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What Is a Swinger In Horse Racing? Swinger Bet Explained

Horse racing in the UK offers a variety of betting options, each with its own set of rules and potential outcomes. One type of bet that is often mentioned is the swinger. 

This blog explains what a swinger bet involves, how it works, and why it may be useful to understand if you are looking to learn more about horse racing betting. 

The information here is intended to provide clear, factual explanations, so you can better understand how these bets function and the calculations involved, without assuming any prior knowledge of sports betting or gambling terminology.

Horse Racing Swinger Meaning Explained

A swinger bet is a wager where you choose two horses in a single race, and your bet wins if both horses finish in the first three positions, regardless of the order in which they finish.

Horse Racing

For example, if you select Horse A and Horse B:

  • You win if Horse A finishes 1st and Horse B finishes 2nd.
  • You win if Horse A finishes 1st and Horse B finishes 3rd.
  • You win if Horse A finishes 2nd and Horse B finishes 3rd.

Unlike bets where you must try and predict the exact finishing order, such as an exacta, a swinger only requires both horses to place within the top three. This makes it a different kind of bet with its own calculations and considerations.

Swinger bets are structured to reflect the odds of both horses placing. They are available from most UK bookmakers and in the Tote pools at many UK racecourses. Each provider may have slightly different terms, so it is important to check the specific rules before placing a wager.

How Is a Swinger Bet Calculated?

Calculating a swinger bet involves understanding the odds offered for each horse to place. UK bookmakers typically provide fractional odds or decimal odds, and potential payouts depend on these odds combined.

Here is a simplified approach using fractional odds:

  1. Identify the fractional odds of each horse placing. For example:
    • Horse A: 5/1
    • Horse B: 3/1
       
  2. Convert fractional odds to a decimal if needed:
    • Horse A: 5 ÷ 1 + 1 = 6.0
    • Horse B: 3 ÷ 1 + 1 = 4.0
       
  3. Multiply the decimal odds of the two horses to find the combined odds:
    • 6.0 × 4.0 = 24.0
       
  4. Multiply your stake by the combined odds to estimate potential winnings:
    • £5 × 24.0 = £120 (including your stake).

Important notes:

  • Some bookmakers or the Tote may use slightly different methods, including dividends from a betting pool.
  • The example above assumes simple multiplication for illustration; actual payouts may differ.
  • Outcomes are unpredictable, and winnings are not guaranteed.
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Is The Tote Swinger Bet a Good Bet?

A Tote swinger bet is a variant offered through the Tote pools at UK racecourses. In a Tote pool, all wagers of a specific type are combined, and the total pool is divided among the winning bets after deductions.

Some points to consider:

  • The Tote uses a dividend system, which means your potential payout depends on how much money is in the pool and how many winning tickets exist.
     
  • Since the bet only requires two selected horses to finish in the top three, it usually has different odds compared to bets like an exacta or tricast, but any outcome is uncertain and winnings are not guaranteed.
     
  • Potential payouts can vary from race to race and are affected by the number of winning tickets.

Overall, Tote swinger bets follow the same basic rules as bookmaker swingers, but any payouts are pool-based rather than fixed. 

There is no betting strategy that guarantees a specific result, as all horse races involve chance and unpredictability.

Bet on Horses Online

Bet442 is an online sportsbook and casino, offering a range of betting options on horse racing, as well as other sports and casino games. Users can log in or join our site to explore the different types of bets available, including swinger bets, and see what the site has to offer.

Our platform is designed to be clear and easy to navigate, allowing users to locate races, events, and betting options efficiently. After creating an account, you can access guides explaining different types of bets and explore the markets to make more informed choices based on your preferences.

Please gamble responsibly. Betting involves an element of chance, and any winnings are not guaranteed. Only use money you can afford to lose and consider setting personal limits before engaging in any gambling activity.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.