An exacta box is a type of bet in horse racing that requires bettors to pick the first and second-place finishers of a race in the exact order. Bettors can pick multiple horses for each position and the cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected.
A $5 exacta box means the bettor is wagering $5 on an exacta bet. To win the bet, they must pick the first and second place finishers in the exact order.
How Does an Exacta Box Work?
To place an exacta box bet, bettors must select two or more horses to finish first and second in the race. The cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected.
For example, if a bettor selects two horses for the first position and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $4 ($2 x 2 horses). If a bettor selects three horses for the first position, and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $6 ($2 x 3 horses).
What Are the Different Types of Exacta Box Bets?
The two most common types of exacta box bets are the straight exacta box and the key exacta box.
Straight Exacta Box
A straight exacta box requires the bettor to select two or more horses for both the first and second positions. The cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected.
For example, if a bettor selects two horses for the first position and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $4 ($2 x 2 horses). If a bettor selects three horses for the first position, and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $6 ($2 x 3 horses).
Key Exacta Box
A key exacta box is when a bettor selects one horse to finish first and then two or more horses to finish second. The cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected to finish second.
For example, if a bettor selects one horse for the first position and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $4 ($2 x 2 horses). If a bettor selects one horse for the first position, and three horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $6 ($2 x 3 horses).
How Much is a $5 Exacta Box?
The cost of a $5 exacta box depends on the number of horses that are selected for the bet.
Straight Exacta Box
For a straight exacta box, the cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected. For example, if a bettor selects two horses for the first position and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $4 ($2 x 2 horses). If a bettor selects three horses for the first position, and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $6 ($2 x 3 horses).
Key Exacta Box
For a key exacta box, the cost of the wager will be multiplied for each horse that is selected to finish second. For example, if a bettor selects one horse for the first position and two horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $4 ($2 x 2 horses). If a bettor selects one horse for the first position, and three horses for the second position, the cost of the wager will be $6 ($2 x 3 horses).
How is a $5 Exacta Box Paid Out?
A $5 exacta box will be paid out according to the odds of the horses that are selected.
If the two horses selected for the first position are both at odds of 10-1, and the two horses selected for the second position are both at odds of 5-1, the payout of the exacta box will be $50.
Tips for Betting on an Exacta Box
When betting on an exacta box, there are a few tips and strategies that can help increase the chances of winning.
Do Your Research
Before placing a bet on an exacta box, it is important to do your research and understand the horses in the race. If possible, watch the horse race and take note of the horses’ performance.
Pick Two Horses for the First Position
When betting on an exacta box, it is important to pick two horses for the first position. This will increase the chances of winning, as there are more horses that can finish in first place.
Pick Two or More Horses for the Second Position
When betting on an exacta box, it is important to pick two or more horses for the second position. This will increase the chances of winning, as there are more horses that can finish in second place.
Bet on Longshots
When betting on an exacta box, it is also a good idea to bet on longshots. Longshots are horses that have higher odds of winning, but lower payouts. Betting on longshots can be a good way to increase the chances of winning and make a profit.
Look for Value Bets
When betting on an exacta box, it is important to look for value bets. Value bets are wagers with high odds of winning and high payouts. These types of bets can be a good way to make a profit.
What is the Risk of Betting on an Exacta Box?
The risk of betting on an exacta box is that the bettor may lose the entire amount of the wager. If the horses selected do not finish in the exact order, the bet will be lost.
Conclusion
A $5 exacta box is a type of bet in horse racing that requires bettors to pick the first and second-place finishers of a race in the exact order. The cost of the wager will depend on the number of horses selected for the bet and can range from $4-$6. The payouts of the wager will depend on the odds of the horses that are selected.
To increase the chances of winning, it is important to do research, select two horses for the first position and two or more horses for the second position, and look for value bets and longshots. However, there is always a risk that the bettor may lose the entire amount of the wager.