The Different Types of Bets In Horse Racing Explained
Horse racing has been part of British culture for centuries, with meetings at courses like Cheltenham, Epsom and York drawing in large crowds. Alongside watching the races, many people take an interest in betting.
If you’re new to betting on horse racing, this guide will help you understand the most common types of bets available in the UK. It uses clear explanations and examples, so you can decide whether this type of betting suits your preferences. As with all forms of gambling, betting carries an element of chance and should be approached as a leisure activity.
Simple Horse Racing Bets
These are the basic bet types often used by people who are just getting started. You will see them mentioned by bookmakers both online and at the racecourse.
Win Bet
This is the most straightforward form of horse racing bet. You select one horse who you think will finish in first place. If your chosen horse wins the race, your bet is successful. If it finishes anywhere other than first, the bet does not pay out.
Example: You stake £3 on a horse with odds of 6/1. If the horse finishes first: £3 x 6 = £18 winnings, plus your £3 stake returned = £21 total return.
Place Bet
A place bet involves selecting a horse to finish within a specified number of top positions, rather than needing to come first. The number of places that count as a win for this type of bet depends on both the number of runners and the race type.
Bookmakers typically follow these standard place terms for each way betting:
5 to 7 runners: 1st and 2nd place, with place terms of 1/4 the win odds
8 or more runners (non-handicap): 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, with place terms of 1/5
Handicap races with 16 or more runners: 1st through 4th place, usually at 1/4 odds
These place terms are commonly used, but not identical across all bookmakers. Some may offer enhanced terms for specific races or promotions. It’s advisable to read the betting rules provided by the bookmaker before placing a bet, especially for events with fewer runners or special conditions.
Each Way Bet
An each way bet combines two parts: a win and a place. You are betting on the same horse to win and to finish in a placed position. The total cost is double your stake. So, if you place a £2 each way bet, you are spending £4 in total.
If the horse wins, both parts of the bet return money. If the horse only places, you get a return based on the place odds, but not the win.
Multiple Bets & Accumulators
These bets involve selecting more than one horse in separate races. For any return to be paid, each horse in the sequence must meet the conditions of the bet.
Double
This is a type of bet where you select two horses to win in two separate races. Both horses must win for the bet to return any money. If one horse loses, the entire bet is lost.
Example: You place a £1 double on two horses, both priced at 4/1:
If the first horse wins: £1 x 4 = £4 profit. Your total return from the first leg is £5 (including your £1 stake).
That £5 is then used as the stake for the second horse at 4/1: £5 x 4 = £20 profit.
A treble involves three horses. Each must win for the bet to return anything. Returns from the first bet roll into the second, and so on.
Accumulator
This is a bet involving four or more selections. All horses must win their respective races. If one selection fails, the entire accumulator is lost. Accumulators can include many selections, with potential payouts increasing significantly as more horses are added, but so does the risk.
Full Cover Bets (With or Without Singles)
Full cover bets involve combining a set number of horse selections into all possible combinations of doubles, trebles, and larger multiples. This means that if you select three horses, you are not just betting on one treble, but also on each possible pair of doubles.
Some versions of these bets include individual bets on each horse to win (called singles), while others do not. Including singles increases the number of bets and the total stake required.
Trixie
A Trixie bet covers three horses in three races. It creates four bets: three doubles and one treble. No singles are included. At least two horses must win for a potential return.
Patent
A Patent bet is also based on three selections. Includes singles, doubles and a treble, making seven bets in total. Even one winning horse can provide a return.
Yankee
A Yankee bet involves four horses and creates 11 bets: six doubles, four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. Singles are not included.
Lucky 15
Includes the same horses as a Yankee, but adds four singles to make 15 bets. This means one winning horse can result in some return.
Canadian (Super Yankee)
A Canadian bet uses five horses to form 26 bets: ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and one five-fold accumulator. No singles are included.
