What is Forecast Betting?

Prediction betting is another form of multiples that requires bettors to predict the top two finishers in a race, and it is known as one of the most popular bets in the horse racing industry. Similar to the tricast, this bet is quite difficult to predict, making it popular due to the higher odds and potential profits associated with it.

Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about betting forecasts, how they work, their variations, and how to calculate potential profits.

How Do Estimated Betting Work?

Similar to what we have discussed in our one way betting guidethe bettor effectively places two bets combined into one. In live predictions, you can bet on which horse will finish first and which horse will finish second. This type of bet can only be placed on one race and cannot be spread across several races.

In the same way as a tricast bet, you only pay out the total bet you placed on a straight forecast bet. The bet is not doubled like in a trixie bet.

Forecast bets can only be placed on races with a minimum of three runners. If there are fewer than three participants in a race, bets will be void.

Forecast Bet Types

Throughout sports betting, three main types of forecast bets are often used: straight forecasts, reverse forecasts, and combination forecasts. However, there are some lesser known betting predictions that we will discuss in this article.

Lesser known variations are better suited to experienced bettors, so we recommend that novice bettors stick with the basic variations until they are confident in how they work.

Straight Prediction:

• Straight prediction betting is the simplest version, and allows you to predict which two horses will finish the race first. The bettor must place the two horses in the correct order for the bet to be successful.

Reverse Estimate:

• Similar to a straight prediction bet, you also have to predict the two horses that finish in the top two; however, the order does not matter, and therefore the stakes are doubled.

Estimated Combination:

• In this bet, you must select a minimum of three competitors, and you need two of your selections to finish in the top two. The stakes will increase further in this bet because you place a minimum of three consecutive forecast bets in one bet.

Accurate Forecast:

• Exact predictions are the same as straight predictions, the only difference is that the prizes are funded by the Tote. This means the total prize fund is driven by bets placed on the Exacta market.

Double Straight Prediction:

• Here, you basically place two consecutive forecast bets in one bet. So, you would bet on horse A to finish first and horse B to finish second in one race, and the same thing happens in another race.

Treble Forecast Straight:

• Very similar to the Straight Forecast Double bet, this time it features three races.

Double Inverse Forecast:

• This bet consists of four doubles, and consists of a combination of a reverse bet and a double straight bet. With your initial bet being quadrupled, here is an example of how the bet is made:

1. Race 1 = First Horse A, Second Horse B / Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D
2. Race 1 = First Horse A, Second Horse B / Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C
3. Race 1 = First Horse B, Second Horse A / Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D
4. Race 1 = First Horse B, Second Horse A / Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C

Treble Reverse Forecast:

• Same as Reverse Forecast Double, but this time the total bet is multiplied by eight, and there are eight different outcomes:

1. Race 1 – First Horse A, Second Horse B; Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D; Race 3 – Horse E, Second Horse F
2. Race 1 – First Horse A, Second Horse B; Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C; Race 3 – First Horse E, Second Horse F
3. Race 1 – First Horse B, Second Horse A; Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D; Race 3 – First Horse F, Second Horse E
4. Race 1 – First Horse A, Second Horse B; Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C; Race 3 – First Horse F, Second Horse E
5. Race 1 – First Horse B, Second Horse A; Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D; Race 3 – First Horse E, Second Horse F
6. Race 1 – First Horse B Second Horse A; Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C; Race 3 – First Horse E, Second Horse F
7. Race 1 – First Horse B, Second Horse A; Race 2 – First Horse C, Second Horse D; Race 3 – First Horse F, Second Horse E
8. Race 1 – First Horse B, Second Horse A; Race 2 – First Horse D, Second Horse C; Race 3 – First Horse F, Second Horse E

How to Place Forecast Bets

Similar to creating matched betting In this scenario, there are different ways to place a forecast bet, and this is due to the wide variety of bets available across the markets. To place a live forecast bet, let’s look at an example from Bet365.

Using the example of 4.10 on Newmarket, we can see that the forecast section is available on Bet365, located in the ‘Other Markets’ section. To place a prediction, simply hit the tick symbol labeled which horse you want to finish first and second, then add this to your betting slip.

Once this has been added to your bet slip, your selected odds will be displayed, and you can select your bet here and place a bet. If you are someone who enjoys value bettingthen you can use these odds to determine where you think they represent how likely the choice is or is not.

As this is just an example from Bet365, some other bookmakers may have different layouts on their sites, however forecast options will be available at most leading bookmakers.

When placing a reverse forecast bet, you can do so in the same section; however, you will use the ‘Any’ column. Just like the live forecast, you simply add this to your betting slip once you have selected the two options.

However, by placing a reverse bet, your bet will be doubled, and you will have to click ‘show odds’ to display the odds used.

Finally, for the combination forecast, you need to repeat the same process as the reverse forecast, but this time you can choose three horses. The bet needs to be multiplied by six due to the betting combinations covered in this market.

How to Calculate Betting Estimates?

When calculating betting estimates, it is not as easy as you might think, and many use Starting Prices, meaning dividends are not declared until after the race. Therefore, bettors do not know what profits they might expect if successful.

Straight Prediction = Bet x Estimated Odds = Return

Reverse Estimate = Bet x Estimated Odds (for either combination) = Return – Original Bet = Profit

Combination Approximation = Bet x Estimated Odds (for either combination) = Return – Original Bet = Profit

For approximate combinations, there may be 5 other combinations that will produce potential profits

What Sports Can You Bet on With Forecast?

Although we are only talking about horse racing, there are many other sports that can be used in forecast betting options. Other sports tend to offer fixed odds for Forecast and Tricast bets, and here are some sports you can place Forecast bets on:

• Golf – With straight and back forecasts on most tournaments, they are sure to be available on the big 4 events, such as the Masters.
• Football – Straight and reverse forecast betting is available on popular tournaments such as the Premier League and FA Cup.
• formula 1
• Tennis
• Rugby

If you’re interested in any of these sports, we have specific guides available for each of them, including ours golf betting guide and ours football betting guide.

Forecast Betting Profits & Losses

Benefits ✅

✅High Odds – Due to the difficulty of the bet, the odds can be higher than standard picks, as it is very rare to predict the top two horses.

✅Requires Skill – While all betting requires luck, and it is possible that a horse racing beginner can successfully predict both horses, this type of betting requires research. With the research required, this can reward knowledgeable horse racing fans.

✅BOG – Most bookmakers nowadays offer a Best Odds Guarantee, and this is also seen in Forecast betting.

Disadvantages ❌

❌Difficulty – Even though the potential rewards are great, it is very difficult to predict the exact outcome of a betting forecast.

❌Cost – Depending on the type of bet estimate, bets may increase as some bets, such as combination bets, require six times the stake to place.

❌Probability – Users can spend hours studying horse racing, and the horse you believe can stumble on the first jump. Since this betting method involves sports, nothing is certain, and a degree of luck is required.

Forecast Betting In Sports

To have any chance of success with forecast betting, you need to know your research and understand the market very well. Not recommended for novice bettors, but they can offer great odds!

If you want to learn more about horse racing, check us out horse racing guideor you can check out our many guides on our matched betting blog.