What is a Bet Builder and How Does it Work?

Avatar for Øystein Winje Øystein Winje
2025-01-17
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Bet builders are a great way to personalise your bets and focus on a single match or event. Instead of sticking to just one market, you can combine multiple selections, such as predicting goals, corners, and cards, into one customised wager. It gives you the freedom to craft a bet that suits your preferences.

What makes bet builders popular is that everything happens within the same game. You are not relying on results from multiple matches like you would with an accumulator, making it an easier way to keep track of your bets.

In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know: what bet builders are, how they work, tips for making the most of them, and where to find the best platforms to get started. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Bet Builder?

Let’s start with the fundamentals.

A bet builder is a tool that allows you to create a customised bet by combining multiple selections from the same match or event.

Think of it as piecing together your ideal bet, where you decide exactly what to include.

For example, in a football match, you might choose the total number of goals, how many corners will be taken, and if a specific player will receive a card. Each of these predictions forms part of your bet. The odds are calculated based on your combined selections, and the more you add, the higher the potential payout – though every selection needs to come in for the bet to win.

Bet builders are widely used in football but work just as well in other sports like basketball or tennis. If you enjoy focusing on the finer details of a match, a bet builder is the perfect way to make your betting more personal.

A smartphone showing the bet builder at William Hill

Best Bet Builder Sites

Finding the best platform for your bet builder bets can make all the difference. The ideal site should offer a wide range of markets, user-friendly tools, and competitive odds. Here’s what to consider when choosing where to build your bets:

  • Market Variety: The best sites offer plenty of options, from goals and corners to player stats and cards.
  • Ease of Use: A straightforward interface makes building your bets quick and hassle-free.
  • Competitive Odds: Look for platforms that consistently provide strong odds for your selections.
  • Promotions and Features: Some bookmakers enhance the experience with offers, cash-out options, and unique bet builder tools.

Top Bet Builder Sites

William Hill

4.8/5
£30 in Free Bets or 200 Free Spins or 400% Bonus
#ad 18+ – Minimum deposit £10. Minimum odds 2.00. Max bonus £30 in free bets. For new players only. T&C’s apply. Gambleaware.org
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Betfred Sport

4.7/5
£50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

Mr Play Sport

4.7/5
£10 Free Bet Token
Minimum deposit £10. Max bonus £10 bet token. Minimum odds 2.00. For new players only. Full T&C’s apply.
Casino & Sports Bonus

BETRINO

4.6/5
100% up to £200 + 20 Free Spins
New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 50 x wagering for the bonus. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 Days from receipt / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 x the bonus amount. Limited to 5 brands within the ProgressPlay network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Skrill payment method is excluded. Full Terms apply.

BetUK

4.6/5
50 Free Spins + £30 Free Bets
New customers only. 18+. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply. Casino bonus: Opt in & deposit £10 in 7 days & wager 1x in 7 days on any eligible casino games (excluding live casino and table games) for 50 Free Spins. Wagering contributions vary. Free Spins worth 10p each on Big Bass Splash. 3 day expiry. Sports bonus: Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7-day expiry.
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Why Choose One of These Bookmakers?

Choosing one of the bookies in the list means betting with platforms that offer trusted bet builder tools and a top-notch user experience. These sites are known for:

  • Reliability: You can trust these bookmakers to settle bets accurately and on time.
  • Exclusive Features: Many of these sites offer unique bet builder tools, making it easier to customise your bets exactly how you want.
  • Ongoing Promotions: With regular offers and free bet opportunities, these bookmakers help you get more value out of your stake.

By sticking with trusted platforms, you can enjoy building your bets without worrying about clunky interfaces or limited market options.

How Do Bet Builders Work?

