This bet builder glossary explains the key football betting terms, market names, odds phrases and settlement rules UK bettors are likely to see when building a bet on the same match.
Quick Bet Builder Meanings for Beginners
| Term | Simple meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bet builder | A bet that combines two or more selections from the same match into one bet slip. | Every selection normally needs to be correct for the bet to return. |
| Selection | One chosen outcome inside your bet, such as over 2.5 goals or a player to have a shot on target. | Each extra selection makes the bet more specific. |
| Leg | Another word for a selection inside a bet builder or accumulator. | A four-leg bet builder has four separate outcomes that must be settled correctly. |
| Market | The category of bet you choose from, such as match result, cards, corners, goals or player stats. | Market choice affects price, risk, settlement and availability. |
| Combined odds | The overall price for all selections inside the bet builder. | Bet builder odds are adjusted for related outcomes, so they are not always simple multiplication. |
| Correlation | The relationship between selections in the same match. | Related selections can change the final price because one outcome may affect the chance of another. |
| Void | A cancelled selection or bet where the stake is returned or the bet is recalculated, depending on the bookmaker rules. | Void rules are especially important for player markets and non-starters. |
| Cash out | A feature that may let you settle a bet before the final result. | Cash out is not guaranteed and can be unavailable on some bet builders or markets. |
A-Z Bet Builder Glossary
A
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Accumulator or acca | A multiple bet that combines selections, usually from different matches or events. A bet builder is different because it normally combines markets from one match. See our guide to bet builder vs acca for a fuller comparison. |
| Anytime goalscorer | A football market where the selected player must score at any point during the match, subject to the bookmaker’s rules on own goals, extra time and player participation. |
| Assist market | A player market where the selected player must be credited with an assist. Settlement can depend on the data provider used by the bookmaker. |
B
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bankroll | The money you have set aside for betting. A bankroll should be separate from essential spending money. Read more in our bankroll management guide. |
| Bet builder | A same-match betting feature that lets you combine multiple markets into one custom bet. For a beginner-friendly explainer, see what is a bet builder. |
| Bet Builder+ | A bookmaker feature name used for enhanced or expanded bet builder options. The exact meaning depends on the bookmaker, so always check the bet slip and rules before placing a bet. |
| Bet slip | The area of a betting site or app where your selections, stake, odds and potential return are shown before you place the bet. |
| Both Teams To Score or BTTS | A football market where both sides must score at least one goal. Read our BTTS bet builder guide for examples. |
| Booking points | A cards market where yellow and red cards are converted into points. The points value and settlement rules vary by bookmaker. |
C
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cards | A disciplinary market based on yellow cards, red cards, player cards, team cards or total match cards. See our cards bet builder guide. |
| Cash out | A feature that may allow you to close a bet before full-time for a quoted amount. It can move up, down, disappear or be suspended. For bet365-specific detail, see bet365 bet builder cash out. |
| Clean sheet | A football outcome where a team does not concede a goal. This can appear in team markets or as part of a defensive match view. |
| Combined odds | The final price created when all bet builder selections are priced together. In bet builders, related selections are usually adjusted rather than simply multiplied. |
| Correlation | The connection between two or more outcomes. For example, a team to win and that team to score over 1.5 goals are related because both support a similar match story. Read more in our bet builder correlation guide. |
| Corners | A match-stat market based on total corners, team corners or corner handicaps. See our corners bet builder guide. |
| Correct score | A market where you predict the exact final score. It is usually harder to land than broader result or goals markets because only one scoreline wins. |
D
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Decimal odds | Odds shown as a decimal number, such as 2.50. Decimal odds show the total return including stake if the bet wins. |
| Double chance | A football market covering two of the three main match outcomes: home win or draw, away win or draw, or home win or away win. |
| Draw no bet | A market where your stake is returned if the match ends in a draw, while either team winning decides the bet. |
F
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| First goalscorer | A player market where the selected player must score the first goal of the match. Rules for substitutes, own goals and no goals vary by bookmaker. |
| Fouls | A player or team market based on fouls committed or fouls won. These markets depend heavily on the official match data feed. See our player fouls bet builder guide. |
| Fractional odds | Odds shown as a fraction, such as 6/4 or 5/2. Fractional odds show profit compared with stake, not the total return. |
