For those new to the betting world, encountering the term “Goliath” might leave you scratching your head…
The name says it all – a Goliath bet is massive in both size and potential payout. But how does it really work? Is it a smart choice for football or horse racing fans? Let’s break it down with simple examples so you can decide if this mega-multiple is worth using.
Below, we dive into the Goliath bet, breaking it down for beginners so you can determine if it’s a betting strategy you’d like to explore.
What is a Goliath Bet?
A Goliath bet is a mammoth bet consisting of 247 separate bets from 8 different selections. The name “Goliath” is apt because of its large size and complexity. It’s one of the more extensive multiple bets available, offering broad coverage and ensuring that you have multiple ways to win from eight selections.
Also read: How Official Ratings Work in Horse Racing
How a Goliath Bet Works
A Goliath doesn’t just focus on eight single bets; it combines them in various ways to create 247 bets.
The breakdown of 247 bets can feel overwhelming, so let’s break it down…
| Bet Type | Number of Bets | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Doubles | 28 | Two selections combined |
| Trebles | 56 | Three selections combined |
| Fourfolds | 70 | Four selections combined |
| Fivefolds | 56 | Five selections combined |
| Sixfolds | 28 | Six selections combined |
| Sevenfolds | 8 | Seven selections combined |
| Eightfold Accumulator | 1 | All eight selections combined |
This structure means seeing a return from a Goliath bet. So, at least two of your eight selections must win. The more of your selections that win, the higher the potential payout.
Want to understand how race conditions affect bets? Check out our Horse Racing Ground Conditions Guide
A Simple Example…
Imagine you’ve picked 8 football matches for your Goliath bet, selecting a winner for each game. Here’s how your bet could play out:
If Only Two Teams Win:
You’ll get a return on one of the 28 doubles. For example, if Team A and Team B win, your double bet on A+B pays out. However, the return will be modest because only one combination succeeded.
If Four Teams Win (A, B, C, and D):
You’ll win on all doubles, trebles, and fourfolds that include those teams. Here’s what this means:
- Doubles: 6 combinations (e.g., A+B, A+C, A+D, B+C, B+D, C+D).
- Trebles: 4 combinations (e.g., A+B+C, A+B+D, A+C+D, B+C+D).
- Fourfold: 1 combination (A+B+C+D).
This would result in a higher overall payout because more of your bets succeeded.
If Six Teams Win:
If Teams A, B, C, D, E, and F win, your payout increases significantly. You’d now win on:
- All 28 doubles.
- All 56 trebles.
- All 70 fourfolds.
- 28 fivefolds (e.g., A+B+C+D+E, A+B+C+D+F, etc.).
As more combinations succeed, the potential return grows substantially.
If All Eight Teams Win:
This is the jackpot scenario. You win payouts on all 247 bets, including the final eightfold accumulator. The returns in this case would be massive, but the likelihood of this happening is significantly lower.
See, how a goliath bet wins isn’t that complicated at all…
When Should You Use a Goliath Bet?
Goliath bets are best used when you’re confident in multiple strong selections and want to cover various outcomes for a high return. They’re popular for football, horse racing, and even tennis events. Consider Goliaths when placing value bets on outsiders, as one upset can trigger big profits across multiple lines. Avoid them when margins are tight or you’re unsure about several selections – they require at least 2 winners to return anything.
Goliath Betting Tips: Maximise Value, Minimise Risk
While Goliath bets can deliver big returns, they’re not always the most efficient option for every punter…
Placing 247 bets, even at £0.10 per line, you’re looking at a stake close to £25 – so understanding value is essential. Try to avoid throwing in short-priced favourites just to fill the eight selections.
Instead, focus on teams or horses with genuine value and solid recent form. Many experienced bettors will also use Goliath bets in football or racing when there are multiple mid-priced selections that all look competitive. Don’t forget, even four or five winners can lead to a decent return if you’ve chosen the right odds. And if you’re placing Goliaths regularly, tracking your bets and profit margins is vital — otherwise, it’s easy to overestimate how well you’re really doing.
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