Types of Horse Racing Bets

Horse racing is a universally acclaimed sport that is enjoyed across the globe on a daily basis. Betting on races is an integral part of tradition, especially in the UK and it offers numerous ways to engage with the sport. This article will explore the different types of horse racing bets, provide insights into the wagering options available, and what bets suit seasoned participants and newcomers and get more information about how to bet on horse racing.

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List of Horse Racing Bet Types

Betting on horse racing offers options for various preferences and strategies. From simple single bets to complex accumulators, each bet type adds its own layer of excitement to the races. In this section, we will show you a comprehensive list of horse racing bet types to help you navigate the markets.

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Single Bet

A single bet is the simplest form of horse racing betting. You select one horse, and your bet wins if that horse wins the race. It is a popular choice for beginners due to its simplicity and offers a direct way to enjoy the excitement of horse racing with the potential for a solid return.

Double Bet

With a double bet, you choose two horses, and both must win their respective races for your bet to pay out. This bet type introduces an element of complexity and higher odds, making it an attractive option for those looking for a bit more risk and reward.

Treble Bet

A treble bet raises the stakes, as you need three winning selections for your bet to be successful. While it is more challenging than a single or double bet, the treble bet offers enticing returns.

Accumulator Bet

The accumulator bet, often referred to as an acca, takes complexity up a notch. This combines multiple selections, and all chosen horses must win their respective races for your bet to pay out. It is a high-risk, high-reward option favoured by many players. The odds are often very high, but bear in mind that also means these are hard to land.

A stylized image of a horse race in a white silhouette and blue background second stage

Trixie Bet

A Trixie bet includes three selections and forms four bets – three doubles and a treble. These types of horse racing bets provide a level of insurance, as you can still earn returns even if one of your selections does not win. It is a favorite among those seeking a balance between risk and reward.

Patent Bet

When it comes to horse racing bet types, the Patent is somewhat of a classic. It consists of three selections and forms seven bets – three singles, three doubles, and a treble. This is for bettors who want to spread their bets across different outcomes while still aiming for significant returns.

Yankee Bet

The Yankee bet introduces a higher degree of difficulty with four selections forming 11 bets – six doubles, four trebles, and a fourfold accumulator. This bet type allows for more diverse combinations and offers the potential for substantial returns if your chosen horses perform well.

Lucky 15 Bet

There are several types of horse racing bets known as system bets with the most common of these being the Lucky 15. This is made up of four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and a fourfold accumulator. Here you have created 15 different bets from only four selections, and need only one to come in to get some sort of return.

Canadian Bet

The Canadian bet, also known as a Super Yankee, involves five selections and forms 26 bets – 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five fourfolds, and a fivefold accumulator. This bet type offers a wide range of potential outcomes, making it a thrilling option for those who want to explore numerous combinations.

Lucky 31 Bet

A Lucky 31 bet is five selections creating 31 bets; five singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five fourfolds, and a fivefold accumulator. This is very similar to a Lucky 15 but with one more selection.

Super Yankee Bet

The Super Yankee is another name for a Canadian which involves five selections and forms 26 bets - 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five fourfolds, and a fivefold accumulator.

Heinz Bet

A Heinz bet gets its name from the famous brand that promotes 57 varieties. So as you might guess, A Heinz bet totals 57 bets with six selections - 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, six fivefolds, and a sixfold accumulator. This bet type allows you to diversify your bets across multiple outcomes. 

Lucky 63 Bet

Six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, six fivefolds, and a sixfold accumulator are the make-up of a Lucky 63 bet. This is again a system bet which requires only one horse to win for a return. You will of course likely need more than one winner to be in profit as you need to stake 63 bets.

Super Heinz Bet

A Super Heinz bet involves seven selections and forms 120 bets - 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 fourfolds, 21 fivefolds, and a sevenfold accumulator. It is a sophisticated bet type which we recommend for seasoned players, rather than newcomers. 

Goliath Bet

It does not get much bigger than the Goliath bet when it comes to types of horse race bets. It is an extensive wager with eight selections, forming 247 bets. It includes 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 fourfolds, 56 fivefolds, 28 sixfolds, 8 sevenfolds, and an eightfold accumulator.

