01Medium risk
Match play
Nassau
Three matches in one round: the front nine, back nine and all 18 holes.
2–4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →The 19th-Hole Encyclopedia
Golf Gambling Games, Explained Without the Argument.
Compare 18 golf gambling games by rules, ideal player count, risk, handicaps and compatible side bets. Find the right game before your next round.
18complete game guides
Choose your chaos
Find the Right Game
02Medium risk
Hole by hole
Skins
Win a hole outright to claim its value; ties often carry that value forward.
2–8 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →03High risk
Rotating teams
Wolf
A rotating Wolf chooses a partner after tee shots or goes alone for a larger reward.
4 playersModerate pace
Read the Full Guide →04Very high risk
Team points
Vegas
Two-player teams combine their scores into 2-digit numbers and pay the difference.
4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →05Low to medium risk
Individual points
Quota / Chicago
Each golfer chases a handicap-based points target instead of the lowest stroke total.
2–36 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →06Low risk
Individual points
Stableford
Score points by hole result so a disaster hole has a limited effect on the round.
1–144 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →07Medium risk
Three-player points
Split Sixes
A threesome divides 9 points on every hole according to finish order and ties.
3 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →08Low to medium risk
Achievement points
Bingo Bango Bongo
Three points per hole reward first on, closest once all are on and first holed out.
2–4 playersDeliberate pace
Read the Full Guide →09Medium risk
Rotating partners
Six-Six-Sixes
A foursome changes partners every 6 holes so everyone teams with everyone.
4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →10Low to medium risk
Team match play
Four-Ball Match Play
Two teams of 2 use the better score from each side on every hole.
4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →11Very high risk
Doubling overlay
Hammer
Either side can offer a mid-hole double, forcing the opponent to accept or concede.
2–5 playersModerate pace
Read the Full Guide →12Very high risk
One vs. the field
Banker
One rotating Banker plays a separate hole match against every other golfer.
3–5 playersModerate pace
Read the Full Guide →13Medium risk
One vs. the field
Defender
A rotating Defender must beat the rest of the group on the assigned hole.
3–4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →14Low to medium risk
Possession game
Rabbit
Win a hole outright to catch the Rabbit, then hold it at the end of the segment.
2–4 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →15Low to medium risk
Penalty overlay
Snake
The most recent 3-putter holds the Snake; whoever has it after 18 pays.
2–6 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →16Medium risk
Achievement overlay
Dots / Junk
Award small points for agreed feats such as greenies, sandies, barkies and long putts.
2–8 playersFast pace
Read the Full Guide →17High risk
Team points
Umbrella
Two teams compete for multiple points on each hole, with a sweep multiplying the result.
4 playersModerate pace
Read the Full Guide →18High risk
Team points
Scotch
Teams earn several points per hole for low ball, team total, birdies and proximity.
4 playersModerate pace
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