Reverse Bet Helper
Understand a US if-bet reverse on two picks, with payouts for every result.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick your odds format
- Enter the odds for both selections
- Enter your unit stake (each of the two if-bets uses this amount)
- See the profit or loss for each of the four possible outcomes
Formula
A reverse bet is two if-bets in opposite orders. Each if-bet places a second wager only if the first wins.
Both win: 2 × ((O₁ − 1) + (O₂ − 1)) × stake
Selection 1 wins, 2 loses: (O₁ − 3) × stake
Selection 2 wins, 1 loses: (O₂ − 3) × stake
Both lose: −2 × stake
Total exposure = 2 × unit stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reverse bet?
A reverse bet (sometimes called an if-bet reverse) is two conditional bets set up in opposite orders. If your first selection wins, your unit stake carries over to the second selection — and the same idea runs the other way too. Your total stake works out to 2× the unit stake.
How is a reverse different from a parlay?
A parlay needs every selection to win before it pays anything. A reverse still pays out when only one wins (though at a loss, since you’ve risked the second leg). Reverses hand you some partial protection, in exchange for less upside than a parlay.
When does it make sense to use a reverse bet?
Reverses come in handy when you’ve got two confident picks but want to limit the damage if one slips up. They’re popular in US sports betting where parlay-style products are restricted. The maths usually leans slightly towards straight singles, unless one selection carries very specific risk-management value.
What separates an if-bet from a reverse?
An if-bet runs in one direction only: A → B (B only kicks in if A wins). A reverse is two if-bets pointing opposite ways: A → B AND B → A. A reverse covers more outcomes, but it doubles your stake.