Bet builders have quickly become one of the most popular features on modern bookmakers, and it’s easy to see why. They offer an incredibly flexible way to place a bet by allowing players to combine multiple selections from a single match into one wager. Think of them like an accumulator, but with all your picks coming from one game.
On platforms such as LeoVegas, the popularity of this betting style has grown massively thanks to its versatility and the ability to tailor a bet based on how a match is expected to play out. Many people appreciate this level of detail and control in their betting.
Bet builders allow players to dive deep into the action and select markets that go far beyond the final result. This can add a bit of interest to certain games and how they unfold.
Players may combine markets, like a striker to score and a robust midfielder to get booked, or both teams to accumulate corners. All these elements can be bundled into one custom bet. The interest in a bet builder comes from being able to create your own detailed prediction for the game.
How Do Bet Builders Work?
Bet builders are a way to combine multiple predictions from one match into a single bet. Instead of placing separate bets on each market, bettors can group them together for better odds and a more engaging experience.
The process is simple. Choose a game, then head to the bet builder section. From there, select the different markets you want to incorporate. This includes different markets such as goals, cards, corners, player stats, or even match events like penalties or offsides. Once you've made your selections, the odds are automatically calculated and displayed. You can then choose whether to proceed with the bet. The bet is only successful if every single selection comes through, which is one of the reasons the odds are higher.
Although bet builders are often associated with football, they’re not limited to one sport. NFL and NBA fans can also get involved, using the same concept to build unique bets from single fixtures. There are even more minority sports where bet builders are available.
Some events allow players to combine multiple bet builders from different matches into an accumulator. This opens the door to even more creative betting combinations that span multiple games and sports in one go.
Tips for Bet Builders
Building a bet isn’t just about throwing together random selections. A smart bet builder takes planning and thought rather than just random selections. Here are a few useful tips for creating better bets:
Avoid contradictory picks
One of the biggest mistakes in bet builders is choosing markets that don’t work well together. For example, selecting over 15 shots on target and under 2.5 goals doesn’t always make sense; if both teams are peppering the goal, the scoreline will usually reflect it. Try to build a logical narrative with your picks; it is not likely there will be 18 goals and 20 cards in a game!
Know the players and teams
A good understanding of how a team plays is key. Some sides draw more fouls, whereas others earn corners. If a striker is in form, it might make sense to back them for a goal and shots. Use team stats to guide your decisions. There are so many statistics available to inform your bets.
Less is often more
Adding more selections increases the odds, but it also raises the risk. A simple three-leg builder might offer more realistic value than an ambitious six-leg monster. Try to strike a balance between chance and being realistic. This is also something that can be done with stakes. A lot of people are happier with small stakes on the kinds of bets that are considered long shots.
Mix markets carefully
Diversifying the selections helps. Instead of just focusing on goal-related bets, bettors should consider combining a goalscorer with a bookings market or a corner prediction. This can help you tap into value from across the game.
Check team news before betting
It sounds obvious, but many players forget to check the starting line-ups. If your selected player isn’t on the pitch, that leg of your bet builder is doomed from the start.
Pros & Cons of Bet Builders
Like any feature at a bookmaker, bet builders come with advantages and limitations. Some people steer clear, while others are keen to try to meticulously build. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Full control over custom bets
- Higher odds for lower stakes
- Wide range of markets available
- Available across multiple sports
- Allows bettors to find markets that interest them
Cons:
- All selections must win for the bet to win, so there’s no room for error
- Players need to conduct research for the bets
- Can be tempting to overbuild with unrealistic bets
- Higher variance compared to single bets
Bet Builders in Football
Football remains the most popular sport when it comes to bet builders. This might be because of the huge variety of betting markets on offer. There’s plenty of room to get creative and delve into different areas of the statistics to try to find more value.
A standard football bet builder might include a goalscorer, along with the number of corners in the game and total bookings. Players often mix goal markets like ‘over 2.5 goals’ with something like ‘both teams to score’ or a specific striker to find the net.
There’s also the potential to find value in some of the other markets, like ‘player fouls’ or ‘player to be carded’, especially in heated rivalries or teams known for making a lot of fouls. Some bet builders take a statistical approach, with options like total shots or tackles. There are limitless potential combinations in some games.
Bet Builders in NFL
NFL games offer a completely different set of markets for bet builders, but they still encompass individual and team performance markets. It’s a sport full of numbers, so there’s no shortage of options for people who want to bet on the league.
Some of the most popular picks include predicting the first touchdown scorer, a quarterback’s passing yard total, or whether a running back will rush for a certain number of yards. Others might include defensive stats like interceptions or even fumbles.
Some bettors like to focus on total team points, while others dive into quarter-by-quarter outcomes. The layered structure of the NFL, with offence as well as defense, and special teams means bet builders can be highly specific and targeted.
Combining a wide receiver’s catch count with a field goal market and a winning margin prediction gives a very different feel compared to a basic win bet, but players need to think carefully about what could happen.
Bet Builders in NBA
Basketball is another option for people who want to explore the stats and make a calculated bet. The fast-paced nature of the game makes bet builders unpredictable. The most common selections relate to player performances and markets such as total points scored, assists, rebounds, or even three-pointers made.
Some bettors go for double-double or triple-double outcomes, especially when star players are on form. It’s not just about individuals; there are plenty of team-based markets, too. People can bet on the winning margin or whether a team will lead at half-time and full-time.
You can also include quarter winners or over/under points for a specific period and through the quarters. The NBA's rhythm means stats rack up quickly, and bet builders allow a deeper dive into how each player contributes. Mixing a star’s point tally with assist totals and a result prediction creates a more detailed betslip that reflects the outcome of the game and all the stats constantly being generated.