What Is a Goliath Bet? Detail Explanation & Practical Example

Sports betting offers a diverse array of wagering options, and among the more complex bets is the 'Goliath Bet.' This article explores the intricacies of the Goliath Bet, shedding light on how it works, when it's worth considering, and the potential returns it can offer. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports wagering, understanding the Goliath Bet can open up a world of possibilities for your betting strategy.

1. What is a Goliath Bet?

A Goliath Bet is a type of multiple bet in which you wager on eight selections participating in various events. Here is a detailed explanation of this type of bet:

1.1 Goliath Bet Explained

A Goliath Bet is a multiple-bet wager that includes 247 individual bets across eight selections. It consists of the following components: 28 Doubles, 56 Trebles, 70 Four-Folds, 56 Five-Folds, 28 Six-Folds, 8 Seven-Folds, and an 8-fold Accumulator. 

Importantly, in a Goliath Bet, you do not need all selections to win to receive returns – you only need a minimum of two selections to be successful.

1.2. Goliath Bet Example

Let's say you're an avid horse racing enthusiast and you've selected eight horses competing in various races on a given race day. Here are your selections with their respective odds:

• Horse A in Race 1 at odds of 3.00
• Horse B in Race 2 at odds of 2.50
• Horse C in Race 3 at odds of 4.00
• Horse D in Race 4 at odds of 3.25
• Horse E in Race 5 at odds of 2.75
• Horse F in Race 6 at odds of 5.00
• Horse G in Race 7 at odds of 3.50
• Horse H in Race 8 at odds of 2.80

For this example, let's assume you place a Goliath Bet with a unit stake of $5 on each selection. With 247 bets in total, your total wager would be $1,235 ($5 per bet).

If at least two of your selected horses win their respective races, you'll start seeing returns. Here's a breakdown of the potential payouts for each type of combination:

• 28 Double bets: If two horses win, you will have 28 potential double combinations.
• 56 Treble bets: If three horses win, you will have 56 potential treble combinations.
• 70 Fourfold bets: If four horses win, you will have 70 potential fourfold combinations.
• 56 Fivefold bets: If five horses win, you will have 56 potential fivefold combinations.
• 28 Sixfold bets: If six horses win, you will have 28 potential sixfold combinations.
• 8 Sevenfold bets: If seven horses win, you would have 8 potential sevenfold combinations.
• 1 Eightfold bet: If all eight horses win, you will have one potential eightfold combination.

Your total potential return, depending on the number of winning selections, would vary significantly. If, for example, three of your selected horses win, you would see returns from the trebles, and the payout would depend on the specific odds of those winning horses. Similarly, if more horses win, the return would include various combinations of bets.

1.3. Is a Goliath Bet Worth It?

Advantages:

• High Potential Returns: Goliath Bets offer significant profit potential when multiple selections win.
• Versatility: You can still win with as few as two correct selections, providing flexibility.

Disadvantages:

• High Risk: Goliath Bets carry substantial risk due to potential losses with incorrect predictions.
• Costly: The large number of bets involved can make Goliath Bets expensive.
• Complexity: Managing Goliath Bets can be intricate and may not be suitable for those who prefer simpler wagers.

Goliath Bets are suitable for experienced bettors who understand the intricacies of sports betting, have confidence in their selections, and are willing to manage higher risk for potentially higher rewards.

1.4. When to Play Goliath Bets and When Not to

When to Play Goliath Bets:

• When you have strong convictions about your selections and believe that several of them will be successful.
• For entertainment and excitement if you can afford the associated costs.

When to Avoid Goliath Betting:

• If you are new to sports betting or not confident in your selections.
• When you have a limited budget and cannot risk substantial losses.
• If you have doubts about your selections' chances of winning.

A Goliath Bet is a versatile wager with high potential returns, but it's crucial to understand that it does not require all selections to win. Careful selection of choices and thorough analysis are vital before considering such a bet.

2. How Does a Goliath Bet Work?

A Goliath Bet is a complex multiple-bet wager that involves eight selections participating in different events. It consists of 247 individual bets in total. These bets are categorized as follows: 28 Doubles, 56 Trebles, 70 Four-Folds, 56 Five-Folds, 28 Six-Folds, 8 Seven-Folds, and an 8-fold Accumulator. 

The critical point to understand is that for a Goliath Bet to yield any returns, you don't need all eight selections to win. A minimum of two winning selections is sufficient for you to start seeing returns on your bet. The various combinations allow for flexibility and the potential for substantial profits with a manageable level of risk.

3. Calculating Goliath Bet Winnings

To calculate potential winnings for a Goliath Bet, you traditionally multiply the stake (the amount you bet) by the odds of each winning selection. Depending on the number of winning selections, you'll have different combinations of bets paying out. The actual calculation can become intricate due to the multiple combinations involved.

We suggest that you can use the Goliath Bet Calculator to tackle the complexity of the Goliath Bet, making it easier for you to understand and manage your potential winnings.

This betting odds calculator is valuable for both beginners and experienced bettors, ensuring accurate calculations and helping you make informed decisions when placing Goliath Bets.

Calculate your potential winnings here: Goliath bet calculator

4. How Many Selections Need to Win for a Goliath to Be Profitable?

The profitability of a Goliath Bet hinges largely on the odds of each selection and, more specifically, on how many selections need to win. 

To illustrate this, let's consider an example:

Suppose you place a £1 Goliath Bet with a total stake of £247, with each horse priced at 5/1. Here's an estimate of the outcomes:

• 0 selections win – £0 return with a loss of -£247
• 1 selection wins – £0 return with a loss of -£247
• 2 selections win – £6 return with a loss of -£241
• 3 selections win – £70 return with a loss of -£177
• 4 selections win – £560 return with a profit of £313
• 5 selections win – £4,680 return with a profit of £4,433
• 6 selections win – £39,320 return with a profit of £39,073
• 7 selections win – £345,880 return with a profit of £345,633
• 8 selections win – £3,880,560 return with a profit of £3,880,313

In this example, the breakeven point is approximately three winning selections, while four or more selections would likely generate a significant profit. These outcomes emphasize how the odds of the selections have a substantial impact on the profitability of a Goliath Bet. If all eight selections were to win, the returns could be quite remarkable.

5. How to Place a Goliath Bet on an Online Betting Site

Placing a Goliath Bet on an online betting site is a straightforward process:

1. Choose a Reputable Bookmaker: Select a trusted online bookmaker that offers Goliath bets.
2. Create an Account: Register with the bookmaker and provide the necessary personal details.
3. Fund Your Account: Deposit funds using the available payment options.
4. Select Your Events: Find the events and selections you want for your Goliath Bet.
5. Build Your Bet: Add your selections to the bet slip and choose the "Goliath Bet" option.
6. Enter Your Stake: Specify the amount you want to wager and review your selections.
7. Place Your Bet: Confirm your bet by clicking the appropriate button.

6. FAQs

Q1: How does a Goliath bet work in football?

A Goliath bet in football functions the same way as in any other sport. You choose eight football outcomes and place them in a Goliath format, comprising 247 bets. A minimum of two correct outcomes is needed for a return.

Q2: Is it possible to do an each-way Goliath?

Yes, you can place an each-way Goliath, which includes 494 bets, as it covers both winning and placing outcomes. This increases potential returns but also raises the overall stake.

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