team B wins, a bet will be placed on team A.
The tricky part is this – since team A plays first, how do you go back in time to place a bet in the second scenario. Basically, once you place the action reverse bet, the sportsbook locks your selection. As such, the second principle kicks in only after the second game has been played and you know the result of the wager.
I’ll give an example to illustrate. But first, I must note that since it’s more than one wager, you risk more money than you would when placing if bets. So, in the case of the parlay above, you’ll spend $20 because the action reverse bet consists of two selections.
Real-Life Action Reverse Bet Example
For this example, you make an action bet with the following selections:
- Minnesota Twins (-110) to win
- Texas Rangers (-110) to win
You wager $110 on each pick; that’s $220 in total.
For the first bet: If the Twins, then the Rangers
- If the Twins win the game, the first bet is successful, and you get $210 ($110 bet plus $100 profit). A $110 bet is automatically placed on the Rangers.
- If the Twins lose, the first bet is lost.
For the second bet: If the Rangers, then the Twins
- If the Rangers win, a $110 bet is placed on the Twins. In this case, the bet pays if the Twins had won the game, as they played earlier.
- If the Rangers lose, no bet is placed on the Twins.
Similar to if bets, action reverse bets can contain more than two selections. The more picks involved, the higher the risk. On the bright side, more risk comes with more substantial payouts.
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Action Reverse Bet Vs Win Reverse Bet
When discussing action reverse bets, another option usually comes up — a win reverse bet. Both are quite similar, as you might have judged from their names, but there is a clear difference. So, what is a win reverse bet?
A win reverse bet consists of if only bet pairs that also go both ways. However, for the sequence to continue, the previous game must win. On the other hand, in an action reverse bet, the sequence can continue if the previous game was a push.
Here’s a win reverse bet example:
- Toronto Blue Jays –105
- Milwaukee Brewers –105
You place a $105 on each pick; that’s $210 spent.
For the first: If Jays, the Brewers.
- The Jays win, and the bet is placed on the Brewers.
- If the Jays loses, the sequence ends; no more bets are placed (same as an action reverse bet).
- If the Jays game is a push, the sequence also ends. Meanwhile, if this was an action reverse bet, the second wager on the Brewers is still triggered.
Both win reverse and reverse action bets differ from round robin bets. For those wondering, “what is a round robin bet,” I advice reading my comprehensive guide to learn how it works as its structure varies from the options I explained here.
How to Place an Action Reverse Bet
The betting process is identical to placing any other type of bet. You only have to follow these steps:
- Choose one of our reputable sportsbooks.
- Sign up by visiting the site, tapping the register icon, and filling out the form.
- Navigate to the cashier and pick a payment method.
- Make a deposit. When doing this, pay attention to the minimum and maximum amount you can pay.
- Claim the welcome bonus if you’re interested.
- Navigate to the sports betting lobby and choose a sport.
- Pick the events you want in the bet. Ensure none of them occurs simultaneously.
- Set your bet amount and confirm your stake.
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Strategies for Making the Most of an Action Reverse Bet
Like every betting option, you only get a payout if your prediction is correct. However, with the right tips, you can minimize risk and make more from your action reverse bet. Here are some tips to use:
Always shop for the best odds. I give the same advise to any bettor engaging in
hedge betting
or any other wagering option. That’s because you get better payouts when you back higher odds compared to those with lower values.
Your Selections Should Have Decent Odds
When making picks, opt for players or teams with decent winning chances. For instance, if you select a big underdog to win, the potential payout will be massive. However, you’ll likely lose that bet because that team has a high losing chance. It’s best to pick sides with better winning odds. This way, that bet has a better chance of getting you a profit.
Do Not Make Too Many Selections
Placing several picks in an action reverse bet is appealing because it promises massive payouts if successful. But, the more your selections, the higher your bet amount and the chances of losing. So, don’t bank on the potential payouts, but consider the risk and how much you might lose and stick to fewer selections.
Pros and Cons of the Action Reverse Bet
There are advantages to placing an action reverse bet, but it also has a drawback you should note. Below are the pros and cons:
- Possible to make profits even if the game ends in a push
- Opportunity to combine multiple bet types
- Potential for higher payouts
- More selections mean higher risk
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Conclusion: Why You Should Use an Action Reverse Bet
Action reverse bets add an interesting twist to parlays. It also attempts to cushion losses, as the two if bets in each pair are not tied – if one loses, you can cash out on the other one. However, an action reverse bet is best for intermediate and experienced bettors. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to fully grasp how if bets work before proceeding to action reverse bets.
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FAQs
🔎 Should I Place an Action Reverse Bet?
Place an action reverse bet only if you have the bankroll to fund it and don’t mind taking risks.
👀 Is An Action Reverse Bet the Same as a Win Reverse Bet?
No, an action reverse differs from a win reverse bet. Both have similarities, but the sequence in action reverse bets continues even if the game ends in a push.
❓ What is the Difference Between an Action Reverse Bet and a Parlay?
A parlay is simply a combination of multiple bets. Each selection must win for the entire bet to pay out. An action reverse bet also combines multiple selections, but it includes more technicalities.
🧐 What is a Reverse Bet?
A reverse bet is a two-way if bet. There are two type of this betting option: a win reverse bet and an action reverse bet.