Alphabet Bet

An Alphabet bet is a bit of a tongue twister that consists of six selections into 26 bets. These are 2 patents, a Yankee, and a sixfold accumulator. It is not hugely popular, however, it does offer the potential for sizeable wins, so do not write it off.

A stylized image of a horse race in a white silhouette and blue background third stage

Banker’s Hand

A Banker's Hand is a type of horse racing bet that includes a single selection to win, with the option to add multiple other selections for insurance in case the primary selection does not win. It is a strategic approach to minimise risk while still enjoying the excitement of horse racing betting.

Single Stakes About

A Single Stakes About bet is a versatile form of a single bet that adds an extra layer of strategy. While you choose one horse to win, you also have the option to place bets on the horse securing a top position. This flexibility accommodates different horse racing betting strategies, offering a balance between risk and reward.

Double Stakes About

Double Stakes About mirrors Single Stakes About but introduces two horse selections. Both horses must either win or place for your bet to succeed. It adds complexity and enhances profit potential, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking higher returns and additional challenges.

Round Robin Bet

A Round Robin bet typically involves three selections. This creates multiple bets, such as doubles and trebles, allowing for a variety of winning combinations. It caters to those who know what they are doing, and we would not recommend this to new players. 

A stylized image of a horse race in a white silhouette and blue background fourth stage

Flag Bet

The Flag bet, involving four selections, creates a web of 23 bets, encompassing six doubles, four trebles, and a fourfold accumulator. With numerous combinations, it provides several paths to success, making it an enticing bet type.

Super Flag Bet

The Super Flag bet builds upon the Flag bet's foundation, introducing more selections and thus, a greater number of bets. This expanded approach enhances the potential for diverse combinations, leading to amplified payout prospects. It caters to bettors who appreciate the complexity and increased opportunities.

Goliath Flag Bet

The Goliath Flag bet represents a comprehensive evolution of the Flag bet, welcoming extra selections and resulting in a greater number of bets. This broadens the spectrum of potential winning combinations. 

Union Jack Bet

The Union Jack bet stands as a complex and distinctive wager that involves multiple selections. It results in various bets designed to mirror the pattern of a Union Jack flag and usually consists of eight selections. This unique betting option offers an exciting and intricate experience for those who relish strategic diversity and the potential for varied outcomes.

A stylized image of a horse race in a white silhouette and blue background fifth stage

Straight Forecast Bet

The Straight Forecast bet, also known as a "perfecta" or "exacta,". Here, you must predict the first and second-place horses in the correct order. While it demands precision and in-depth knowledge of the horses and the race, it offers substantial returns to those who can accurately foresee the outcome.

Each Way Bet

An Each Way bet is synonymous with horse racing, particularly for races with a high number of runners such as the Grand National. This wager combines elements of a win bet and a place bet. When you place an Each Way bet, your selection can finish both in the top positions or merely place, providing a degree of insurance while retaining the potential for profit.

Reverse Forecast Bet

The Reverse Forecast bet, similar to the Straight Forecast, adds a layer of flexibility by not requiring the exact order for the first and second-place horses. It lets you explore various permutations and increases your chances of success. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for those who want a bit more strategic manoeuvring in their bets.

Match Bet

A Match bet simplifies horse racing wagering by presenting you with a straightforward challenge: predict which of two specified horses will outperform the other. This accessibility appeals to a broad range of bettors, offering a direct and exciting betting option that doesn't require intricate knowledge.

Tote Placepot Bet

The Tote Placepot bet is a potentially rewarding bet type that is common at the race tracks. In this bet, you select a horse to secure a top position in each of the first six races on a card. While it poses a significant challenge, successful bets can yield exciting payouts.

Jackpot Bet

The Jackpot bet is all about selecting the winners of a predefined series of races, typically the first six races on a card. It is difficult to land, but if you do the winnings will likely be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Horse Racing Bet Types Final Thoughts

Now that you have an understanding of the types of horse racing bets, you can bet with confidence and enjoy this wonderful sport. Bear in mind that system bets require you to land combinations to earn a profit and that not all bet types are suitable for new players. We recommend you look at specific bet rules before wagering to avoid disappointment. 

At Gambling Zone we take your safety seriously so when placing your next horse racing bet please gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford. Good luck!

Horse Racing Bet Types FAQs

Here are the most common questions we get asked about horse racing bet types.

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