Lucky 31
A Lucky 31 bet is based on five horses. Includes all the multiples in a Canadian, plus five singles, for 31 bets.
Heinz
Six selections make up 57 bets. This includes all combinations of doubles, trebles, four-folds, five-folds, and a six-fold accumulator. Singles are excluded.
Lucky 63
A Lucky 63 is similar to a Heinz but it includes singles, so there are sixty-three bets in total for six selections: six singles, fifteen doubles, twenty trebles, fifteen four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold.
Super Heinz
A Super Heinz bet is seven selections, resulting in 120 bets. Covers all combinations from doubles up to a seven-fold. Does not include singles.
Goliath
A Goliath is one of the largest full cover bets, with eight selections. It creates a huge total of 247 bets. These cover every multiple bet possible from doubles, up to an eight-fold accumulator. Singles are not included.
Full cover bets allow you to spread your stake across various combinations, which means you could see a return, even if you do not pick every winner.
It’s important to remember that placing more bets increases your total stake, as each part of the full cover bet costs the amount you choose. Wagering should be treated as a leisure activity, not a way to make money. Only spend what you can afford, and make use of responsible gambling help if you need support. Bookmaker terms and options can vary, so it may help to check the details before you place your bet.
Forecast and Tricast Bets
This section will introduce you to forecast and tricast bets in horse racing. These are special types of bets where you try to predict the exact finishing order of two or more horses in a race.
They can be more complex than standard win or place bets, but some people find them interesting if they want a different challenge. These bets involve guessing the specific order, and the potential returns can be higher due to the increased difficulty. Knowing how these bets work can help you decide if they fit your interests.
Straight Forecast
You try to predict which two horses will come first and second in the exact order. Both horses must finish in your chosen order for a return.
Reverse Forecast
A Reverse Forecast is similar to a straight forecast, but the order does not matter. As you are covering both combinations, this bet costs twice as much as a straight forecast.
Tricast
A Tricast bet involves predicting which horses you think will finish first, second and third in the correct order. These are usually only accepted in races with at least eight runners.
Combination Tricast
A Combination Tricast is where you choose three or more horses to fill the top three places in any order. For example, choosing three horses results in six possible combinations, so your stake is multiplied by six.
Forecast and tricast bets usually come with longer odds given the challenge involved. Every bookmaker has different rules and terms about which races these bets are offered on, so it makes sense to check before placing a bet.
Betting is random and outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty, so it’s wise to only spend money you are comfortable with. Remember to gamble responsibly.
Tote & Pool Betting
Unlike fixed-odds betting, pool betting involves all stakes being collected into a pool. The total amount is divided between any winning bets after the race. The final potential payout depends on how many people placed winning bets and how much money was in the pool.
Tote Win
You back a horse to finish first. If it wins, your return is calculated from the pool shared among all who picked that horse.
Tote Place
Your horse needs to finish in one of the designated places. As with fixed-odds betting, the number of places can vary depending on the race. The amount paid is based on how many other bettors picked placed horses.
Tote Exacta
This is the Tote version of a straight forecast. You must correctly pick the first and second horses in the exact order. Possible returns depend on the Exacta pool.
Tote Trifecta
Similar to a tricast. You must select the top three horses in the correct order. Trifecta bets are often used on bigger races with more runners.
Placepot
You select a horse to be placed in each of the first six races at one meeting. Your bet stays active as long as your chosen horse places in each leg. If successful, you share the pool with other winners.
Quadpot
Works like the Placepot, but only covers races 3 to 6. Can be useful if you miss the first two races or join the event later.
Jackpot
You pick the winner of each of the first six races at a meeting. The full pool is shared between anyone who gets all six right.
Scoop6
Usually available on Saturdays or major race days. You try to pick the winner of six specific races. There are often smaller possible rewards for picking placed horses.
Swinger Bet
A Swinger bet is where you select two horses who you think will finish in the top three, in any order. Both must place for the bet to pay out.
