Betting on horse racing is one of the oldest forms of gambling worldwide, and it remains a popular form of entertainment today. With so many different types of bets available, it can be difficult to understand exactly what each bet pays out. One such bet is the 4/5 horse bet, which is a popular option for those looking to increase their chances of winning. In this article, we will explore what a 4/5 horse pays and how it works.
What Is a 4/5 Horse Bet?
A 4/5 horse bet is a type of pari-mutuel bet, meaning that the payout is determined by the total amount wagered on the race. This type of bet is one of the most popular betting types, as it gives punters a way of getting a better return on their investment. In a 4/5 horse bet, the punter bets on four horses with the fifth horse being used as a hedge bet. If any of the four horses win, the punter is guaranteed to receive a return on their investment, but if the fifth horse wins, the return is much greater.
How Does a 4/5 Horse Bet Work?
In order to understand how a 4/5 horse bet works, it is important to first understand how pari-mutuel betting works. In a pari-mutuel bet, the total amount wagered on the race is divided up among the winners. The amount that each winner receives is dependent on the total amount wagered, and the number of winners in the race.
In a 4/5 horse bet, the punter is betting on four horses and using the fifth horse as a hedge. If any of the four horses win, the punter is guaranteed to receive a return on their investment, but if the fifth horse wins, the return is much greater.
To calculate the return on a 4/5 horse bet, the total amount that was bet on the race is divided by the number of winners. The amount that the punter receives is then multiplied by the odds of the horse that won. For example, if a punter bets on four horses with the fifth horse as a hedge and the fifth horse wins, the return is much greater than if one of the other four horses had won.
What Is the Average Payout on a 4/5 Horse Bet?
The average payout on a 4/5 horse bet depends on the odds of the horses that are being bet on. Generally, the average payout for a 4/5 horse bet is around 20%. This means that for every $100 that is bet, the punter can expect to receive $20 in return if the fifth horse wins.
What Are the Benefits of a 4/5 Horse Bet?
There are a number of benefits to placing a 4/5 horse bet. Firstly, it gives the punter the chance to increase their chances of winning. As the fifth horse is used as a hedge, the punter is assured of a return on their investment even if none of the four horses win. Additionally, the odds of winning are increased as the punter is betting on four horses as opposed to just one.
Furthermore, the average payout on a 4/5 horse bet is usually higher than other betting types. This means that the punter can expect to receive a higher return on their investment if the fifth horse wins.
What Are the Risks of a 4/5 Horse Bet?
As with any form of gambling, there are risks associated with a 4/5 horse bet. Firstly, the punter must be aware of the odds of the horses that they are betting on. If the odds are too low, the punter may not receive a return on their investment if the fifth horse wins. Additionally, the punter must be aware of the other horses in the race and the potential that they have to win.
Furthermore, the punter must be aware of the potential for a long shot to win. If a long shot wins, the punter may not receive a return on their investment as the odds of the horse will be much lower than the other four horses.
What Is the Difference Between a 4/5 Horse Bet and a Pick 4 Bet?
The main difference between a 4/5 horse bet and a pick 4 bet is the way in which the payouts are calculated. In a 4/5 horse bet, the payout is determined by the total amount wagered on the race, whereas in a pick 4 bet, the payout is determined by the total amount wagered on the four horses that were selected.
Additionally, with a 4/5 horse bet, the punter is betting on four horses and using the fifth horse as a hedge, whereas in a pick 4 bet, the punter is betting on four horses with the intention of winning.
What Other Types of Bets Are Available?
In addition to the 4/5 horse bet, there are a number of other types of bets available. Some of the more popular types include:
- Exacta – this is a bet on two horses to finish in the exact order.
- Trifecta – this is a bet on three horses to finish in the exact order.
- Superfecta – this is a bet on four horses to finish in the exact order.
- Quinella – this is a bet on two horses to finish in either order.
- Pick 3 – this is a bet on three horses to finish in any order.
- Pick 6 – this is a bet on six horses to finish in any order.
Conclusion
The 4/5 horse bet is a popular type of pari-mutuel bet, which gives punters the chance to increase their chances of winning. The average payout on a 4/5 horse bet is around 20%, and the punter is guaranteed to receive a return on their investment if any of the four horses win. Additionally, there are a number of other types of bets available, such as the exacta, trifecta, superfecta, quinella, pick 3 and pick 6 bets.