Reverse Bet Guide: How Action Reverse Wagers Work

A reverse bet is a combination of two if bets running in opposite directions. Instead of betting one sequence where Selection A must win before Selection B activates, a reverse bet places both possible sequences simultaneously: A-then-B and B-then-A. This removes the importance of selection order while doubling the stake required.

What Is a Reverse Bet?

A reverse bet consists of two if bets covering both possible orders between two selections. With a standard if bet, you choose which selection comes first in the sequence. With a reverse bet, both orderings are placed automatically.

For a two-team reverse bet, you are essentially making:

• If Bet 1: Team A wins, then bet on Team B
• If Bet 2: Team B wins, then bet on Team A

This structure ensures that regardless of which game settles first or which team wins, you have action in both directions. The tradeoff is that reverse bets cost twice as much as a single if bet since you are placing two conditional wagers.

How Reverse Bets Work

Understanding reverse bets requires knowing how if bets function. Each component of a reverse bet follows the same conditional logic.

If Bet Component 1: Your stake goes on Selection A. If A wins, the stake plus winnings roll to Selection B.

If Bet Component 2: Your stake goes on Selection B. If B wins, the stake plus winnings roll to Selection A.

Both if bets run independently. The outcomes depend on which selections win.

Scenario	Selection A	Selection B	Result
Both Win	Win	Win	Maximum profit - both if bets complete
A Wins, B Loses	Win	Lose	If Bet 1 loses on B, If Bet 2 never starts
B Wins, A Loses	Lose	Win	If Bet 1 never starts, If Bet 2 loses on A
Both Lose	Lose	Lose	Maximum loss - lose both initial stakes

The key insight is that going 1-for-2 on your selections results in losing both if bet sequences. You only profit when both selections win.

Reverse Bet Example with Numbers

Let us walk through a $50 reverse bet on two NFL games at -110 odds each.

Total stake: $100 ($50 per if bet direction)

If Bet 1: $50 on Eagles -3. If Eagles win, $95.45 rolls to Cowboys +7.

If Bet 2: $50 on Cowboys +7. If Cowboys win, $95.45 rolls to Eagles -3.

Scenario: Both Teams Cover

If Bet 1: $50 becomes $95.45 becomes $182.27 (profit: $132.27) If Bet 2: $50 becomes $95.45 becomes $182.27 (profit: $132.27) Total profit: $264.54

Scenario: Eagles Win, Cowboys Lose

If Bet 1: Eagles win ($95.45) then Cowboys lose (-$95.45). Net: $0 If Bet 2: Cowboys lose. Sequence ends. Net: -$50 Total loss: -$50

Scenario: Both Lose

If Bet 1: Eagles lose. Sequence ends. Net: -$50 If Bet 2: Cowboys lose. Sequence ends. Net: -$50 Total loss: -$100

Reverse Bet vs If Bet

The main difference between reverse bets and if bets is order flexibility versus cost.

Feature	If Bet	Reverse Bet
Number of Sequences	1	2
Order Matters	Yes	No
Cost	1x stake	2x stake
Break-Even Requirement	First selection must win	Both selections must win

If bets are cheaper but require you to correctly order your selections. Reverse bets eliminate order risk but cost twice as much and still require both selections to win for meaningful profit.

Reverse Bet vs Parlay

How do reverse bets compare to parlays?

Parlays combine selections into one bet where all must win. A two-team parlay at -110 each pays roughly +264.

Reverse bets are two if bets. When both selections win, the payout is similar to a parlay. When one selection loses, the reverse bet loses less than the parlay stake because one if bet sequence may partially complete.

The practical difference is minimal for two selections. Reverse bets offer slight loss mitigation in split scenarios but cost more upfront. Most bettors prefer parlays for simplicity or if bets for cost efficiency.

Action Reverse vs Regular Reverse

Some sportsbooks offer two types of reverse bets based on how pushes are handled.

Regular Reverse: If a selection pushes, that if bet sequence stops. The push selection returns the stake, and the sequence does not continue.

Action Reverse: If a selection pushes, the sequence continues. The stake rolls forward to the next selection as if the push did not happen.

Action reverses provide more continuity when pushes occur. Regular reverses are more conservative. Check your sportsbook rules to understand which version they offer.

Advantages of Reverse Bets

Order Independence

With reverse bets, you do not need to decide which selection should come first. Both orderings are covered. This is valuable when you have equal confidence in both selections or when game timing makes ordering difficult.

Partial Loss Mitigation

Compared to parlays, reverse bets can lose slightly less in split scenarios depending on the specific odds and outcomes. The conditional structure provides some cushion.

Familiar Structure

If you already understand if bets, reverse bets are straightforward. They are simply two if bets combined.