Tote bets can sometimes produce higher or lower payouts than fixed odds. It depends on how many people enter the pool and how many select the winning outcomes.
How To Work Out Horse Racing Bets
Understanding potential returns can help you manage your betting budget. For fixed-odds bets, you can use the following formulas:
Win Bet Return = Stake x Odds + Stake
Example: £5 at 7/1
£5 x 7 = £35 + £5 stake = £40 total return
Each Way Return (Win + Place) You calculate both parts separately. For the place bet, use the place odds fraction (usually 1/5 or 1/4).
Example: £2 each way at 5/1 with 1/5 place odds
Win: £2 x 5 = £10 + £2 = £12
Place: £2 x 1 (5/1 at 1/5) = £2 + £2 = £4
Total = £12 + £4 = £16
Accumulator Example You place a £1 treble on three horses with odds of 2/1, 3/1, and 4/1.
Here’s how the potential return is calculated:
First horse at 2/1: £1 x 2 = £2 profit + £1 stake = £3
Second horse at 3/1: £3 x 3 = £9 profit + £3 stake = £12
Third horse at 4/1: £12 x 4 = £48 profit + £12 stake = £60 total return
The possible return from each winning leg becomes the full stake for the next one. All selections must win for the treble to pay out.
Free online bet calculators are available to do this automatically. If your bet is a Tote or pool bet, the potential payout isn’t fixed. It depends on how much is in the pool and how many winning bets are placed.
Bet on Horse Racing Online at Bet442
Bet442 gives you access to a wide range of horse racing markets. You can find options for UK and international races, with different bet types and odds available for each event. Bet442 allows you to choose from simple win bets, each way options, and other common bet types.
It is easy to browse upcoming races and compare the markets listed with Bet442. Remember that all outcomes in racing are based on chance, so any possible returns cannot be predicted with certainty.
If you are interested in using Bet442, take some time to review our terms and understand the types of bets offered. Betting is a personal choice and should be done responsibly for fun or entertainment. If you ever feel unsure, help is available.
*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.
Horse racing has been part of British culture for centuries, with meetings at courses like Cheltenham, Epsom and York drawing in large crowds. Alongside watching the races, many people take an interest in betting.
If you’re new to betting on horse racing, this guide will help you understand the most common types of bets available in the UK. It uses clear explanations and examples, so you can decide whether this type of betting suits your preferences. As with all forms of gambling, betting carries an element of chance and should be approached as a leisure activity.
Simple Horse Racing Bets
These are the basic bet types often used by people who are just getting started. You will see them mentioned by bookmakers both online and at the racecourse.
Win Bet
This is the most straightforward form of horse racing bet. You select one horse who you think will finish in first place. If your chosen horse wins the race, your bet is successful. If it finishes anywhere other than first, the bet does not pay out.
Example: You stake £3 on a horse with odds of 6/1. If the horse finishes first: £3 x 6 = £18 winnings, plus your £3 stake returned = £21 total return.
Place Bet
A place bet involves selecting a horse to finish within a specified number of top positions, rather than needing to come first. The number of places that count as a win for this type of bet depends on both the number of runners and the race type.
Bookmakers typically follow these standard place terms for each way betting:
5 to 7 runners: 1st and 2nd place, with place terms of 1/4 the win odds
8 or more runners (non-handicap): 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, with place terms of 1/5
Handicap races with 16 or more runners: 1st through 4th place, usually at 1/4 odds
These place terms are commonly used, but not identical across all bookmakers. Some may offer enhanced terms for specific races or promotions. It’s advisable to read the betting rules provided by the bookmaker before placing a bet, especially for events with fewer runners or special conditions.
Each Way Bet
An each way bet combines two parts: a win and a place. You are betting on the same horse to win and to finish in a placed position. The total cost is double your stake. So, if you place a £2 each way bet, you are spending £4 in total.
If the horse wins, both parts of the bet return money. If the horse only places, you get a return based on the place odds, but not the win.
