If Bets and Reverse Bets Explained: How Conditional Wagers Work in Sports Betting
If bets represent one of sports betting's most useful yet underutilized wagering tools, offering built-in risk management that straight bets and parlays cannot provide. By creating conditional relationships between selections, if bets automatically stop your action after a loss, protecting your bankroll without requiring active decision-making during a busy sports day.
Reverse bets take this concept further by covering multiple orderings of the same selections, ensuring you get action regardless of which game finishes first. According to the American Gaming Association, understanding specialized bet types like if bets and reverses helps bettors make more informed wagering decisions and manage their betting activity more effectively.
While these bet types have existed in Nevada sportsbooks for decades, the expansion of legal sports betting across the United States has introduced millions of new bettors to conditional wagering. This guide explains exactly how if bets and reverse bets work, when they offer strategic value, and how they compare to other multi-selection bet types like parlays and teasers.
What Is an If Bet?
An if bet links two or more wagers in a conditional sequence where the outcome of the first bet determines whether subsequent bets are placed. The structure is straightforward: "If Bet A wins, then place Bet B." If the first selection wins, your winnings (or a specified portion) automatically fund the next wager in the sequence. If the first bet loses, the chain stops and no subsequent bets are placed.
This creates automatic stop-loss protection. Consider a common scenario: you want to bet three NFL games on Sunday. With straight bets, you risk your full stake on all three regardless of outcomes. With an if bet sequence, losing the first game prevents money from going to games two and three. Your actual risk depends on what happens, not just what you intended to bet.
If Bet Example
Suppose you place a $110 if bet on the following sequence at standard -110 odds:
| Bet | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Chiefs -3.5 | -110 |
| 2nd (if 1st wins) | Eagles +2.5 | -110 |
Scenario 1: First bet wins
Chiefs cover -3.5. Your $110 bet wins $100. The sportsbook automatically places $110 on Eagles +2.5. If Eagles cover, you profit $200 total ($100 from Chiefs + $100 from Eagles). If Eagles lose, you profit $100 minus the $110 Eagles loss = net loss of $10.
Scenario 2: First bet loses
Chiefs fail to cover. You lose $110, and no bet is placed on the Eagles game. Your total loss is capped at $110 regardless of what happens in the Eagles game.
The key insight: if bets prevent you from doubling down on a bad day. When your first pick loses, you don't compound the damage with subsequent losses.
Action If vs. If-Win-Only Bets
The handling of pushes (ties) creates two distinct if bet variations that significantly affect outcomes. Understanding this distinction is critical before placing if bets, as sportsbooks handle pushes differently. Research from the UNLV International Gaming Institute emphasizes that bettors should always understand push rules before placing conditional wagers.
Action If Bets
Action if bets proceed to the next wager when the first bet either wins OR pushes. A push returns your original stake, and that stake then automatically goes to the second selection. This provides more action but carries additional risk because pushes trigger subsequent bets.
Example: $110 action if bet, first game pushes at exactly -3. Your $110 returns (no win, no loss), and that $110 automatically goes to the second selection. If the second bet loses, you're down $110 despite the first game pushing.
If-Win-Only Bets
If-win-only bets are more conservative. Only a win triggers the subsequent wager. A push on the first bet returns your stake and stops the sequence. Your $110 comes back, and no money goes to the second selection.
The practical difference appears most often with spread bets landing exactly on the number. If you bet Chiefs -3 and they win by exactly 3, an action if bet continues while an if-win-only bet stops.
| First Bet Outcome | Action If | If-Win-Only |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Proceeds to Bet 2 | Proceeds to Bet 2 |
| Push | Proceeds to Bet 2 | Sequence Stops |
| Loss | Sequence Stops | Sequence Stops |
What Is a Reverse Bet?
A reverse bet consists of two if bets running in opposite directions, covering both possible orderings of a two-selection sequence. Instead of betting only "if A wins, then B," a reverse bet places both:
- If A then B: If A wins, bet on B
- If B then A: If B wins, bet on A
This structure doubles your risk amount but ensures that a win on either selection triggers action on the other. Reverse bets are particularly useful when games occur at different times and you want exposure to both regardless of which game starts or ends first.
Reverse Bet Example
A $110 reverse bet on Chiefs -3.5 and Eagles +2.5 actually places two if bets:
- $110 if Chiefs then Eagles
- $110 if Eagles then Chiefs
Total risk: $220 (though actual loss depends on outcomes).
| Chiefs Result | Eagles Result | Net Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Win | +$400 |
| Win | Lose | -$20 |
| Lose | Win | -$20 |
| Lose | Lose | -$220 |
Notice that splitting (one win, one loss) results in a small loss (-$20) rather than breaking even. This happens because the winning if bet gets full action on the losing selection, while the losing if bet stops. You effectively bet $220 when both lose and $330 when going 1-1 (one full $220 plus the winning portion triggering another $110).
If Bets vs. Parlays: Key Differences
Both if bets and parlays link multiple selections, but they differ fundamentally in payout structure and risk profile. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right bet type for your goals.