| Free bet | A promotional betting credit. Free bet rules vary by bookmaker and can include minimum odds, expiry dates, stake-not-returned rules and eligible markets. |
G
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Goals market | A market based on goals, such as over or under goals, team goals, both teams to score or player goalscorer selections. |
| Goalkeeper saves | A player-stat market where a goalkeeper must make a set number of saves. See our goalkeeper saves bet builder guide. |
| Goalscorer market | A player market where a named player must score. Common versions include anytime goalscorer, first goalscorer and player to score two or more. |
H
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Handicap | A market where one team is given a virtual head start or disadvantage. It can be used to make one-sided matches more balanced from a betting perspective. |
| Half-time/full-time | A market where you predict the result at half-time and the result at full-time. Both parts must be correct. |
| Head-to-head | A comparison between teams or players. In football betting content, it often refers to past meetings between the two clubs. |
I
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Implied probability | The chance suggested by the odds. For example, decimal odds of 2.00 imply a 50% chance before considering margin. Use our implied probability calculator to convert odds into percentages. |
| In-play bet builder | A bet builder placed after the match has started. Prices and available markets can change quickly during live play. See our bet365 in-play bet builder guide. |
L
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Leg | One part of a bet builder. For example, Liverpool to win, over 2.5 goals and a player shot on target would be three legs. |
| Line | The number set by the bookmaker for a market, such as over 2.5 goals, over 9.5 corners or over 3.5 cards. |
| Live odds | Odds that change while a match is in progress. Live odds react to time, score, red cards, substitutions, pressure and other match events. |
M
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Market | A category of bet. In bet builders, common markets include match result, goals, cards, corners, shots, assists, fouls and goalkeeper saves. Browse more in our bet builder markets hub. |
| Match result | The standard three-way football market: home win, draw or away win. |
| Maximum selections | The highest number of legs a bookmaker allows in one bet builder. Limits can vary by bookmaker, sport, match and market. For bet365, see bet365 bet builder max selections. |
| Multi-match bet builder | A bet type where bet builders from different fixtures can be combined. Rules vary, especially when mixing same-match and different-match selections. |
| Multiple | A bet that combines more than one selection. Bet builders, accumulators, doubles and trebles are all forms of multiple betting, but the rules are not identical. |
O
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Odds | The price offered by the bookmaker. Odds indicate the potential return and the implied probability of a selection. |
| Odds boost | A promotion or feature where the bookmaker increases the displayed price of a bet. Always check the terms, eligible markets, expiry and maximum stake. |
| Over/under goals | A market where you predict whether total goals will be above or below a set line, such as over 2.5 goals. See our over/under goals bet builder guide. |
| Overround | The bookmaker’s built-in margin across a market. In bet builders, pricing can be harder to compare because selections are combined and adjusted together. |
P
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Player assists | A player-stat market where the selected player must be officially credited with an assist. See our player assists bet builder guide. |
| Player props | Player-specific markets such as shots, shots on target, goals, assists, fouls, cards, tackles or passes. |
| Player shots | A market based on a player having a set number of shot attempts. A shot does not always need to be on target unless the market specifically says so. |
| Player shots on target | A stricter player market where the shot must be officially recorded as on target. See our shots on target bet builder guide. |
| Price | Another word for odds. A shorter price means lower odds, while a bigger price means higher odds and usually lower implied probability. |
| Push | A settlement where the result lands exactly on the line, often leading to a returned stake or voided selection depending on the market and bookmaker rules. |
R
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Related selections | Selections that influence each other. For example, a striker to score and that striker’s team to win are related. See our related selections guide. |
| Result and BTTS | A combined football market where you predict the match result and whether both teams score. |
| Return | The amount paid back if a bet wins. Total return usually includes the stake plus profit, depending on how the bookmaker displays it. |
S
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Same game multi | Another name for a bet builder, especially outside the UK. It means combining multiple selections from the same event. See same game multi. |
| Selection | One chosen outcome inside the bet. Each selection must usually be successful for the bet builder to return. |
| Settlement | The process of deciding whether a bet has won, lost, been voided or been paid at an adjusted return. |
| Stake | The amount you choose to risk on the bet. You can plan stakes with our bet builder stake calculator. |
