What Does 3 Legs Mean in Betting?

The meaning of “3 legs” varies from one betting shop to another, but it essentially refers to the use of multiple bookmakers when placing a bet. In addition to the bookmaker’s odds, which you’ll need to consider when placing a bet, you should also look at the spread, which is the difference between the recommended odds and the actual odds. The use of multiple bookmakers can help you get the best combination of odds and value.

How Does 3 Legs Work?

When you place a bet using the 3 legs method, you’re actually placing three bets, one on each bookmaker, and then adding the three wins together to calculate the overall result. As a rule of thumb, you should place your first leg on the best priced bookmaker (in terms of the odds offered), your second on the next best priced bookmaker, and your third on the cheapest one. If you lose the first two legs, you’ll lose the whole bet (minus a small stake), but if you lose the third leg, you’re guaranteed a win. This is because the odds are stacked in your favor.

Why Use 3 Legs?

While most people will tell you to use as many bookmakers as possible when betting, sometimes it’s best to stick with just a couple. Using a single bookmaker can help you get the best possible odds and value, but if you want to be able to change your bet whenever you want, using three legs is the way to go. It’s also ideal for people from the US, where individual bookmakers can often be more expensive than using multiple bookmakers from overseas. 

More Than Meets The Eye

Bookmakers don’t always offer good value for money, and if you’re looking for guaranteed value, then you should probably look for a different option. Using multiple bookmakers, and being able to compare the value and odds offered, is an excellent way to find the best deals. If you find that one or two of the bookmakers are overcharging you, simply change to a different one.

As a rule of thumb, always put your funds into the bookmakers that are located in high-risk countries, where money laundering is a major problem. Look for bookmakers that are licensed and regulated by the governing body of the country, and make sure you’re aware of how many complaints and/or warnings they may have received. It is also a good idea to check for additional fees and charges, hidden options, and whatever else they may try to up-sale you on. If you live in an area where there is high probability of winning (such as Las Vegas), using multiple bookmakers can help you get the most for your money, as long as you are aware of the risks involved.

Getting The Best Odds

There are numerous opportunities for you to get the best possible odds when betting, and using multiple bookmakers is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re always getting the best possible deal. Sometimes the difference in odds can be marginal, but it’s still worth looking into. If you’re ever unsure as to which odds are best, simply compare the prices and/or commissions of the various bookmakers. It’s also a good idea to check for specials and promotions from the different bookmakers, as well as reading the reviews for each one. Sometimes it’s best to simply ask the question “How can I get the best odds on this bet?”, and the answer may well be “The most efficient way to do so is by using multiple bookmakers.”