Creating a bet builder is straightforward, but it’s all about combining the right picks to suit your predictions. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick an Event: Start by selecting a match or event where a bet builder is available. Football is the most popular choice, but you’ll find bet builders for other sports like basketball and tennis too.
  2. Choose Your Markets: You’ll get a range of options, like the total number of goals, player shots, corners, or even cards. Pick the markets you want to include. For example, you could predict a striker to score anytime, a total of over 2.5 goals in the match, and at least four corners in the first half.
  3. Add to Your Bet Slip: As you make your selections, they’ll automatically be added to your bet slip. The odds for your combined picks will update as you go along.
  4. Review and Place Your Bet: Once you’ve built your bet, double-check your choices and the odds. If everything looks good, set your stake and place the bet.

Remember, every selection needs to win for the bet builder to pay out. That’s why it’s crucial to think carefully about each leg and avoid conflicting predictions, like backing both teams to keep a clean sheet while also betting on both teams to score.

Advantages of Bet Builders

Bet builders have become a favourite for a good reason. They give you the freedom to create bets tailored exactly to what you think will happen. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. Customisation: With a bet builder, you are in control. You can mix and match markets like goals, corners, cards, and more, all within the same game. It is a chance to make your bet as straightforward or as ambitious as you like.
  2. Focus on One Game: Unlike accumulators, which rely on multiple matches, bet builders let you focus entirely on a single event. This makes it easier to keep track and enjoy the game while your bet plays out.
  3. Better Odds: Combining selections often results in enhanced odds compared to placing separate bets on each market. The more legs you add, the bigger the potential reward, but remember, the risk increases too.
  4. More Engaging: If you enjoy analysing the finer details of a game, a bet builder lets you put your knowledge to the test. Predict everything from how many goals will be scored to who might see a yellow card.

Bet builders are perfect for anyone who enjoys having a bit more control and creativity in their bets. Just be sure to keep it sensible, as sometimes keeping it simple can be the best strategy.


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Bet Builder Tips and Predictions

If you are looking to get the most out of your bet builder, it’s all about balancing creativity with a bit of strategy. Here are some practical same-match bet builder tips to keep in mind:

  1. Do Your Homework: Research is key to making smart selections. Check stats like player performance, team form, and head-to-head records. For example, if it’s a Premier League match, look at which players are on a scoring streak or how often certain teams rack up corners.
  2. Avoid Conflicting Outcomes: Always double-check your picks to make sure they don’t contradict each other. For instance, backing both teams to score while also predicting a clean sheet for one of them is a surefire way to lose.
  3. Focus on Specific Markets: Some markets are easier to predict than others. Look for informed options like player shots, total number of goals, or corners. These are often based on clear trends and stats that you can analyse.
  4. Experiment with Confidence: Bet builders are meant to be fun, so don’t be afraid to try something new. If you are watching a La Liga match, for example, you might include a player to be carded or total corners in your selections. Just remember to keep it reasonable—less is often more.
  5. Stick to What You Know: While it’s tempting to throw in flashy predictions, focusing on familiar leagues or players can improve your chances. If you follow the Premier League closely, build your bet around games you’ve already analysed.

Examples of Bet Builder Bets with Odds

Below, I’ve written some examples of a few different bet builder bets that you potentially could do. Note that the more absurd the bet is, the odds increase exponentially.

A table with bet builder bets

Difficult to read the table? Download a PDF version below.

Bet Builder Rules and Regulations

Understanding the rules behind bet builders is key to getting the most out of them. While specifics can vary depending on the bookmaker, here are some common regulations you should know.

Market Restrictions

Bet builders usually limit you to certain markets within the same match. Popular options include goals, corners, cards, and specific player stats. However, not all markets that are available for regular bets will be accessible for a bet builder, so check what is on offer before you start.

Selection Limits

Bookmakers often set a maximum number of selections you can include in a single bet builder. This cap typically ranges from 5 to 10 legs, so keep this in mind if you are planning an ambitious wager.

Conflicting Selections

You will not be able to combine bets that contradict each other. For example, selecting both “no goals in the match” and “both teams to score” in the same bet builder simply isn’t allowed. Most platforms will flag these issues automatically.