| Starting player | A player named in the starting XI. Some player markets settle differently if a player does not start, does not play or is substituted, so check the rules before placing the bet. |
T
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Team goals | A market where one team must score above or below a set number of goals. |
| Total cards | A market based on the number of cards shown in a match. Some bookmakers count red cards differently, so always check the market rules. |
| Total corners | A market based on the number of corners in a match. It can apply to both teams combined or one team only. |
V
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Value | A bet may be described as value when the odds appear higher than the bettor’s estimate of the true probability. Value is an estimate, not a guarantee. |
| Void | A bet or selection that is cancelled under the bookmaker’s rules. This can happen because of non-runners, player non-participation, abandoned matches, data issues or market-specific rules. |
| Void leg | One cancelled selection inside a multiple or bet builder. Some bookmakers recalculate the bet without the leg, while others void the whole bet depending on the market and rules. |
Bet Builder vs Acca vs Same Game Multi
| Bet type | What it usually combines | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Bet builder | Multiple markets from the same match. | Built around one fixture and often includes related selections such as result, goals, cards and player stats. |
| Accumulator or acca | Selections from different matches, events or sports. | Usually relies on separate outcomes rather than several markets from one fixture. |
| Same game multi | Multiple markets from the same event. | Common international term for a bet builder. |
| Multi-match bet builder | Bet builders from more than one fixture. | Can combine same-match builders with other selections, subject to bookmaker restrictions. |
The easiest way to understand the difference is this: an acca spreads risk across different events, while a bet builder concentrates several predictions into one match. That makes bet builders useful for expressing a specific match view, but it also means each leg should logically fit the same game story.
Common Football Bet Builder Markets
| Market type | Examples | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Match outcome | Home win, draw, away win, double chance, draw no bet. | Whether the bet settles on 90 minutes, extra time or another stated period. |
| Goals | Over/under goals, team goals, both teams to score, player goalscorer. | Whether own goals count and whether the market is match, team or player based. |
| Player stats | Shots, shots on target, assists, fouls, cards, passes or tackles. | Which data provider is used and whether the player must start or simply take part. |
| Discipline | Total cards, player card, team cards, booking points. | How red cards, second yellows, managers and bench cards are treated. |
| Match stats | Corners, goalkeeper saves, offsides and fouls. | Whether the official match feed or bookmaker feed decides settlement. |
For deeper market breakdowns, start with our football bet builder markets guide or use the football bet builder checklist before placing a bet.
Odds, Probability and Pricing Terms
Bet builder odds are not always priced like a normal accumulator. A standard acca often multiplies separate prices together, but a bet builder can include related outcomes from the same match. Because those outcomes influence each other, the bookmaker may adjust the final combined odds.
| Pricing term | Meaning | Useful resource |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal odds | The total return for every £1 staked, including the stake. | Bet builder odds calculator |
| Implied probability | The percentage chance suggested by the odds. | Implied probability calculator |
| Potential return | The amount shown on the bet slip if the bet wins. | Bet builder calculator |
| Value check | A comparison between the price offered and your own estimated probability. | Bet builder value checker |
A bigger price is not automatically a better bet. Extra legs increase the return shown on the slip, but they also reduce the chance that every part of the bet lands. Good bet builder research usually starts with a clear match view rather than a target payout.
Settlement, Void and Cash Out Terms
Settlement rules are one of the most important parts of bet builder betting because player markets, abandoned matches, substitutions and data feeds can affect how a bet is graded.
| Term | What it means | Why to check it |
|---|---|---|
| Void selection | A selection that is cancelled and not settled as a win or loss. | Some bet builders are recalculated, while others can be fully voided. |
| Player non-participation | The selected player does not take part in the match. | Player markets may be voided or treated differently depending on the bookmaker. |
| Abandoned match | A match stops before the required time is completed. | Some settled markets may stand, while unsettled markets may be voided. |
| Cash out suspended | The cash out option is temporarily or permanently unavailable. | This can happen during dangerous attacks, VAR checks, goals, red cards or market suspension. |
| Data correction | A stat is changed after the event by the official data source. | Player shots, assists, fouls and saves can depend on official data settlement. |
For bookmaker-specific detail, see our bet365 bet builder void rules guide and always read the market rules shown on the bet slip before confirming a bet.