Payout Structure
Parlays multiply odds together, creating higher potential payouts. A two-team parlay at -110 each pays approximately +264 (risking $100 to win $264). If both selections win in an if bet at the same odds, you win $200 (two separate $100 wins).
The parlay pays more when everything wins. However, the if bet preserves partial winnings. If you go 1-1, the parlay loses entirely while the if bet breaks roughly even (small profit or small loss depending on sequence).
Risk Management
Parlays are all-or-nothing. Every leg must win or you lose your entire stake. If bets automatically adjust your exposure based on outcomes. Losing early reduces your total action; winning early increases it.
| Feature | Parlay | If Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Max Payout (all win) | Higher | Lower |
| Split Results | Full Loss | Near Break-Even |
| Stop-Loss Protection | None | Built-In |
| Sequence Matters | No | Yes |
| Effective Vig | Same per Bet | Same per Bet |
When Parlays Are Better
If you have high confidence in multiple selections and want maximum return, parlays offer better upside. The compounding odds create payouts that if bets cannot match. Recreational bettors seeking excitement often prefer parlays for this reason.
When If Bets Are Better
If bets suit bettors prioritizing bankroll preservation. When you want action on multiple games but don't want a single bad beat to ruin your entire stake, if bets provide that protection. They're also valuable when games are staggered in time and you want earlier results to dictate later exposure.
The Mathematics of If Bets
If bets don't carry inherently different expected value than equivalent straight bets. The vig paid is identical: at -110 odds, you're paying 4.55% juice per bet regardless of whether it's straight or part of an if sequence.
What changes is your effective bankroll exposure. With straight bets, you bet the same amount regardless of outcomes. With if bets, your actual wagered amount depends on results:
- First bet wins: Total wagered = first stake + second stake
- First bet loses: Total wagered = first stake only
This conditional exposure creates different bankroll trajectories even with identical expected value per individual bet. According to the UK Gambling Commission, understanding how bet structures affect total exposure is an important component of responsible gambling.
Break-Even Analysis
For a two-selection if bet at -110 odds, the win probabilities needed to break even are identical to straight bets: 52.38% per selection. The conditional structure doesn't change the fundamental mathematics of each individual wager.
However, if bets change variance patterns. Because you bet less total when losing and more when winning, if bets can smooth your bankroll curve over time compared to always betting the same amount on every game.
Multi-Way If Bets
If bets can chain beyond two selections. A three-way if bet (A then B then C) creates this sequence:
- Bet placed on A
- If A wins, bet placed on B
- If B wins, bet placed on C
Each additional link adds stop-loss protection but also increases the probability your sequence ends early. With a 52% win rate per bet, the probability of reaching bet #3 is only about 27% (0.52 × 0.52). Most of the time, you'll get stopped out before full action.
| If Bet Length | Probability of Full Action (at 52% win rate) |
|---|---|
| 2 Selections | 52% |
| 3 Selections | 27% |
| 4 Selections | 14% |
| 5 Selections | 7% |
Most sportsbooks limit if bet chains to 5-7 selections. Longer chains become impractical because you rarely reach later legs.
Strategic Applications of If Bets
If bets work best in specific situations where their structural advantages align with your betting goals.
Staggered Game Times
When games start at different times, if bets let earlier results inform later action. If the 1 PM game loses, you don't automatically lose money on the 4 PM game. This is particularly valuable on NFL Sundays with early, afternoon, and primetime windows.
Bankroll Protection
Bettors with limited bankrolls benefit from automatic stop-loss. Rather than risking your entire weekly budget on all games simultaneously, if bets ensure bad starts don't compound. This aligns with sound bankroll management principles.
Confidence Hierarchy
If you have one strong play and several moderate plays, put your best bet first in the if sequence. This ensures your high-confidence selection always gets action, while lesser plays only trigger if the strong play wins.
Discipline Enforcement
Some bettors struggle to stop after losses. If bets automate what disciplined bettors do manually: stopping action after bad results. The mechanical stop-loss removes emotional decision-making from the equation.
If Bets and Correlation
Unlike same game parlays, if bets with selections from different games have no inherent correlation issues. Each game's outcome is independent, and the if bet structure doesn't create artificial relationships between results.
However, selection order matters strategically. Putting a game you expect to be higher-scoring or higher-variance first might make sense if you want to know early whether your sequence continues. Conversely, putting your safest play first ensures maximum probability of getting action on bet #2.
Reverse Bets: Covering Both Directions
Reverse bets solve the "wrong order" problem. With a single if bet, you might win bet #2 but never get action because bet #1 lost first. Reverse bets ensure any winning selection triggers action on the other.
When Reverse Bets Make Sense
- Games at different times: When you don't know which game will finish first
- Equal confidence in both: When you don't have a clear "best" play to sequence first
- Wanting full exposure both ways: When any win should fund the next bet
Reverse Bet Costs
Reverse bets cost twice as much as single if bets because you're placing two conditional wagers. A $100 reverse is actually a $200 commitment. The maximum loss (both selections lose) is the full $200.
