A bet backs a predicted outcome. That could be a team winning, a match producing a certain total, or another occurrence during play. Before choosing a selection, understand three things: the market, the odds and the bet slip. Each answers a different question about the wager.
A fixture is a sports event scheduled within a tournament, while a market is a type of bet offered on that fixture. Jabula Bets makes events available through its sports betting page, with football, rugby, cricket and tennis among the sports covered. Market availability varies by sport, region and tournament.
Betting Terms at a Glance
A single bet covers one outcome. An accumulator links several selections, and the odds describe the price attached to an outcome, helping to calculate a winning return. Remember these differences when reading a betting page: the odds format, market and bet type all describe different aspects of the same wager.
| Category | Term | What it describes |
| Odds format | Decimal | Total return per unit staked on a winning bet |
| Odds format | Fractional | A price commonly written with a slash or hyphen |
| Market | Match Result | A home win, draw or away win, excluding extra time |
| Market | Total | Whether a statistic finishes above or below a quoted value |
| Bet type | Single | A bet on one outcome |
| Bet type | Accumulator | Linked selections that must all succeed |
The stake is the amount of money committed to the bet. The potential return depends on this amount and the odds selected.
Read Decimal Odds and Implied Probability
Decimal odds include the stake returned. To calculate the total return for a standard winning bet, multiply the stake by the decimal price. Then subtract the stake to find the net profit.
For example, a R50 stake at decimal odds of 3.00 would return R150 if successful. R50 x 3.00 = R150. Subtracting the original stake of R50 leaves a profit of R100.
The same price also represents an implied probability. Divide 1 by 3.00 and multiply by 100 to get an approximate result of 33.3%. This is the implied likelihood, not a guarantee of the outcome. Prices can change while the market remains open.
Decimal odds show total return; profit excludes the original stake. (source: European Gaming)
Understand the Common Markets
In Football Match Result, there are three possible outcomes. ‘1’ means a home win, ‘X’ means a draw, and ‘2’ means an away win. Extra time is excluded.
Totals relate to a specific statistic, typically the combined score of both teams. In football, standard totals count the goals scored by both teams unless stated otherwise. A typical line is 2.5 goals, and an ‘over’ or ‘under’ selection predicts whether the total will be above or below that figure.
Both Teams to Score concerns whether each team scores at least once. A combined 1X2 + Both Teams to Score market requires both predictions to be correct: Home + Yes, for instance, needs a home win with both teams scoring.
In handicap betting, the favourite is given a points disadvantage, while the underdog is given an equivalent advantage. The favourite must win by a margin greater than the handicap, while the underdog can win outright or lose by a smaller margin. If the winning margin is exactly equal to the handicap, the result is a ‘push’ and the stakes are refunded.
Separate Singles from Accumulators
A double contains two selections. A treble contains three selections, and for an accumulator bet to win, every selection must succeed. If one selection loses, the accumulator loses.
Consider a double bet, where each selection is priced at decimal odds of 2.00. The combined odds are 4.00. A successful R50 stake would return R200, including R150 profit.
Accumulators offer the potential for larger payouts if all selections win, but they are riskier than simpler bets. You can also place multiple singles at the same time, keeping each outcome in a separate wager. However, some selections cannot be combined in an accumulator.
Use the Bet Slip Step by Step
The bet slip records your selections. It also shows the odds and stake, and allows you to submit your wager. You can change an online slip before confirming it.
- First, choose the fixture. Then, select the market and outcome that you want to bet on.
- Select the type of bet, distinguishing between singles and accumulators.
- Enter the stake for the intended bet type in the corresponding box.
- Make sure you review the predictions, odds and stake before confirming your bet.
Many bookmakers’ slips display potential winnings. Remember to distinguish total return from profit.
On Jabula Bets, a lock icon beneath an outcome indicates that bets cannot be placed on it. A green line or dot indicates a price increase, while a red one indicates a decrease.
Check the selection, price, bet type and stake before confirmation. (source: Outplayed)
Keep the Stake Within a Budget
The stake determines your financial commitment. Choose that amount before confirming, and check that it sits against the intended single or accumulator rather than another bet-slip option.
Flat staking and unit staking are money-management approaches used in betting. For beginners, the basic recommendation is small stakes within an affordable budget. Stick to sports you know and avoid decisions driven by emotion.
A longer price offers a larger payout for a successful selection, but also reflects a lower likelihood assessment. Separate your stake decision from the appeal of a large potential return. Set your stake limit at an amount that you can afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the favourite always win? No outcome comes with a guarantee. Odds reflect how likely a result is considered to be, and an expected outcome can still fail to happen.
Are decimal and fractional odds different bets? They are different ways of expressing prices. Equivalent formats describe the same underlying probability and potential payout.
What does double chance cover? It combines two match results: 1X covers home win or draw, 12 covers either team winning, and X2 covers draw or away win.
What is a banker? It is a designated selection included in every combination of a combination bet. Use that feature only when you intend to choose combination betting.
18+ only. Gambling involves the risk of losing money. National counselling line: 0800 006 008.
