The Basics of the Goliath for Sports Betting
The Goliath system is a type of permutation bet that includes hundreds of different bets all rolled into one. It offers an alternative to regular accumulator bets, which often fall short by one or two selections. Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to help you decide if the Goliath bet suits your strategy. Also, try our Goliath Calculator here.
Updated on:
- October 27, 2025
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3 Examples of Goliath Bets
The Goliath betting system is used most in horse racing, so we’ll use this sport to provide you with the below examples assuming a stake of 50c each way (€247 total stake) has been placed.
Example 1
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| #1 | 6/1 | WON |
| #2 | 7/4 | LOST |
| #3 | 9/2 | WON |
| #4 | 6/5 | WON |
| #5 | 12/1 | LOST |
| #6 | 8/1 | WON |
| #7 | 10/11 | WON |
| #8 | 7/5 | LOST |
The payout for the above bet would be €2,483.64. Since five selections have won, this bet pays out on the 10 possible doubles, 10 possible trebles, 5 possible four-fold accumulators, and the 1 possible five-fold accumulator.
Example 2
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| #1 | 6/1 | LOST |
| #2 | 7/4 | WON |
| #3 | 9/2 | LOST |
| #4 | 6/5 | LOST |
| #5 | 12/1 | WON |
| #6 | 8/1 | WON |
| #7 | 10/11 | LOST |
| #8 | 7/5 | WON |
The payout for the above bet would be €916.05. Since four selections have won, this bet would pay out on the 6 possible doubles, 4 possible trebles, and the 1 possible four-fold accumulator.
Example 3
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| #1 | 6/1 | PLACED |
| #2 | 7/4 | LOST |
| #3 | 9/2 | WON |
| #4 | 6/5 | WON |
| #5 | 12/1 | PLACED |
| #6 | 8/1 | PLACED |
| #7 | 10/11 | WON |
| #8 | 7/5 | WON |
The payout for the above bet would be €907.94. Since seven of the eight bets have some form of return, this bet will pay out on all of the following bets: 21 possible doubles, 35 possible trebles, 35 possible four-fold accumulators, 21 possible five-fold accumulators, 7 possible six-fold accumulators, and the 1 possible seven-fold accumulator. Note that as some of the selections have placed, the winnings are drastically reduced from what they would have been had they won.
The Theory: How the Goliath Works
The main draw of Goliath system bets is that they can still generate a return even if one or more selections lose. However, it does require a higher stake, since you’re covering more bets.
To place a Goliath, you must choose eight (8) selections. Doing so will provide the option to place a Goliath bet in the ‘Multiples’ section of the betslip.
The Goliath consists of 247 individual bets made up of the following:
- 28 doubles
- 56 trebles
- 70 four-fold accumulators
- 56 five-fold accumulators
- 28 six-fold accumulators
- 8 seven-fold accumulators
- 1 eight-fold accumulator
The stake you enter is multiplied by 247. For example, putting €1 into the stake box of a Goliath bet, results in a total stake of €247. For this reason, Goliaths are generally only played by professional gamblers, or those with a big betting budget. For the Goliath system to generate a return, at least two selections must win. Theoretically, this could even return a profit, but the prices would have to be huge. Realistically, you’re looking for around four or more selections to win to be in with a chance of returning a decent profit.
Conclusions on the Goliath
The Goliath system can be useful if you find yourself with eight selections that you feel could win. The downside is that you’ll have to stump up a large stake to place the bet, but it does provide insurance against losing legs. This betting system is for advanced bettors so if you’re new to gambling, it’s best to avoid Goliaths.
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FAQS
How do I get a profit from a Goliath bet?
This depends on the odds of the selections that win, place, or lose. The three examples provided show how big the differences can be depending on which selections win and which ones place.
What’s the smallest amount I can stake on a Goliath bet?
The lowest you can stake on a Goliath is 5 cents per unit for a total stake of €12.35.
Should I pick short prices for a Goliath system bet?
Generally, you should not pick short prices for a Goliath bet, as you would need a lot more of the selections to win to return a decent profit.
What sports can I use the Goliath system on?
You can use a Goliath bet on any sport so long as you have eight selections on the betslip.
Can I cash out a Goliath bet?
Yes, you can cash out a Goliath bet as long as your chosen bookmaker has the cashout feature.