Disadvantages of Reverse Bets

Double the Cost

Reverse bets require twice the stake of a single if bet. This increases your total risk even though each individual if bet has limited downside.

Both Must Win

Despite the bidirectional structure, you still need both selections to win for meaningful profit. Going 1-for-2 typically results in a loss. This is similar to parlays.

Complexity

Reverse bets confuse many bettors. The conditional mechanics and multiple sequences create mental overhead. Simpler bet types often achieve similar results.

Limited Availability

Not all sportsbooks offer reverse bets. Those that do may have different rules. Check availability and house rules before planning around this bet type.

When to Use Reverse Bets

Reverse bets make sense in specific situations.

When you cannot determine order: If two games start at similar times or you have equal confidence in both, a reverse bet removes the need to choose which comes first.

When you prefer if bet structure but want flexibility: If you like conditional wagers but want both directions covered, reverse bets combine that preference with order insurance.

When comparing to parlays: In some scenarios, reverse bet payouts and risk profiles are preferable to straight parlays. Run the numbers for your specific selections.

Reverse Bet Strategy Tips

Compare to Alternatives

Before placing a reverse bet, calculate what a parlay or two straight bets would return. Reverse bets are not always the optimal choice. Do the math for your specific situation.

Consider Round Robins

For three or more selections, round robin betting may offer better flexibility than multiple reverse bets. Round robins create multiple parlay combinations automatically.

Stick to Two Selections

Reverse bets are most practical with two selections. More selections create exponentially more if bet combinations, increasing cost and complexity without proportional benefit.

Track Results

Keep records of your reverse bet outcomes. Analyze whether the structure provides value compared to simpler alternatives over your betting history.

Manage Stake Size

Remember that reverse bets cost twice your base stake. Account for this when sizing your bets relative to your bankroll.

Reverse Bets at Sportsbooks

Availability varies by sportsbook. Some books prominently feature reverse bets in their bet slip options. Others require manual selection or do not offer them at all.

When available, reverse bets typically appear after you select two games for an if bet. Look for an option to make it a reverse or action reverse instead of a one-way if bet.

Read the house rules carefully. Push handling, maximum selections, and payout calculations can differ between books.

Reverse bets serve a niche purpose for bettors who want if bet structure without committing to a specific order. For most situations, parlays or straight bets are simpler. Understanding reverse bets expands your options, but they are not essential for typical betting strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reverse bet?

A reverse bet is a combination of two if bets running in opposite directions. Instead of choosing which selection comes first, a reverse bet places both possible sequences simultaneously: A-then-B and B-then-A. This eliminates the importance of selection order but requires double the stake since you are placing two separate conditional wagers.

What is the difference between a reverse bet and an if bet?

An if bet requires you to choose which selection comes first in the sequence, costs one stake, and only runs in that single direction. A reverse bet covers both possible orderings automatically, costs double the stake, and removes order dependency. Both require winning selections to profit, but reverse bets provide order flexibility at higher cost.

How much does a reverse bet cost?

A reverse bet costs exactly twice the amount of a single if bet because you are placing two if bet sequences. If you want to place a $50 reverse bet, you need $100 total: $50 for the A-then-B sequence and $50 for the B-then-A sequence. This doubled cost is the main tradeoff for eliminating order risk.

When should you use a reverse bet instead of a parlay?

Use a reverse bet when you want slight loss mitigation in split scenarios where one selection wins and one loses. Reverse bets can lose less than a full parlay stake in these situations due to their conditional structure. However, when both selections win, the payouts are similar. For most bettors, parlays offer simpler execution with nearly identical results.

What is an action reverse bet?

An action reverse bet is a variation where the if bet sequences continue even if a selection pushes. With a regular reverse bet, a push ends that sequence and returns the stake. With an action reverse, the push is treated as if it did not happen, and the stake rolls forward to the next selection. This provides more continuity when point spreads or totals land exactly on the number.

Do both teams have to win for a reverse bet to profit?

Yes. While a reverse bet covers both directional sequences, you still need both selections to win for meaningful profit. If you go 1-for-2 on your selections, both if bet sequences will result in losses or break-even at best. The bidirectional structure provides order flexibility, not outcome insurance.

What sportsbooks offer reverse bets?

Reverse bet availability varies significantly between sportsbooks. Some books feature reverse bets prominently in their bet slip interface after selecting multiple games. Others do not offer them at all. When available, reverse bets typically appear as an option alongside if bets. Check your specific sportsbook's exotic bet offerings and read their house rules for push handling and payout calculations.

Are reverse bets better than round robin bets?

Reverse bets work best with exactly two selections, while round robins excel with three or more selections. For two picks, reverse bets and simple two-team round robins function similarly. For three or more selections, round robins create multiple parlay combinations more efficiently than stacking reverse bets. Choose based on your number of selections and desired bet structure.