One of the most uncommon types of bet
Duet betting isn’t often used in horse racing but, as with all wagers, there are scenarios where it’s well worth considering. If you’re wondering what is duet betting, then it’s nothing too complex. You make two selections in the same race and are backing them to finish first, second or third in any order. It’s a bit like a reverse forecast or exacta, but with the added security of an extra place and your bet is still a winner even if the horses chosen finish second and third respectively.
Now that duet betting is explained, it’s worth working through an example with some odds so you’re left in no doubt as to how it works. Duet costs will vary depending on the individual prices of the two horses you back. This may seem a little obvious, but don’t forget duet betting is not available on races that have just two runners – also known as a match. In fact, some bookmakers will only offer this type of wager if there are eight or more runners in a race like the Grand National.
Just so duet betting is explained fully, here are all permutations that will pay out winnings to you:
- Horse A finishes first and Horse B second
- Horse A finishes second and Horse B third
- Horse A finishes first and Horse B third
- Horse B finishes first and Horse A second
- Horses B finishes second and Horse A third
- Horse A finishes first and Horse A third
There are thus six scenarios in total covered by regular duet betting. If you want to have even more bases covered, then you place a box duet. What is duet betting of this kind? It allows you to add more than two selections to finish in the first three of a race. If you pick three horses and they finish first, second and third in any order, you don’t win any additional money though. This is where duet betting differs from a trifecta or tricast.
Duet costs increase if placing a box around them, which although increasing your chances of winning in turn decreases the amount of profit you make. Some selections in a box duet are guaranteed to lose. You must factor that into your betting strategy and the duet costs.
It’s best to keep duet betting simple. The horse racing scenario where it will pay most to place this type of wager is one where you are confident of two horses finishing in the first three (and possibly winning), but not sure of the order and want the security of third place as oppose to putting on a reverse forecast or exacta.
