The Complete Guide to Parimutuel Betting Online

Read our comprehensive guide about parimutuel betting to get more experienced in horse racing, greyhound racing and other sports betting!

Home / Betting Guides / The Complete Guide to Parimutuel Betting Online

Welcome to our all-encompassing guide on online parimutuel betting. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned bettor, this guide equips you with all the essential information to thrive in the realm of parimutuel betting. We’ll walk you through the basics of the pari-mutuel system, various bet types, payout calculations, and more. With our guide, you can immerse yourself in the exhilaration and excitement of online betting.

Parimutuel betting is gaining popularity in India, making it the perfect time to explore. Thanks to online betting, you can experience the thrill of races and sports games right from your home. Our guide imparts the knowledge and skills you need to make informed bets, enhancing your chances of success.

Whether you fancy horse racing, greyhound racing, or other sports, our guide provides a thorough understanding of parimutuel betting. Prepare for an exciting journey as you delve into our complete guide to online parimutuel betting.

How Parimutuel Betting Works

The Parimutuel System

The foundation of parimutuel betting is the pari-mutuel system. This system pools all bets placed on a particular event and then redistributes the total pool, minus taxes and fees, among the winning bettors.

For example, let’s say there is a horse race with a total pool of INR 1,00,000. Bettors place a total of 1,000 bets, each for INR 100. The pool is then redistributed among the winning bets, with the winning bettors receiving a share of the total pool proportional to their wager.

The pari-mutuel system creates a dynamic and ever-changing betting market, with odds and payouts fluctuating in real-time based on the bets placed.

Placing Bets

Placing bets in parimutuel betting is simple and straightforward. Bettors select the horse, team, or athlete they wish to bet on, and then choose the type of bet they want to place.

Common bet types include:

  • Win: Betting on the winner of an event.
  • Place: Betting on a participant to finish in first or second place.
  • Show: Betting on a participant to finish in first, second, or third place.
  • Exacta: Betting on the first two participants to finish in exact order.
  • Trifecta: Betting on the first three participants to finish in exact order.
  • Superfecta: Betting on the first four participants to finish in exact order.

Once a bettor has chosen their bet type, they then select their wager amount and place their bet. The bettor’s potential payout will be determined by the size of the pool and the number of winning bets.

Understanding Odds and Probabilities

Unlike traditional betting systems, where odds are fixed and determined by the bookmaker, parimutuel betting odds are dynamic and constantly changing based on the bets placed. Bettors can use these fluctuating odds to assess the probability of a particular participant winning and determine if a bet offers good value.

For example, if a horse has odds of 4:1, this means that the horse is expected to win 20% of the time. Bettors can use this information to determine if the potential payout is worth the risk.

How Pari-Mutuel Betting Works

Types of Parimutuel Bets

Parimutuel Betting offers a range of bet types for players. Here are some of the most common Parimutuel Bets:

Bet typeDescription
Win BetThe simplest of all wagers, the bettor selects the winning horse in the race.
Place BetThe bettor picks a horse that will finish either first or second in the race.
Show BetA show bet is a wager that your chosen horse will finish either first, second or third place in the race.
Exacta BetA bettor selects the first two horses that will finish the race in the exact order.
Trifecta BetThe bettor selects the first three horses that will finish the race in the exact order.
Superfecta BetThe bettor selects the first four horses that will finish the race in the exact order.

Parimutuel Betting doesn’t just limit itself to horse racing. It can also be applied to other sports such as dog racing, jai alai, and even elections. Regardless of the sport, the types of bets offered will generally include variations of the options listed above.

Calculating Parimutuel Payouts

Parimutuel payouts are calculated based on the total amount wagered on a specific bet type, minus the track’s commission or takeout percentage. The remaining pool of money is then distributed to the winning bettors proportionally.

Let’s take a look at an example:

Bet TypeNumber of Winning TicketsAmount Wagered
Win10$1,000
Place8$800
Show12$1,200

In this example, $3,000 was wagered on the race. After the track’s commission of 15% or $450 is deducted, the remaining pool is $2,550. This pool will then be distributed proportionally to the winning bettors.

Let’s say you placed a winning $10 show bet on Horse A. You were one of the 12 winning tickets for the show pool. To calculate your payout, you would divide the remaining pool of $2,550 by the total number of winning tickets in the show pool, which is 12. This gives you a payout of $212.50.

Calculating payouts can be complex when dealing with exotic bets with multiple combinations. However, many online betting sites have automated systems that will calculate payouts for you.

Remember that understanding how parimutuel payouts are calculated is important for managing your bankroll effectively and making informed betting decisions.

Parimutuel Betting by Sport

Parimutuel Betting is widely used in various sports, although horse racing remains the most popular. This betting system is sometimes found in greyhound racing, jai alai, and even Esports.

In greyhound racing, parimutuel betting works in the same way as with horse racing. Bets are placed on the outcome of the race and the odds are calculated, taking into account the total amount wagered by all participants.

