An exacta bet is a type of wager in horse racing and other sports involving two selections. It requires the bettor to pick the first two horses in a race to finish in the exact order. This bet is considered one of the more difficult wagers as it requires the bettor to accurately predict the outcome of a race.
How to Place an Exacta Bet?
To place an exacta bet, the bettor must first select the two horses that they think will finish first and second in the race. After that, the bettor will need to decide how much money they want to wager. The bettor can then take the ticket to the betting window and have the clerk fill out the slip.
Types of Exacta Bets
There are several different types of exacta bets that bettors can make. These include:
- Straight Exacta – This is the simplest type of exacta bet. The bettor selects two horses to finish first and second in the exact order. The payout for a straight exacta bet depends on the odds of the race.
- Boxed Exacta – This type of bet allows the bettor to select two horses to finish first and second in either order. The payout for a boxed exacta bet is lower than a straight exacta bet.
- Part-Wheel Exacta – This is a combination of a straight and boxed exacta bet. The bettor is able to select one horse to finish first and any number of horses to finish second.
Odds and Payouts for Exacta Bets
The odds and payouts for exacta bets vary depending on the race and the type of bet being placed. Generally, the odds and payouts for exacta bets are lower than other types of wagers such as trifectas and superfectas. This is because the bettor is required to correctly predict the exact order of the two horses in the race.
Straight Exacta Payout
A straight exacta bet pays out based on the odds of the race. For example, if the odds of the race are 5/1, then the bettor will receive five times their initial wager if they win. So if the bettor placed a $2 bet, they would receive a payout of $10.
Boxed Exacta Payout
A boxed exacta bet pays out based on the odds of the race. However, the payout is usually lower than a straight exacta bet. For example, if the odds of the race are 3/2, then the bettor will receive three times their initial wager if they win. So if the bettor placed a $2 bet, they would receive a payout of $6.
Part-Wheel Exacta Payout
The payout for a part-wheel exacta bet is based on the odds of the race and the number of horses selected. Generally, the payout for a part-wheel exacta bet is lower than a straight and boxed exacta bet.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Exacta Bets
Like any other type of wager, exacta bets have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Advantages
- Exacta bets require less money to place than other types of wagers.
- Exacta bets can offer larger payouts than other types of wagers.
- Exacta bets allow the bettor to pick two horses in the exact order.
- Disadvantages
- Exacta bets are more difficult to win than other types of wagers.
- Exacta bets have lower payouts than other types of wagers.
- Exacta bets require the bettor to accurately predict the exact order of the two horses.
Conclusion
Exacta bets can offer bettors an exciting way to wager on horse races and other sports. The payout for these bets depends on the odds of the race and the type of bet being placed. Generally, the odds and payouts for exacta bets are lower than other types of wagers such as trifectas and superfectas. However, exacta bets require less money to place and can offer larger payouts than other types of wagers. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of exacta bets before making any wagers.