Void Markets

If one of your selections becomes void, such as when a player doesn’t start the match, your bookmaker will usually adjust your bet accordingly. Some may remove the leg and recalculate the odds, while others might void the entire bet. Always check how voided legs are handled.

Odds Adjustments

As you add or remove legs, the odds in your bet slip will automatically update. Make sure you review the final odds before placing your bet, as they can change with every tweak.

By keeping this in mind, you will avoid any surprises and ensure your bet builder is valid and ready to go. Taking a moment to familiarise yourself with the bookmaker’s specific terms can make all the difference.


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Bet Builder vs. Accumulator

Bet builders and accumulators are two popular options for combining multiple selections into one bet. While they might sound similar, they work quite differently. Let’s break it down to help you decide which one suits your style.

What’s the Difference?

A bet builder allows you to combine multiple selections from the same match into a single customised bet. This is perfect if you want to focus on one game and predict specific outcomes, like total goals, corners, and even player stats.

An accumulator, on the other hand, spreads your bets across multiple matches or events. You might back the winners of several games or combine over/under goal markets across a weekend’s fixtures.

Here’s a quick comparison to make things clearer:

FeatureBet BuilderAccumulator
FocusSingle match or eventMultiple matches or events
CustomisationHighly customisable with specific marketsLimited to basic markets across events
RiskAll selections must win to succeedAll selections must win to succeed
MarketsGoals, corners, cards, player stats, etc.Match results, over/under goals, etc.
Best ForAnalysing and predicting one game in detailPredicting outcomes across several games

When to Choose Which

  • Pick a bet builder if you love focusing on the details of a single game and want a more tailored betting experience.
  • Go for an accumulator if you enjoy combining straightforward predictions across multiple matches for a bigger payout.

Both options offer excitement and variety, so it all depends on how you like to bet. Whether you’re building a detailed bet for a Premier League showdown or piecing together a weekend acca, the choice is yours!

Read my full guide on Acca Betting to learn more.

Cash Out Options for Bet Builders

Cash-out has become a popular feature in online betting, and it’s no different when it comes to bet builders. Many bookmakers now allow you to cash out your bet builder early, letting you lock in a profit or minimise a potential loss. Here’s how it works and what you need to know.

How Cash Out Works for Bet Builders

When you place a bet builder, the bookmaker will often give you the option to cash out before all the legs are completed. The cash-out amount is calculated based on the current odds of your remaining selections. For example:

  • If most of your picks are coming through, your cash-out value will increase.
  • If a critical selection looks unlikely, your cash-out amount will drop.

This option gives you control over your bet, allowing you to decide whether to take an early payout or let it ride until the end.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not Always Available: Some bookmakers don’t offer cash-out on every bet builder. Double-check before placing your bet if cash-out is a must for you.
  • Odds Adjustments: Your cash-out value will change throughout the match depending on how the game plays out.
  • Terms and Conditions: Always check the fine print, as cash-out options can vary between bookmakers and even between individual bets.

When to Cash Out

Cashing out is a personal choice, but here are a couple of scenarios where it might make sense:

  • Your bet is looking good, but there’s still a risk of it turning around (e.g., late-game drama in football).
  • You are happy with the return on offer and don’t want to risk losing it all.

Key Takeaways

Bet builders offer a unique way to make your bets more engaging and personalised. Whether you are crafting a simple wager or building a more ambitious one, they let you focus on the details of a single game in a way that traditional bets often cannot.

The flexibility to choose your own markets, such as goals, corners, and player stats, means you have complete control over your bet. In addition to that, the ability to use cash-out options and explore tools from the best bookmakers makes it clear why bet builders have become so popular.

If you enjoy analysing the finer points of a match and tailoring bets to your predictions, a bet builder might just be your new favourite way to bet. As always, keep it fun, bet responsibly, and enjoy the thrill of creating a wager that is uniquely yours.

Avatar for Øystein Winje
Author Øystein Winje

Øystein is the CEO of the company behind Kabono.com, AyeAye Group. He likes to write about data, statistics and other interesting stories from the gambling industry. Read more about Øystein.