Multiple Bets & Accumulators
These bets involve selecting more than one horse in separate races. For any return to be paid, each horse in the sequence must meet the conditions of the bet.
Double
This is a type of bet where you select two horses to win in two separate races. Both horses must win for the bet to return any money. If one horse loses, the entire bet is lost.
Example: You place a £1 double on two horses, both priced at 4/1:
If the first horse wins: £1 x 4 = £4 profit. Your total return from the first leg is £5 (including your £1 stake).
That £5 is then used as the stake for the second horse at 4/1: £5 x 4 = £20 profit.
A treble involves three horses. Each must win for the bet to return anything. Returns from the first bet roll into the second, and so on.
Accumulator
This is a bet involving four or more selections. All horses must win their respective races. If one selection fails, the entire accumulator is lost. Accumulators can include many selections, with potential payouts increasing significantly as more horses are added, but so does the risk.
Full Cover Bets (With or Without Singles)
Full cover bets involve combining a set number of horse selections into all possible combinations of doubles, trebles, and larger multiples. This means that if you select three horses, you are not just betting on one treble, but also on each possible pair of doubles.
Some versions of these bets include individual bets on each horse to win (called singles), while others do not. Including singles increases the number of bets and the total stake required.
Trixie
A Trixie bet covers three horses in three races. It creates four bets: three doubles and one treble. No singles are included. At least two horses must win for a potential return.
Patent
A Patent bet is also based on three selections. Includes singles, doubles and a treble, making seven bets in total. Even one winning horse can provide a return.
Yankee
A Yankee bet involves four horses and creates 11 bets: six doubles, four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. Singles are not included.
Lucky 15
Includes the same horses as a Yankee, but adds four singles to make 15 bets. This means one winning horse can result in some return.
Canadian (Super Yankee)
A Canadian bet uses five horses to form 26 bets: ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and one five-fold accumulator. No singles are included.
Lucky 31
A Lucky 31 bet is based on five horses. Includes all the multiples in a Canadian, plus five singles, for 31 bets.
Heinz
Six selections make up 57 bets. This includes all combinations of doubles, trebles, four-folds, five-folds, and a six-fold accumulator. Singles are excluded.
Lucky 63
A Lucky 63 is similar to a Heinz but it includes singles, so there are sixty-three bets in total for six selections: six singles, fifteen doubles, twenty trebles, fifteen four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold.
Super Heinz
A Super Heinz bet is seven selections, resulting in 120 bets. Covers all combinations from doubles up to a seven-fold. Does not include singles.
Goliath
A Goliath is one of the largest full cover bets, with eight selections. It creates a huge total of 247 bets. These cover every multiple bet possible from doubles, up to an eight-fold accumulator. Singles are not included.
Full cover bets allow you to spread your stake across various combinations, which means you could see a return, even if you do not pick every winner.
It’s important to remember that placing more bets increases your total stake, as each part of the full cover bet costs the amount you choose. Wagering should be treated as a leisure activity, not a way to make money. Only spend what you can afford, and make use of responsible gambling help if you need support. Bookmaker terms and options can vary, so it may help to check the details before you place your bet.
Forecast and Tricast Bets
This section will introduce you to forecast and tricast bets in horse racing. These are special types of bets where you try to predict the exact finishing order of two or more horses in a race.
They can be more complex than standard win or place bets, but some people find them interesting if they want a different challenge. These bets involve guessing the specific order, and the potential returns can be higher due to the increased difficulty. Knowing how these bets work can help you decide if they fit your interests.
Straight Forecast
You try to predict which two horses will come first and second in the exact order. Both horses must finish in your chosen order for a return.
Reverse Forecast
A Reverse Forecast is similar to a straight forecast, but the order does not matter. As you are covering both combinations, this bet costs twice as much as a straight forecast.
Tricast
A Tricast bet involves predicting which horses you think will finish first, second and third in the correct order. These are usually only accepted in races with at least eight runners.
