An exacta box is a type of wager in horse racing where the bettor chooses two or more horses to finish first and second in a race in any order. It is one of the most popular betting options in horse racing and is a popular way to increase the chances of making a winning bet.
How to Place an Exacta Box Bet
Placing an exacta box bet is relatively simple. To make an exacta box bet, the bettor must select two or more horses to finish first and second in a race in any order. The bettor then needs to determine the wager amount and the total cost. Once the bet has been placed, the bettor will receive a ticket with the details of the wager.
How Much Does a $1 Exacta Box Cost?
The cost of an exacta box bet is determined by the wager amount and the number of horses chosen. For a $1 exacta box, the cost will be double the wager amount, so a $1 exacta box will cost $2. If the bettor chooses three horses, the cost of the exacta box will be triple the wager amount, so a $1 exacta box will cost $3.
Cost of an Exacta Box Wager with More Than Three Horses
If the bettor chooses more than three horses, the cost of the exacta box bet will be calculated using a formula. The formula is as follows:
- For each additional horse added to the exacta box, the cost will be double the wager amount plus the total cost of the previous horses.
- For example, if a bettor chooses four horses for a $1 exacta box, the cost will be $2 + ($1 x 3) = $5.
- If a bettor chooses five horses for a $1 exacta box, the cost will be $2 + ($1 x 3) + ($1 x 4) = $8.
Types of Exacta Box Bets
There are two types of exacta box bets: straight and key.
Straight Exacta Box
A straight exacta box is a single wager that includes all possible combinations of two or more horses to finish first and second in any order. For example, if the bettor selects three horses for a $1 exacta box, the bettor will receive six tickets with the combinations of 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-3, 3-1, and 3-2.
Key Exacta Box
A key exacta box is a single wager that includes one horse to finish first, with two or more horses to finish second in any order. For example, if the bettor selects three horses for a $1 exacta box, the bettor will receive three tickets with the combinations of 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4.
Advantages of an Exacta Box Bet
Exacta box bets offer several advantages to bettors, including:
- Increased Odds of Winning – Exacta box bets increase the chances of making a winning bet as the bettor can select multiple horses to finish first and second in any order.
- Lower Risk – Exacta box bets are a lower risk option as the bettor does not need to choose the exact order of the horses to win.
- Cost Efficient – Exacta box bets are cost efficient as the cost of the wager is determined by the number of horses selected.
Disadvantages of an Exacta Box Bet
Exacta box bets also have some drawbacks, including:
- Lower Payouts – Exacta box bets typically offer lower payouts than other types of wagers.
- Difficult to Pick Winners – Exacta box bets can be difficult to pick as the bettor must select two or more horses to finish first and second in any order.
Conclusion
Exacta box bets are a popular wagering option in horse racing and can be a great way to increase the chances of making a winning bet. The cost of an exacta box bet is determined by the wager amount and the number of horses chosen, and a $1 exacta box will cost $2. Exacta box bets offer several advantages, including increased odds of winning and cost efficiency, but also have some drawbacks, such as lower payouts and the difficulty of picking winners.