By BetDirective · Beyond the Odds
Squad Bet lets you look at what a group of footballers can achieve together. The important bit is understanding whether you are backing a combined total or comparing two squads—and what has to happen for your selection to win.
This guide explains Sky Bet’s version, how to find your way through the options, and the details worth checking before you confirm a bet.
What is Squad Bet?
Sky Bet offers two formats: Squad Builder, where selected players contribute towards a shared target, and Squad Battle, where two groups are compared. Statistics can include goals, shots, shots on target, assists and fouls, depending on availability. Sky Bet’s official guide gives the current product rules.
How to use Squad Builder
1. Find the feature. Open a supported football match and look for the Squad Bet tab. It will not necessarily appear on every match.
2. Choose your statistic and players. Select Squad Builder and review the players shown. Use Edit Squad to change the group. Builder requires at least two players.
3. Choose a combined target. Check the available totals and the price beside your chosen target. In the screenshot below, the question is how many shots on target the selected players will record between them.
4. Review the selection. Check the player names, statistic, target, odds and stake in the betslip before confirming. If any part of the wording is unclear, check the market rules first.
Does every player need to Contribute?
A combined target is about the total, not an individual minimum for every player. For an illustrative target of three or more shots on target between Players A, B and C, totals of two, one and zero add up to three.
Compare that with a selection requiring each player to have one or more shots on target: the same two, one and zero would not meet that requirement. Read “combined” or “between them” carefully; do not assume it means “each”. Separate participation rules still apply.
How does Squad Battle differ?
Squad Battle compares one selected group against another. For example, Players A and B could be compared with Players C and D for combined shots on target. You are choosing which group records the higher total, rather than choosing a fixed target.
Check both squads before selecting a side. For an illustrative comparison, a total of four beats a total of three. Equal totals do not give either squad a higher total; check the specific market’s tie rule rather than assuming what happens to your stake.
What if a player does not start?
Sky Bet’s published rule says the whole Squad Bet is void if any selected player does not start, including a player named on the bench. A void bet is cancelled rather than settled as a win or loss; Sky Bet says the money is returned to your wallet.
This is a separate question from whether every player contributes to the total. A player can record zero towards a combined target, but the bet must still meet the participation rules.
Can I use it in-play or Cash Out?
Sky Bet currently says Squad Bet is pre-match only, Cash Out is available only before kick-off, and Super Sub does not apply. Do not assume features available on another player bet will also apply here.
What else should I check?
The statistic. Shots and shots on target are different markets. Make sure the statistic in your betslip matches the one you intended to select.
Any average shown. A historical average describes past results; it is not a guaranteed total for the next match. Do not confuse it with the target you are choosing.
The exact market rules. Similar-looking combined-player bets can have different conditions. For example, Paddy Power and Betfair publish combined shots-on-target rules referring to a player taking no part in the match, rather than not starting. Check the operator and market you are actually using.
Before you confirm
You should be able to say your selection back in one sentence: these players, this statistic, this target—or this squad to beat that squad. Then check the participation rules, price and stake. A shared target does not automatically make a bet better value or easier to win.
Sources checked: 31 October 2026. Rules and availability can change. Screenshots and worked examples are illustrative; the odds shown are not live prices.
18+ only. Gambling involves a risk of losing money. Read our Responsible Gambling information. Back to Beyond the Odds.