Ever had a great idea for a bet but can’t find it at your bookie?
Then take advantage of the Request-a-Bet feature!
This betting service allows punters to request odds on any wager at different online sportsbooks and get their bet priced in minutes.
How to request a bet? Is it worth it in the long run?
Read on to find out more!
What is Request-A-Bet?
Request-A-Bet is a unique feature that has actually been part of the betting world for years but has started gaining in popularity again thanks to the rise of remote betting and social media.
It basically allows punters to create their own bets on markets the sportsbook would otherwise not offer. This can be a great way to get the odds you want on a wager or take advantage of a unique situation you think offers good value.
There are a few things you need to know before requesting your own bet.
Let’s take a closer look.
How to request a bet?
The process of requesting a bet is actually very simple.
These are the steps to follow:
- Open a Twitter account
- Follow the bookie on Twitter
- Send a tweet with the relevant hashtag (depending on the sportsbook you choose)
- You will get a message with the price, a link where you can place the bet or find the market and odds listed on the site in the relevant section
- If you like the odds, you can place the bet
Keep in mind that you might be time limitations as some bookies only offer a certain window to request odds. Also, it might take longer to get your bet priced during popular events, so make sure you request it well in advance.
Last but not least, always check the terms and conditions of the sportsbook before making a request, as many have special requirements on withdrawals and bonuses used in combination with this feature.
Request-a-Bet vs BetBuilder
Bet Builder is an automated feature offered by some of the best online bookies, giving you a chance to select different football bets and add them to a single combined wager. This can be a great way to build your bet slip and get more bang for your buck.
One of the advantages of Bet Builder over Request-a-Bet is that it’s a lot easier to create a bet. You simply select the bets you want to include, and the Bet Builder will automatically combine them into a single wager. An added plus is that the site calculator produces a price instantly, making it much faster and easier than requesting your odds on social media.
For some, though, the Build-a-Bet feature is somewhat limited, so Request-A-Bet might actually be a better choice.
Benefits of Requesting a Bet
The main advantage of the feature is that you can get the odds you want on a wager. This can be crucial if the bookie doesn’t offer the bet you’re looking for or if you think the market offers good value.
Another plus is that you can make bets on related markets. Typically if two bets have related outcomes, they cannot be combined in a straight multiple. However, this is not an issue with Request-a-Bet.
With this feature, you could bet on Pierre Emerick Aubameyang scoring the first goal before getting sent off in a game where you expect Arsenal to win 4-1. These two wagers affect the outcomes of each other and are thus impossible to find in a normal accumulator bet.
Finally, requesting odds is a great way to have some fun and experiment with your bets. You can try out different strategies and see how they work out.
Which Sites Offer a Request-a-Bet Feature?
UK punters can tweet their request with the relevant hashtag with the following bookies:
- Betway- #BetYourWay
- William Hill- #YourOdds
- Paddy Power- #WhatOddsPaddy
- Ladbrokes- #GetAPrice
- Coral- #YourCall
- Betfred- #PickYourPunt
- Betfair- #OddsOnThat
- BetVictor- #PriceItUp
- BoyleSports- #InventABet
Most sportsbooks accept requested bets on football, while others also include horse races, cricket and the NFL.
Top Request-a-Bet Tips
Take a look at these tips to make the most of this feature.
Keep it simple
Some bookies, like Sky Bet, offer insurance on your requested odds. Request-a-Bet insurance means that if one selection on your bet slip loses, you will get your stake back as cash on your account. However, you should not get carried away and add too many selections on your bet slip. Keep it as simple as possible to increase your chances of winning.
Shop around for the best odds
Requesting a bet is no different than placing a regular wager. So before depositing any money, make sure to try out several bookies. Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds, and you might be able to get better value by going to different sites.
Request a bet that makes sense
Doing research is imperative when requesting a bet. You might have a great idea for a wager, but that’s no reason to jump the gun and place a bet that is not likely to be profitable. Instead, ensure the bet makes sense, is well researched and backed by facts, stats and analysis.
Take a look at withdrawal limits on the site
Read the terms and conditions carefully, particularly when it comes to withdrawal times and limits. Most bookies will go as high as £5,000 as the max payout for Request-a-Bet, so make sure you check these things before requesting odds.
Check the markets
You might think that your bet is unique, but it is possible to find a similar market with another sportsbook. So, check markets carefully across multiple sites and only request a bet you can’t find anywhere else.
Consider betting exchanges as an alternative to Request-a-Bet
Betting exchanges allow you to act as your own bookie, placing wagers or laying bets against other punters.
This can be a great way to create your own bet and get better value than you would with a traditional sportsbook.
Bottom Line
If you’re feeling confident that you have a winning bet and want to experiment with odds, it’s time to request a wager.
Remember though; it’s tempting to make several bets and watch the odds stack up, but ensure that you only place wagers that make sense and stop playing when you are no longer in it for fun.
FAQs
Is my Request-a-Bet guaranteed to be accepted?
No, as with any bet request, there is always a chance that the bookmaker will refuse to accept the wager, especially if it is made during a popular event or if two separate bets have an impact on each other.
Can you cash out a requested bet?
Provided the market hasn’t been suspended, you will be able to cash out your bet. However, note that some bookmakers might have different rules when it comes to cashing out request bets, so be sure to check the T&Cs.
Does bet365 have a Request-a-Bet feature?
You can use bet365’s Bet Builder feature on the site or through the bet365 app to create a custom bet.
How to request a bet with Sky Bet?
Sky Bet has a very extensive page explaining all the steps you need to take to request your odds. Just follow their guidelines on how to request a bet, and you can craft your own wager in no time.