Going 1-1 with a reverse bet typically results in a small loss (around 10% of the base amount) because you get full action on both directions but only one pays off. This is the cost of ensuring action regardless of order.
Common Mistakes with If Bets
Ignoring Push Rules
Failing to understand whether your book offers action if or if-win-only can lead to unexpected results. Always verify push handling before placing if bets, especially on spreads landing on key numbers like 3 and 7 in football.
Misunderstanding Stake Flow
Some bettors think if bets compound their stake (like parlays). They don't. A $110 if bet places $110 on the first selection, then $110 on the second if the first wins. Winnings don't automatically parlay forward unless you specifically structure it that way.
Inefficient Ordering
Putting your least confident play first maximizes the chance your sequence stops early. Consider ordering strategically based on confidence, game timing, and how much action you want on later selections.
Overusing Reverse Bets
Reverse bets cost twice as much for the same maximum upside. They make sense when order uncertainty exists, but using them routinely doubles your risk without improving expected value. Use single if bets when you can confidently order your selections.
If Bets Across Different Sports
If bets work identically across sports, but their practical value varies:
NFL and College Football
The structured game windows (early, late, primetime) make if bets particularly useful. You can let early games inform later action. Push frequency on spreads (especially at 3 and 7) makes action if vs. if-win-only distinction important.
NBA and College Basketball
Multiple games running simultaneously reduces the timing benefit. However, if bets still provide stop-loss protection across an evening slate. Totals bets in basketball rarely push due to the low probability of landing exactly on the number.
Baseball
Moneyline betting dominates baseball, and moneylines rarely push (only on rare game suspensions). This makes if-win-only vs. action if distinction largely irrelevant. Staggered start times across time zones make if bets useful for letting east coast games inform west coast action.
Soccer
Three-way moneylines (win/draw/win) mean draws are common outcomes. If bets in soccer require careful attention to what happens on draws - some books treat draws as losses for if bet purposes, others as pushes.
Responsible Gambling Considerations
If bets provide built-in safeguards that align with responsible gambling principles. The automatic stop-loss prevents "chasing" behavior where bettors double down after losses. By mechanically stopping action after a losing bet, if bets remove the temptation to make emotional follow-up wagers.
However, the reduced risk per sequence can tempt bettors to place more sequences. If you place three separate if bet chains because each feels "safer," you may actually increase total exposure. Use if bets to manage risk within your overall gambling budget, not to justify more total action.
For help with gambling-related concerns, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit BeGambleAware.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an if bet in sports betting?
An if bet is a conditional wager where two or more selections are linked in sequence. If the first bet wins, the winnings (or a specified amount) automatically go to the second bet. If the first bet loses, no subsequent bets are placed. This creates natural stop-loss protection since losing the first bet prevents further exposure.
What is the difference between action if and if-win-only bets?
Action if bets proceed to the next wager when the first bet either wins OR pushes (ties). If-win-only bets only proceed when the first bet wins; a push stops the sequence and returns only the original stake. If-win-only bets are more conservative, treating pushes the same as losses for sequence purposes.
What is a reverse bet?
A reverse bet is essentially two if bets running in opposite directions, covering both possible orderings of a two-selection sequence. Instead of just betting "if A wins, then B," a reverse bet places both "if A then B" AND "if B then A." This doubles the risk but ensures action regardless of which game wins first.
How do if bets compare to parlays?
Parlays multiply odds for higher payouts but lose everything if any leg fails. If bets keep winnings from earlier legs even if later bets lose, providing built-in stop-loss protection. If both selections win, parlays pay more; if results split, if bets preserve partial winnings while parlays lose entirely.
When should you use if bets instead of straight bets?
If bets are useful when you want to bet multiple games but limit total exposure, especially when games are staggered in time. Use them when you have limited bankroll and want automatic stop-loss protection, or when you want earlier results to determine later action.
Do if bets have worse expected value than straight bets?
No. If bets at standard -110 odds have the same expected value per individual bet. The vig is identical. The difference comes from bankroll management effects: you bet less total when first selections lose, changing variance patterns without affecting per-bet EV.
Can you make if bets with more than two selections?
Yes. Multi-way if bets chain several selections. Each additional link adds stop-loss protection but also increases the probability the sequence stops early. Most sportsbooks limit chains to 5-7 selections because longer chains rarely reach later legs.
Conclusion
If bets and reverse bets offer structural risk management that other bet types cannot match. By creating conditional relationships between selections, these wagers automatically adjust your exposure based on outcomes rather than intentions. While they sacrifice maximum upside compared to parlays, they preserve partial winnings and prevent bad days from compounding into catastrophic losses.
The key to using if bets effectively is understanding their mechanics: action if vs. if-win-only push handling, strategic selection ordering, and the true cost of reverse bets. When aligned with your betting goals and bankroll management strategy, if bets become powerful tools for sustainable sports betting.
Remember: the house edge on each individual bet remains the same regardless of structure. If bets don't create value; they manage risk. Use them to bet more responsibly, not to justify more total action.