bet365 Bet Builder Terms to Know
bet365 is the bookmaker currently covered on Bet Builder Pro, so it is useful to understand the terms that often appear around its bet builder feature. This section is informational and should be checked against the latest bet365 rules before betting.
| bet365 term | Meaning | Related guide |
|---|---|---|
| bet365 Bet Builder | The standard bet365 feature for combining eligible markets from the same event. | bet365 Bet Builder guide |
| Bet Builder app | Using bet builder markets through the bet365 mobile app. | bet365 Bet Builder app guide |
| Desktop bet builder | Building a bet through the bet365 desktop site. | bet365 desktop guide |
| Bet Builder in multiples | Adding a bet builder to a wider multiple, where eligible. | bet365 Bet Builder multiples |
| Max selections | The number of selections allowed in one bet builder, subject to current rules and restrictions. | bet365 max selections |
| Bet Builder not working | When a market, match, app feature or selection combination is unavailable. | bet365 Bet Builder not working |
UK Betting and Responsible Gambling Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 18+ | Sports betting is for adults only. UK betting content should make the age restriction clear. |
| Affordability | A responsible gambling concept focused on whether betting spend is affordable for the individual. |
| Deposit limit | A tool that can restrict how much money you deposit over a chosen period. |
| Loss limit | A tool that can restrict how much you lose within a set period, depending on bookmaker availability. |
| Reality check | A reminder that shows how long you have been logged in or betting. |
| Self-exclusion | A safer gambling step that blocks access to betting accounts for a chosen period. |
| Time-out | A shorter break from betting, often available through bookmaker account settings. |
Bet builders should be treated as entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems. For support options, see our UK gambling support guide.
Common Bet Builder Mistakes Linked to These Terms
- Adding extra legs just to make the odds bigger, without checking whether each selection fits the same match view.
- Confusing an acca with a bet builder and assuming the pricing works in exactly the same way.
- Ignoring correlation and expecting related selections to multiply like independent outcomes.
- Using player markets without checking whether the player starts, appears as a substitute or is covered by void rules.
- Relying on cash out as a safety net, even though cash out can be suspended or unavailable.
- Not checking whether the market settles on 90 minutes, extra time, official data or bookmaker-specific rules.
For a more practical framework, read our football bet builder strategy guide and our bet builder mistakes guide.
FAQ
What does bet builder mean?
A bet builder is a same-match bet that combines multiple selections into one bet slip. For example, you might combine a team to win, over 2.5 goals and a player to have a shot on target.
What is a leg in a bet builder?
A leg is one selection inside the bet builder. If your bet builder includes match result, both teams to score and total corners, it has three legs.
Is a bet builder the same as an accumulator?
No. A bet builder usually combines several markets from the same match, while an accumulator usually combines selections from different matches or events. Some bookmakers allow bet builders to be added to wider multiples, but the rules vary.
What does correlation mean in bet builders?
Correlation means the selections are connected. A team to win and that team to score over 1.5 goals are related because one outcome can make the other more likely. Bookmakers account for this when pricing the bet.
What happens if one bet builder leg is void?
It depends on the bookmaker, sport and market. Some bet builders may be recalculated without the void leg, while others may be fully voided. Always check the rules shown by the bookmaker before placing the bet.
Can you cash out a bet builder?
Sometimes, but cash out is not guaranteed. It can be unavailable, suspended or removed depending on the match situation, market type and bookmaker rules.
What are the most common football bet builder markets?
Common markets include match result, both teams to score, over/under goals, player goalscorer, player shots, shots on target, cards, corners, fouls, assists and goalkeeper saves.
Are bet builder odds simply multiplied together?
Not always. Because bet builders often include related selections from the same match, bookmakers can adjust the combined price instead of treating every leg as independent.
What is the difference between shots and shots on target?
A shot is any attempt recorded as a shot, while a shot on target must be judged as heading into the goal or requiring a save. Settlement depends on the official data source used by the bookmaker.
What should beginners check before placing a bet builder?
Beginners should check the number of legs, market rules, player participation rules, combined odds, potential return, stake size, void rules and whether every selection fits one clear match view.