The Basics of the Alphabet Bet in Sports Betting
The Alphabet system is a bet type that got its name from the fact that it is made up of 26 different bets (i.e. the 26 letters of the alphabet). In this handy guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can decide whether placing an Alphabet bet is right for you.
Updated on:
- October 27, 2025
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The Theory: How the Alphabet Bet Works
The Alphabet bet is a permutation bet that is made up of 26 individual bets. This means to place this bet, you will need to multiply your unit stake by 26. For example, a €1 unit stake on this system bet would require a €26 total stake.
To place the bet, you’ll need to add a total of six (6) selections to your betslip. If done correctly, this will unlock the option to place an Alphabet bet in the multiples section of your betslip.
An Alphabet system bet is made up of two patents (14 bets), one yankee bet (11 bets), and one six-fold accumulator (1 bet).
The two patents are made up of:
- 6 singles
- 6 doubles
- 2 trebles
The yankee bet consists of:
- 6 doubles
- 4 trebles
- 1 four-fold accumulator
Unlike a lot of other permutation bets, an Alphabet system bet only requires one winning selection to guarantee a return. Note: a return, not a profit.
However, the order of the selections on your betslip is important as this determines what’s included in your patent and yankee bets. This makes an Alphabet bet different to some of the other permutation bets you can find.
Essentially, if you have six selections, your bets will consist of:
Patent #1 – Selections 1, 2, and 3 on your betslip
Patent #2 – Selections 4, 5, and 6 on your betslip
Yankee – Selections 2, 3, 4, and 5 on your betslip
Due to how an Alphabet bet works, it makes sense to put the bets you are least sure of in positions 1 and 6 on your betslip so as to avoid their inclusion in the more lucrative Yankee.
3 Examples of an Alphabet Bet
To better understand how a betting system like Alphabet betting works, we’re going to provide you with some examples of how the payouts can differ depending on the outcomes of the bet. We will use a €1 unit stake (€26 total stake).
Example 1
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| Bournemouth to Win | 6/1 | WON |
| Liverpool to Win | 7/4 | LOST |
| Man United to Win | 9/2 | WON |
| Man City to Win | 6/5 | WON |
| Leeds United to Win | 12/1 | LOST |
| Crystal Palace to Win | 8/1 | WON |
This bet would pay out a total of €94.10. As four selections have won, you would be paid out on the following: 4 possible singles, 5 possible doubles, 4 possible trebles, and the 1 possible four-fold accumulator.
Example 2
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| Bournemouth to Win | 6/1 | WON |
| Liverpool to Win | 7/4 | WON |
| Man United to Win | 9/2 | LOST |
| Man City to Win | 6/5 | LOST |
| Leeds United to Win | 12/1 | WON |
| Crystal Palace to Win | 8/1 | LOST |
This bet would pay out a total of €77.75. Since three selections have won, this bet would pay on the 3 possible singles, 3 possible doubles, and the 1 possible treble.
Example 3
| Selection | Odds | Result |
| Bournemouth to Win | 6/1 | WON |
| Liverpool to Win | 7/4 | WON |
| Man United to Win | 9/2 | WON |
| Man City to Win | 6/5 | WON |
| Leeds United to Win | 12/1 | LOST |
| Crystal Palace to Win | 8/1 | WON |
This bet would pay out a total of €291.55. As five selections have won, you would be paid out on the 5 singles, 10 possible doubles, 10 possible trebles, 5 possible four-fold accumulators, and the one 5-five-fold accumulator.
ALPHABET BET CALCULATOR
Like most betting systems, the Alphabet Bet is complex. This is why many bettors use an Alphabet Bet Calculator to determine the best bets to place. This is particularly important when it comes to positions 1 and 6 in your Alphabet Bet.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Alphabet system bet is one that should only be used by advanced bettors. It can be confusing and takes a great deal of knowledge to master. It can provide insurance against losing selections, however, so if you understand it you should consider using it.
Betting Calculator Tools
FAQS
What will my total stake have to be to place an Alphabet system bet?
This depends on the unit stake that you enter. Whatever stake you enter will be multiplied by 26 and this will be your total stake.
What sport should I use the Alphabet system on?
Are prices important for an Alphabet system bet?
Does it matter what order my selections are in?
Yes. The order on your betslip determines which trebles and doubles are placed. You can edit the order in your betslip before confirming.
Can I cash out my Alphabet system bet?
Yes, you should be able to cash out your Alphabet bet if your chosen bookmaker offers the cash out feature.