Prediction betting is another form of multiplier betting that requires bettors to predict the top two finishers in a race, and is known to be one of the most popular bets in the horse racing industry. Similar to the tricast, this bet can be difficult to predict but is popular due to its higher odds and potential rewards.

Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about prediction betting, how it works, variations and how to calculate potential returns.

How does prediction betting work?

Similar to what we discussed in our article Various Betting Guidesbettors essentially combine two bets into one. In a straight prediction, you can bet on which horse will finish first and which horse will finish second. These types of bets can only be placed on a single game and cannot be spread across multiple games.

As with tricast bets, you only pay your total stake for straight prediction bets. The bet will not be multiplied like the Trixie bet.

Prediction bets can only be placed on races with at least three entrants. If there are fewer than three participants in a match, bets will be void.

Types of Prediction Betting

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

The lesser-known variants are more suitable for experienced bettors, so we recommend novice bettors stick to the basic variants until they are confident in how they work.

Direct prediction:

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

Backward prediction:

• Much like the straight prediction bet, you also have to predict the two horses finishing in the top two; however, the order does not matter, so the bet is doubled.

Combined forecast:

• In this bet, you need to select at least three contestants, and you need two of them to finish in the top two. Since you put at least three consecutive prediction bets into one bet, the stakes of this bet will increase even more.

Accurate prediction:

• Accurate predictions are exactly the same as direct predictions, the only difference is that the prize money is funded by Tote. This means that the total winnings are driven by bets placed on the Exacta market.

Direct prediction of double:

• Here you are actually making two straight prediction bets in one bet. So you would bet on horse A finishing first and horse B finishing second in one race, and the same would happen in another race.

Predict treble directly:

• Very similar to the Direct Double Bet prediction, this time there are three games.

Backward prediction double:

• This bet consists of four doubles, consisting of a combination of backward and forward predicted doubles. When your initial stake is quadrupled, here’s an example of what your stake might look like:

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

Reverse prediction of treble:

• Same as Backward Prediction Double, but this time the total bet is multiplied by eight, with 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 make prediction bets

Similar to create Matched Betting There are different ways to make prediction bets in different situations, and this is due to the variety of bets available across the market. To make a direct prediction bet, let’s look at an example from Bet365.

Using the example from Newmarket 4.10, we can see that Bet365 offers a predictions section, located in the More Markets section. To make a prediction, simply press the tick symbols on the horses you want to finish first and second and add them to your bet slip.

Once added to your bet slip, your chosen odds will be displayed, where you can select your bet and place your bet. If you are a person who likes to enjoy value betyou can then use these odds to work out how likely you think they represent the choices.

As this is just an example from Bet365, some other bookmakers may have different layouts on their websites, but most reputable bookmakers offer a prediction option.

When it comes to backcast betting, you can do this in the same section; however, you will use the “Any” column. Just like with straight predictions, once you’ve selected both options you can add them to your bet slip.

However, by placing a reverse bet, your bet is doubled and you must click “Show Odds” to display the odds used.

Finally, for the combined forecast, you need to repeat the same process as for the backward forecast, but this time you can choose three horses. Due to the betting combinations covered by this market, the stake needs to be multiplied by six.

How are prediction bets calculated?

When calculating prediction bets it’s not as simple as you might think, many use a starting price, which means dividends are not declared until after the game is over. Therefore, bettors do not know what returns they can expect if they succeed.

direct prediction = Bet x Predicted Odds = Return

Backward prediction = Bet x Predicted Odds (for one of the combinations) = Return – Original Bet = Profit

Combination forecast = Bet x Predicted Odds (for one of the combinations) = Return – Original Bet = Profit

For a combination forecast, there can be 5 other combinations that will return potential profits

Which sports can you use predictive betting on?

While we’re only talking about horse racing, there are many other sports where predictive betting options are available. Other sports tend to offer fixed odds for prediction and tricast bets, here are some sports where you can place prediction bets:

• Golf – There are direct and reverse predictions in most tournaments and they are definitely available in 4 major events such as the Masters.
• Football – Straight and backcast betting is available on popular events such as the Premier League and FA Cup.
• formula one racing
• tennis
• football

If you’re interested in any of these sports, we have specific guides for each, including our Golf Betting Guide and our Football Betting Guide.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prediction Betting

Advantages✅

✅ Great Odds – Due to the difficulty of betting, the odds may be higher than the standard selection, as predicting the first two horses is very rare.

✅Skill Required – While all betting requires luck, and it is possible for a novice horse racing player to successfully predict two horses, this type of betting requires study. As research goes, this can reward knowledgeable horse racing enthusiasts.

✅BOG – Most bookmakers these days offer best odds guarantees and these can also be seen in prediction betting.

Disadvantages ❌

❌Difficulty – While the potential rewards can be large, predicting the correct outcome of a prediction bet is extremely difficult.

❌ Cost – Depending on the type of prediction bet, stakes may increase as some bets (such as combination bets) require six times the stake.

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

Sports Prediction Betting

In order to have any chance of success with your prediction bets, you need to do some in-depth research and understand the market. Not recommended for novice bettors, but they can offer great odds!

If you’d like to learn more about horse racing, check out our Horse Racing Guideor you can browse our many guides Matched Betting Blog.