Combination Tricast
A Combination Tricast is where you choose three or more horses to fill the top three places in any order. For example, choosing three horses results in six possible combinations, so your stake is multiplied by six.
Forecast and tricast bets usually come with longer odds given the challenge involved. Every bookmaker has different rules and terms about which races these bets are offered on, so it makes sense to check before placing a bet.
Betting is random and outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty, so it’s wise to only spend money you are comfortable with. Remember to gamble responsibly.
Tote & Pool Betting
Unlike fixed-odds betting, pool betting involves all stakes being collected into a pool. The total amount is divided between any winning bets after the race. The final potential payout depends on how many people placed winning bets and how much money was in the pool.
Tote Win
You back a horse to finish first. If it wins, your return is calculated from the pool shared among all who picked that horse.
Tote Place
Your horse needs to finish in one of the designated places. As with fixed-odds betting, the number of places can vary depending on the race. The amount paid is based on how many other bettors picked placed horses.
Tote Exacta
This is the Tote version of a straight forecast. You must correctly pick the first and second horses in the exact order. Possible returns depend on the Exacta pool.
Tote Trifecta
Similar to a tricast. You must select the top three horses in the correct order. Trifecta bets are often used on bigger races with more runners.
Placepot
You select a horse to be placed in each of the first six races at one meeting. Your bet stays active as long as your chosen horse places in each leg. If successful, you share the pool with other winners.
Quadpot
Works like the Placepot, but only covers races 3 to 6. Can be useful if you miss the first two races or join the event later.
Jackpot
You pick the winner of each of the first six races at a meeting. The full pool is shared between anyone who gets all six right.
Scoop6
Usually available on Saturdays or major race days. You try to pick the winner of six specific races. There are often smaller possible rewards for picking placed horses.
Swinger Bet
A Swinger bet is where you select two horses who you think will finish in the top three, in any order. Both must place for the bet to pay out.
Tote bets can sometimes produce higher or lower payouts than fixed odds. It depends on how many people enter the pool and how many select the winning outcomes.
How To Work Out Horse Racing Bets
Understanding potential returns can help you manage your betting budget. For fixed-odds bets, you can use the following formulas:
Win Bet Return = Stake x Odds + Stake
Example: £5 at 7/1
£5 x 7 = £35 + £5 stake = £40 total return
Each Way Return (Win + Place) You calculate both parts separately. For the place bet, use the place odds fraction (usually 1/5 or 1/4).
Example: £2 each way at 5/1 with 1/5 place odds
Win: £2 x 5 = £10 + £2 = £12
Place: £2 x 1 (5/1 at 1/5) = £2 + £2 = £4
Total = £12 + £4 = £16
Accumulator Example You place a £1 treble on three horses with odds of 2/1, 3/1, and 4/1.
Here’s how the potential return is calculated:
First horse at 2/1: £1 x 2 = £2 profit + £1 stake = £3
Second horse at 3/1: £3 x 3 = £9 profit + £3 stake = £12
Third horse at 4/1: £12 x 4 = £48 profit + £12 stake = £60 total return
The possible return from each winning leg becomes the full stake for the next one. All selections must win for the treble to pay out.
Free online bet calculators are available to do this automatically. If your bet is a Tote or pool bet, the potential payout isn’t fixed. It depends on how much is in the pool and how many winning bets are placed.
Bet on Horse Racing Online at Bet442
Bet442 gives you access to a wide range of horse racing markets. You can find options for UK and international races, with different bet types and odds available for each event. Bet442 allows you to choose from simple win bets, each way options, and other common bet types.
It is easy to browse upcoming races and compare the markets listed with Bet442. Remember that all outcomes in racing are based on chance, so any possible returns cannot be predicted with certainty.
If you are interested in using Bet442, take some time to review our terms and understand the types of bets offered. Betting is a personal choice and should be done responsibly for fun or entertainment. If you ever feel unsure, help is available.
*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.
