At first glance, betting on small odds seems like a reliable strategy for African bettors. There’s nothing particularly hard about it: you need to find good games (e.g. Arsenal vs NoNameClub), where all odds are against the underdog, place a bet, and wait for your well-deserved reward from 1Win.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, as I mentioned in Betting on Small Odds: Is This a Proper Betting Strategy?, it’s not as simple as it seems. Today, I’ll try to explain how to improve low odds betting strategies for beginners and provide practical small odds tips.
Key Takeaways
- Low odds betting is safer, not risk-free.
- Spread a small bankroll across multiple bets.
- Don’t rely on one strategy only.
- Bet only on sports you understand.
- Use licensed betting platforms.
Recap on Low Odds Betting
Let’s recall the foundation of this betting strategy: low odds betting is based on making small bets (around $1–$3) on games with low odds (usually from 1.10 to 1.40). This is one of the most suitable methods for African bettors to start their sports betting “career”, as it requires a small deposit and only a basic understanding of the chosen sport.
How can mistakes be made in such a simple equation? Let’s find out what you should avoid when betting on short odds.
Mistake #1: Over-relying on low odds betting
It might seem strange; however, the main setback for inexperienced bettors is relying too heavily on this strategy. Despite its simplicity, no strategy can guarantee consistent wins, even one as straightforward as this.
How to avoid: try different strategies (e.g. the 1X2 strategy) and never bet beyond a predetermined budget.
Mistake #2: “Putting all your eggs in one basket”
What is the better option: placing a $10 bet on one game with 1.20 odds, or placing five $2 bets with odds around 1.10–1.40? The first option may seem more profitable because, if the team wins, the return is higher. But what if the team loses? You lose the entire $10.
By contrast, betting on several games is less risky. Even if one bet loses, the remaining bets can still cover the loss. Let’s look at the comparison table:
| Odds per Match | Stake | Return per Win | Profit per Win |
| 1.20 | $2.00 | $2.40 | $0.40 |
| 1.25 | $2.00 | $2.50 | $0.50 |
| 1.30 | $2.00 | $2.60 | $0.60 |
| 1.35 | $2.00 | $2.70 | $0.70 |
| 1.40 | $2.00 | $2.80 | $0.80 |
Even though each individual bet yields less profit, this approach is safer overall:
| Result | Total Return | Net Result |
| 5 wins | $13.00 | +$3.00 |
| 4 wins, 1 loss | $10.40 | +$0.40 |
How to avoid: distribute your bets evenly across different games and avoid spending your entire deposit on a single match.
Mistake #3: Betting on every sport available
One of the key betting principles is to bet on sports you understand. However, many African bettors place bets on unfamiliar sports simply because of attractive odds — and this is a crucial mistake.
Football is the most popular betting sport in Africa, and most bettors know which teams are favourites. But do you really have sufficient knowledge of Indian cricket or horse racing? Odds may look tempting, but betting on a sport you don’t understand is rarely a good idea.
How to avoid: stick to sports you know well (e.g. football) and bet on teams you’re confident are capable of winning.
Mistake #4: Using “grey” or “black” betting platforms
This issue isn’t directly related to strategy, but it’s a major problem for African bettors. Imagine building a winning streak and turning a $10 deposit into $30 — only to discover you can’t withdraw the money due to constant “payment issues” or unexplained restrictions. Unfortunately, this scenario is common with unlicensed betting platforms.
How to avoid: use only licensed betting providers with a solid reputation, such as 1Win.
Final Thoughts
Low odds betting is a reasonable strategy for beginner African bettors. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the most cost-effective and accessible ways to start betting with limited funds.
Always play responsibly and bet only with money you can afford to lose.