Learn the main types of greyhound bets: win-only, each-way, forecast, tricast, and accumulators. A clear guide to help you bet smarter on every race.
There’s more to greyhound racing betting than picking a winner. From simple punts to more advanced strategies, understanding the types of greyhound bets available can give you more flexibility and better value with every wager. In this guide, we explain all the common greyhound betting options.
Not sure how to interpret form or trap numbers? Head over to our How to Read a Greyhound Racecard guide for a full breakdown.
Win-Only Bets
The simplest option. You place a bet on the greyhound you think will win the race. If it wins, you get paid according to the odds. If not, you lose the stake. Great for quick decisions and short fields. It’s a smart starting point if you’re new to betting on greyhound races.
Each-Way Bets
An each-way greyhound bet is essentially two bets in one — one for the win, and one for the dog to finish in a place (usually top 2, depending on the race and bookmaker). You get paid a portion of the odds if your selection finishes in the top, and the full odds if it wins.
This type of bet works best when the greyhound has longer odds but a real chance to finish in the top.
Forecast Bets
In a forecast bet, you predict which two dogs will finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order. Higher risk, but also higher reward. Use this option when there’s a clear top pair in the field. Great for informed punters who track trap number bias and sectional form.
Reverse Forecast
Same idea, but the finishing order doesn’t matter. As long as your two selected dogs finish 1st and 2nd, the bet pays out. A reverse forecast doubles your stake, but increases your chances — ideal when two greyhounds are closely matched.
Tricast Bets
With a tricast bet, you predict the first three finishers in the correct order. This is a high-risk bet suited to open races where there’s no dominant favourite. It’s tough to land, but the potential winning payout is significant.
Straight and Combination Tricasts
A straight tricast is when you pick the exact 1-2-3. A combination tricast covers all possible finishing orders of your three picks — more expensive, but with better coverage. These are solid options if you know which dogs finish strong but not in what order.
Accumulators
Also called combination bets or “accas.” You combine multiple selections from different races into one bet. All selections must win for a payout. High risk, but your returns can multiply fast. Use with caution and only when confident in your picks.
Betting Exchanges
Some bettors prefer informed betting via exchanges, where you can back or lay dogs. You’re betting against other punters, not the bookie. It offers better odds and more control, but you’ll need a solid betting strategy to make it work consistently.
Other Markets and Special Bets
Many bookmakers also offer specialised options like:
- Reverse forecast or combination forecast bets for added flexibility
- Betting system picks that factor in trainer, trap, and form data
- Market bets on trap number or winning bets across several races
These are often used by more experienced punters who want to test bet types beyond the standard win/place.
Betting on Trap Challenges
Trap challenges are a unique way of betting on greyhound races. Instead of picking a dog to win a single event, you’re backing a specific trap number to win the most races at a meeting. This type of bet rewards punters who understand trap bias and race patterns across multiple heats. Reviewing past meetings at a track helps identify which trap position consistently performs best under certain conditions.
Understanding Place Terms
When placing an each-way greyhound bet, understanding the place terms is crucial. In six-dog fields, the place part of your bet usually pays out if the dog finishes 1st or 2nd. But for smaller races or certain markets, it might only apply to the win. Knowing the bookmaker’s rules for each type of bet ensures your informed betting decisions hold up once the race is run.
Bankroll Management by Bet Type
Some betting strategies suit high-stakes risk-takers, but beginners should scale stakes based on the bet format. Tricasts, forecasts, and combination bets require high precision, so smaller bets are sensible. A straightforward win the race wager might justify a larger stake due to its lower variance. Matching your stake size to the betting system you’re using helps you stay in control over time.
Reading Between the Odds
Reading market movement is part of informed betting. If you notice a dog’s price shortening quickly before the off, that usually signals smart money or a stable tip-off. Compare this with your own analysis of trap number, sectional times, and recent form. Odds movement isn’t always correct, but it’s a vital signal for those seeking more consistent winning bets.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the types of greyhound bets available lets you adapt to different races, odds, and chances of winning. From win-only to each-way, forecast and tricast bets, or even combination bets — each has its place depending on how you like to bet. Try a few, refine your style, and always track your performance. That’s how betting works.
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