What is a Losing Bet? Losing Bet Explained for New Sports Bettors
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
19/04/2026
It depends on what kind of selection a bettor has made, but a losing bet is any bet that fails to produce winning returns. For most bettors this is often the most common result, as that is the very nature of gambling.
A losing bet is where the prediction a bettor has made in regards to an event does not come true, meaning that the stake they have bet is lost – likely to one of the many sports betting sites available online.
How is Losing Bet used in Sports Betting?
With so much money spent at top bookmakers, it is no surprise that much of that cash goes to the bookmakers in the form of losing bets. Even with seemingly inevitable events the odds will always reflect the chances of it coming true – and with sport especially there is always the chance of an upset.
An example of a losing bet would be if you went to our Betting Odds Comparison Page and took the moneyline for the Patriots to beat the Dolphins. If the Dolphins won the game or tied after an overtime period, that would be a losing bet.
Sites that Offer Free Bets to New Players
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Don't be too Discouraged at Losing Bets
Although winning bets are the obvious reason why people enjoy betting, losing bets should always be expected as they are part and parcel of gambling. It is only natural to try to make up for your losses after a losing bet, but bettors should always be responsible and accept their losses without chasing the next win.
How often do People Think they win
A recent survey found that nearly 25% of sports bettors believe they win 75% of the time, while 40% of daily bettors risk at least half of their monthly income.
Sports Betting Report Data on over 1200 adult sports bettors. Includes information about gender, betting frequency, location, and winning percentage.
The survey of American sports gamblers found that 24% place bets daily, while 42% only bet once a week.
39% of those who bet every day are wagering at least half their monthly income. Gambling is viewed as an additional income source by most.
While women are more likely than men to gamble daily (26% to 23%) they are less likely than men to bet a few days per month (45% to 36%).
Bettors who only wager a few times a month are more cautious with their bankrolls. More than half of those who wager less than once a month risk losing less than 10% of their monthly earnings.
These answers reveal a lot about the mindset of a gambler. Daily bettors accounted for 24% of those who said they win 'frequently,' which is at least 75%. Half of the respondents said they win 50% of the time.
It's no surprise that football is the most preferred sport to place a bet.
These answers are a great example of how it is important for sports bettors to be honest about their results. Knowing the truth about results is important for anyone betting responsibly, whether they are serious gamblers who look at lines every day or casual bettors who only invest at weekends. The fact that 50% of people say they win the half time shows you these people have no clue or are lying about how often they win. The facts are this when you bet you need to realize how much you are betting and how often you are winning.
Winning at 75% does not happen in sports gambling. In truth winning 55% of your bets means you are ahead. Be smart about how you bet your money and if you lose the 1 pm NFL game do not chase getting that money back on the 4 pm game that's a recipe for disaster. Remember to be smart with your money and we here at betting.net™ are here to help you do just that!
Use Odds Boosts or Promotions to Increase your Chances
Although there's no guaranteed way to always pick a winner, there are some things you can do to increase your chances. One is to take advantage of all the bonus codes and promotions online sportsbooks constantly offer to customers. These promotions give you things like matched betting, free bets, or loss prevention where you'll be reimbursed for a bet if you lose.
Find all of the best bonus codes and promotions at our Best Betting Offers Page. Speaking of betting offers, here's a great example of one now from our friends at William Hill. Whenever you find a great offer, be sure to take advantage of it. Operator deals and promotions are constantly changing.
Top Sportsbooks with the Best Odds!
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
Did you know…
A Wilfred Bony last-minute goal for Swansea against Manchester United in 2014 resulted in a losing bet for many fans. The Swans had not won at Old Trafford for 82 years, but a dismal performance from United upset the odds and meant that many single and multiple bets will have ended up as losers.
