# What Is a Jackpot Bet?

> What is a jackpot bet? You predict the 1X2 result of a set list of matches. See the real odds of getting all 13 or 17 right and how to play it safely.

Source: https://oddsclass.com/learn/jackpot_bet/ · Publisher: OddsClass editorial team · Reviewed: 2026-11-06 · Language: en
> **Short answer:** A jackpot bet is a bet where you predict the 1X2 result of a set list of matches, often 13 or 17. You win the top prize only if every pick is right. Even with good football knowledge, that is a very long shot.

## Jackpot bet example: a 13-match weekly jackpot

Say your bookmaker runs a weekly jackpot with 13 matches. The entry costs KSh 100 (example price). The list might start like this:

| Match | Your pick |
|---|---|
| Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards | 1 (home win) |
| Simba vs Young Africans | X (draw) |
| KCCA vs Vipers | 2 (away win) |
| Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak | 1 (home win) |
| ...9 more matches | ... |

1X2 means home win (1), draw (X) or away win (2). Learn more in our [1X2 guide](https://oddsclass.com/learn/1x2/).

You pick one result for each of the 13 matches. If all 13 are right, you win the top prize. If one is wrong, you do not win the top prize. You may still win a smaller bonus, depending on the rules.

## How weekly jackpots work

A weekly jackpot is a single entry on a set list of matches chosen by the bookmaker. You do not choose the matches, and the stake (the money you bet) is set.

The main steps are usually the same:

1. The bookmaker publishes the list, often 13 or 17 matches.
2. You pick 1, X or 2 for every match.
3. You pay the entry price and submit before the first kick-off.
4. After the last match, the bookmaker checks every entry.
5. Entries with all picks right share the top prize.

Some sites let you pick two or three results for a match. This is often called a "multi-bet" or "combination" entry. It raises your chances, but each extra result multiplies the price.

## The real odds of getting every pick right

The odds of getting all picks right are extremely small. Each match has three possible results, so the number of possible slips grows very fast.

*Diagram: Possible jackpot slips: 5 matches 243, 9 matches 19,683, 13 matches 1,594,323, 17 matches 129,140,163*

For 13 matches, there are 3 multiplied by itself 13 times: 3^13 = 1,594,323 possible slips. For 17 matches, 3^17 = 129,140,163.

If every result were equally likely, one slip would have this chance:

| Number of matches | Possible slips | Chance with one slip |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1,594,323 | 1 in 1,594,323 |
| 17 | 129,140,163 | 1 in 129,140,163 |

Real matches are not all equally likely, so this is only a guide. But it shows the size of the challenge. Getting 17 right is about 81 times harder than getting 13 right.

## Bonuses for fewer correct picks

Many jackpots pay smaller bonuses for slips that are nearly right. For example, a site may pay something for 12 out of 13, or for 15 or 16 out of 17.

These bonuses are much smaller than the top prize. They are often shared between all the players who reach that level. When many people get the same near-miss, each share can be small.

The rules change from site to site and week to week. Check the prize table before you enter, so you know what each level pays.

## Why the jackpot is still a long shot with good knowledge

Good knowledge helps a little, but it cannot beat these numbers. Even experts are often wrong about single football matches.

Say you are very skilled and pick each match right half the time. That is better than most people manage. Your chance of getting all of them right is still tiny:

- 13 matches: 0.5 multiplied 13 times = 1 in 8,192
- 17 matches: 0.5 multiplied 17 times = 1 in 131,072

One draw, one red card or one late goal ends the slip. Jackpots often include close matches on purpose, where any result can happen. For the same reason, long [accumulators](https://oddsclass.com/learn/accumulator_bet/) rarely win.

## How to treat a jackpot bet

Treat a jackpot as entertainment, not as a plan to make money. These habits help:

- **Use a small set amount.** Spend the same small sum each week, such as one KSh 100 entry. Do not raise it after a loss.
- **Count the yearly cost.** One KSh 100 entry every week is KSh 5,200 a year.
- **Avoid big combination entries.** They can cost many times the normal price.
- **Do not pay for jackpot tips.** Nobody knows the results in advance. Read our guide on [why no bet is certain](https://oddsclass.com/learn/sure_odds/).
- **Never borrow to play.** Use only money left after food, rent and transport.

## Common mistakes

- Believing good football knowledge makes the jackpot likely.
- Paying for "jackpot predictions" from strangers online.
- Spending more each week after a near-miss.
- Buying large combination entries without checking the total price.
- Forgetting that the top prize is often shared.

## Bet responsibly

Only stake money you can afford to lose. Set a deposit limit in your bookmaker account before you start. If betting stops being fun, read [where to get help](https://oddsclass.com/learn/gambling_help/).

## Related guides

- [What is 1X2 in betting](https://oddsclass.com/learn/1x2/)
- [What is an accumulator bet](https://oddsclass.com/learn/accumulator_bet/)
- [What is implied probability](https://oddsclass.com/learn/implied_probability/)
- [Bankroll management for beginners](https://oddsclass.com/learn/bankroll_management/)
- [Why no bet is certain](https://oddsclass.com/learn/sure_odds/)
- [What Is Virtual Football](https://oddsclass.com/learn/virtual_football/)