Action reverse bets can be confusing at first, but they’re easy once you see how they work. They link multiple picks into two or more series of conditional bets, giving you more coverage than a single bet without the all-or-nothing risk of a parlay.
The sections below explain how action reverse bets work, provide examples, and compare them to parlays and if bets.
What Are Action Reverse Bets?
An action reverse bet links two or more picks into multiple sequences of conditional wagers that play in both directions, one starting with first team and another with the last. Each sequence continues, as long as the bets win or push, by automatically placing the next wager. If a bet loses, the sequence breaks and no more wagers are placed.
You don’t need every pick to win to get paid, but you’ll risk more since both sequences are active. If one wins and the other loses, you can still recover part of your money. In short, it’s a mirrored setup that cushions losses while keeping multiple chances alive.
Action Reverse Bet Example
Here’s what an action reverse bet would look like if you want to back Team A and Team B to win with $50 each on even odds (+100):
Initial Stake and Sequences Breakdown
You bet $50 on Team A and $50 on Team B. The sportsbook creates two “if bets”:
- If Team A wins, then $50 goes on Team B.
- If Team B wins, then $50 goes on Team A.
You’re paying for both sequences, so potential returns increase, but so does exposure.
You essentially have $100 placed initially: $50 on Team A for the first sequence and $50 on Team B for the second sequence.
You also have $100 pending, depending on the outcomes: $50 on Team B for the first sequence and $50 on Team A for the second sequence.
Win/Loss/Push Scenarios
Here’s what happens depending on the outcomes of both games.
- Both teams win: both sequences win, so your total profit is $200 ($100 from each sequence, $50 from each bet).
- Team A wins, Team B loses: You lose $50 in total because you break even in the first sequence (win $50 on team A, lose $50 on team B) but lose $50 from the second sequence (lose $50 on team B and don’t place a wager on Team A).
- Both lose: You lose a total of $100, $50 from the first bet in each sequence, the second one is not placed in both cases.
If you place your wagers on spread or totals market, there’s also the option to push your bets. If that’s the case, the sequence continues.
Mistakes to Avoid with Action Reverse Bets
Common mistakes with action reverse bets usually come down to cost and overuse. Many players forget that the total bet doubles because both sides are active, or they treat reverse bets like a regular two-team parlay.
Another problem is payout confusion. Each leg settles on its own, so your results can look different than expected.
Always check how the payout works before you bet, and make sure you know the full amount you are risking. The best betting sites clearly show the different outcomes, including costs and potential wins, so make sure to review the information before placing your action reverse bet.
Do not use reverse bets on every game or when your bankroll is small. Two losing picks can empty your balance fast, so save them for times when you really like both plays.
Action Reverse Bet vs. If Bet
Action reverse bets and if bets both connect one wager to another and reduce the all-or-nothing risk that parlays carry. The difference is direction. An if bet runs only one way; Team A must win before the next bet triggers.
An action reverse bet runs both ways (A → B and B → A), offering more coverage, but costing more since both sides are active.
Action Reverse Bet vs. Parlay
At first glance, parlays and action reverse look alike, but payouts and structure differ greatly. A parlay ties all picks into one ticket, and every leg must win. It’s a high-risk, high-reward approach.
An action reverse bet splits your selection into sequences, so you can still earn something even if a pick misses. The trade-off is cost and returns: you’re paying for extra protection and win less if all bets are successful. However, variance is significantly lower in reverse bets.
None of them is better than the other, it all depends on your betting style, bankroll, and risk tolerance.
Where to Place Action Reverse Bets Online?
Action reverse bets offer more flexibility than a standard wager or parlay, helping balance results when you’re betting on two strong plays. They cost more up front, but can smooth out variance by returning part of your stake when only one pick wins.
If you want to try them for yourself, Lucky Rebel is one of the few sportsbooks offering action reverse bets directly on the bet slip. It’s an easy way to test the format and see if it suits your betting style.
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