If-Bet
A linked sequence of wagers where each later bet is only placed if the previous one meets a stated condition, capping how much of your bankroll is ever at risk.
Definition
An if-bet chains two or more selections so the next wager is only actioned depending on the result of the one before it. In an 'if win' version the second bet is placed only if the first wins; in an 'if action' version it is placed as long as the first bet is not void. The main purpose is bankroll control: your total risk is limited to the first stake (plus winnings) rather than the sum of all stakes, unlike separate straight bets. It does not change the odds of any individual leg.
Worked example
You place a $100 'if win' bet on Bet A then Bet B. If A loses, B is never placed, so you lose only $100. If A wins (say at 1.91, returning $191), B is then placed for $100 and settled on its own merits.
Why it matters
Learners meet a tool for controlling exposure across linked plays, while disciplined bettors use if-bets to sequence action when a bankroll cannot cover every bet at once.