Multi bets explained: legs, combined odds and what a lost leg does
A multi bet joins several outcomes, called legs, into one wager. The decimal odds of the legs are multiplied together, and every leg must win for the bet to pay. One lost leg loses the whole stake. This page works through one assumed three-leg example and shows how the bookmaker's margin compounds across legs.
How a multi works
Each leg has its own decimal odds. Multiply them: that is the combined odds. Multiply by the stake for the return.
Leg odds of 1.85, 2.30 and 1.60 give 1.85 × 2.30 × 1.60 = 6.808. A stake of A$10.00 returns A$68.08, a profit of A$58.08.
Bottom line: combined odds are the product of the leg odds.
What a lost leg does
If any leg loses, the whole bet loses. In the example, two winning legs and one loser return A$0.00 and cost A$10.00.
What happens to a leg that is voided or a runner that is scratched is set by the operator's rules. Those rules are not confirmed here. See scratchings and deductions.
Bottom line: one losing leg loses the stake; void rules vary by operator.
How the margin grows
Each leg carries a margin. Multiplying the legs multiplies the margin too.
Assume every leg is a two-way market at 1.90 and 1.90 with a true chance of 50%. One leg returns A$0.95 per A$1 on average.
Three legs return 0.95 × 0.95 × 0.95 = A$0.86, so the expected loss grows from 5 cents to about 14 cents.
Illustrative example, not a price.
| Legs | Combined odds | Expected return per A$1 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.90 | A$0.95 |
| 2 | 3.61 | A$0.90 |
| 3 | 6.86 | A$0.86 |
| 4 | 13.03 | A$0.81 |
| 5 | 24.76 | A$0.77 |
Bottom line: more legs mean a larger built-in margin per dollar staked.
Before you place one
- Count the legs. Every extra leg is another way to lose the whole stake.
- Multiply the leg odds yourself and compare with the combined odds shown.
- Decide the stake as money you can afford to lose.
- If the operator offers cash out (early settlement), read its terms: the price offered is set by the operator.
Bottom line: check the product of the odds and the stake you can lose.
What this page leaves out
A multi built from outcomes in a single match is a different product and is outside this page. So is any claim about which bookmaker prices multis best.
Rules for multi bets are on each operator's own pages. Status: Not confirmed on 2026-11-13.
Bottom line: operator rules for multis are still to be read.
Further reading
Use the expected value calculator for your own numbers. See bookmaker margin (overround) and how to read decimal odds.
Bottom line: the arithmetic is the same whatever the sport.
18+ and getting help
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We are not a bookmaker and do not take bets.
FAQ
How do multi bet odds work?
The decimal odds of the legs are multiplied. Legs at 1.85, 2.30 and 1.60 give combined odds of 6.808.
What happens if one leg loses?
The whole multi loses. Stake A$10.00 and one lost leg returns A$0.00.
Does the margin grow with more legs?
Yes. With each leg priced at 1.90 and a 50% chance assumed, expected return falls from A$0.95 per A$1 for one leg to A$0.86 for three legs.
What happens to a multi if a runner is scratched?
That is set by the operator's rules. They have not been read for this page, so no rule is stated.