What Is a Bet Slip?
A bet slip is the list of your picks before and after you place a bet. It shows each selection, its odds, your stake and the potential return. Always check the slip carefully before you tap confirm, because most bets cannot be changed later.
Bet slip example: Enyimba vs Kano Pillars
Say you add two picks to your slip and stake (the money you bet) ₦1,000. This makes a double (a two-pick accumulator).
Here is how the slip could look:
| Slip line | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Selection 1 | Enyimba to beat Kano Pillars, 1X2: Home, odds 1.90 (example odds) |
| Selection 2 | Remo Stars to beat Rivers United, 1X2: Home, odds 1.40 (example odds) |
| Bet type | Multiple (double) |
| Total odds | 1.90 × 1.40 = 2.66 |
| Stake | ₦1,000 |
| Potential return | ₦1,000 × 2.66 = ₦2,660.00 |
| Tax (example: 5% of winnings) | (₦2,660 − ₦1,000) × 0.05 = ₦83.00 |
| Return after tax | ₦2,660 − ₦83 = ₦2,577.00 |
If Enyimba win 2–0 and Remo Stars win 1–0, the slip pays ₦2,577.00 in this example. If either match does not go your way, you lose the ₦1,000.
Check your own numbers with the payout calculator.
What are the parts of a bet slip?
A bet slip has six main parts. Each one tells you something about your bet.
- Selections: the picks you added, such as "Enyimba to win".
- Odds: the price of each pick.
- Stake: the amount you choose to bet.
- Total odds: all the odds multiplied together on a multiple slip.
- Potential return: stake × total odds, if every pick wins. It includes your stake.
- Tax line: some slips show tax on winnings. Rules differ by country and state.
Tax is not the same everywhere. For example, see betting tax in Nigeria or betting tax in Kenya.
What is the difference between a single and a multiple slip?
A single slip has one pick. A multiple slip links two or more picks into one bet.
On a single, only one result must go right. On a multiple, every pick must win, or the whole slip loses.
| Slip type | Picks | Stake | Odds (example odds) | Potential return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Gor Mahia to win | KSh 100 | 1.90 | KSh 190.00 |
| Multiple | Gor Mahia + Tusker to win | KSh 100 | 1.90 × 1.40 = 2.66 | KSh 266.00 |
The multiple pays more, but it needs two results to go right. Read more in single bet and accumulator bet.
How do I read a settled bet slip?
A settled slip is one where the matches are over and the bet is decided. It usually shows one of three results.
- Won: every pick won. The return goes into your account.
- Lost: at least one pick lost. You lose the stake.
- Void: the bet or a pick was cancelled, for example because a match was postponed.
On a single, a void bet returns your stake. On a multiple, a void pick usually counts as odds of 1.00. The rest of the slip goes on.
Example: in the ₦1,000 double above, say the Remo Stars match is void. The new total odds are 1.90 × 1.00 = 1.90. If Enyimba win, the return is ₦1,000 × 1.90 = ₦1,900, before any tax. Rules differ by bookmaker, so read their terms. See void bet for more.
How do I save or share a bet slip?
Many bookmakers let you save a slip as a booking code (a short code for the picks). Others can load the same picks with it.
A booking code shares picks only. It does not share your stake or make anyone's bet more likely to win.
Common mistakes
- Not checking the selection. "Home" and "Away" are easy to mix up. Read the team names.
- Leaving old picks on the slip. An extra pick turns a single into a multiple.
- Typing the wrong stake. ₦1,000 and ₦10,000 look alike on a small screen.
- Ignoring changed odds. Check the new potential return before you accept.
- Confusing potential return with profit. The return includes your stake.
FAQ
Can I change a bet slip after placing it?
Usually not. Some bookmakers offer an edit bet feature for some slips, but the new odds may differ from the old ones.
What is a booking code on a bet slip?
A booking code is a short code that saves the picks on a slip. Someone else can load the same picks with it, but they still choose their own stake.
Why did my potential return change before I placed the bet?
Odds can move before you confirm. Many bookmakers show a message asking you to accept the new odds.
Where do I find my old bet slips?
Look for a section called bet history, my bets or open bets in your account. Settled slips usually stay there for some time.