Jai alai is a game played with a ball and a long, curved wicker basket. Parimutuel Betting is used in jai alai, with the bets placed on teams rather than individual players. The odds are calculated based on the number of bets placed on each team.

Esports is a newer field for parimutuel betting, but it is gaining popularity. Bets are placed on the outcome of video game tournaments, and the odds are calculated based on the total amount of money that has been bet on each team or player.

SportDescription
Horse racingThe most popular sport for Parimutuel Betting, where bettors place wagers on the outcome of horse races.
Greyhound racingSimilar to horse racing, but with greyhounds. Bets are placed on the outcome of the race, and the odds are calculated based on the total amount bet.
Jai alaiA game played with a ball and a long, curved wicker basket. Parimutuel Betting is used in jai alai, with bets placed on teams instead of individual players.
EsportsBets are placed on the outcome of video game tournaments, and odds are calculated based on the total amount of money that has been wagered on each team or player.

It’s important to note that parimutuel betting has different rules and nuances for each sport, so be sure to do your research before placing any bets.

2022 horse racing season at Ruidoso Downs

Pros and Cons of Parimutuel Betting

Parimutuel betting, also known as “pool betting,” is a popular form of sports betting that involves betting against other bettors, instead of against the house. While it has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks.

Pros of Parimutuel Betting

  • Shared Pools: With Parimutuel Betting, all bets are pooled together, creating a large pot that is split among the winners. This pooling system often leads to potentially higher payouts and a sense of community among bettors.
  • No Fixed Odds: Unlike traditional sports betting, Parimutuel Betting does not fix the odds at the time you place your bet. This can work in your favor, as the odds can change based on the bets placed by other bettors before the event starts.
  • Transparency: Parimutuel Betting is a transparent system, as the payouts are determined based on the amount of money wagered on each betting selection. This ensures that bettors can have confidence that they are being paid a fair amount.

Cons of Parimutuel Betting

  • Less Control: Since the odds are not fixed, bettors have less control over their potential winnings in Parimutuel Betting. This can be frustrating for those who prefer to have more control over their bets.
  • Higher Takeout: The “takeout” is the percentage of the betting pool that is kept by the operator as a commission. In Parimutuel Betting, the takeout is often higher than in traditional sports betting, which means a higher percentage of the betting pool is kept by the operator instead of being paid out to the winners.
  • Difficult to Profit Consistently: Due to the nature of the system, it can be difficult to consistently profit from Parimutuel Betting. Bettors must not only make accurate predictions but must also accurately predict how other bettors will place their bets in order to maximize their potential winnings.

Overall, parimutuel betting offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages that bettors should consider when deciding whether to participate. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bettor, it’s important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of this form of sports betting.

Handicapping and Finding Value in Parimutuel Betting

If you want to be successful in parimutuel betting, handicapping is a crucial skill to master. Handicapping involves analyzing the past performance of horses or teams to predict their future performance. In this section, we will explore some handicapping techniques and strategies that can help you find value in your parimutuel betting wagers.

The Importance of Data Analysis

One of the most important handicapping techniques is data analysis. By analyzing past performance data, you can identify patterns and trends that can help you predict future outcomes. Some common data points to consider when handicapping horse races include:

Data PointDescription
Speed FiguresA measurement of how fast a horse ran in a previous race.
Pace FiguresA measurement of how fast a horse ran at different points during a previous race.
Class RatingsA measurement of the quality of competition a horse has faced in previous races.
Trainer and Jockey StatsAn analysis of how well a horse’s trainer and jockey have performed in previous races.

Finding Value Bets

Another important aspect of handicapping is finding value bets. A value bet is a bet where the odds are in your favor, meaning the potential payout is greater than the risk involved. To find value bets, you need to identify horses or teams that are being undervalued by the betting public.

One way to find value bets is to look for horses or teams that have a chance of winning but are being overlooked by the betting public. For example, if a horse has finished in the top three in its last five races but has relatively long odds, it could be a value bet.

Another way to find value bets is to identify horses or teams that have a chance of winning but are being overshadowed by highly favored horses or teams. For example, if one horse or team is heavily favored to win a race, the odds for other horses or teams may be inflated, creating value bets.

History of Parimutuel Betting

Parimutuel betting has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century in France. The term “parimutuel” translates from French to mean “amongst ourselves.” This betting system was created as an alternative to traditional betting, where bookmakers set the odds for each event.

In 1865, Joseph Oller, a French businessman, invented the parimutuel system, which revolutionized the gambling industry. Oller was inspired by the stock market and applied the principles of supply and demand to betting. The parimutuel system allows bettors to pool their wagers together, with the final payout based on the total amount wagered, minus a percentage to cover operating costs and profits for the bookmaker.

The popularity of parimutuel betting quickly grew, and by the early 20th century, it had spread to other parts of Europe and the United States. In 1927, the first legal racetrack opened in India, and Parimutuel Betting became a popular pastime for many Indians.

Over the years, parimutuel betting has continued to evolve, with advancements in technology making it possible for people to place bets online from the comfort of their homes. Today, Parimutuel Betting is used not only for horse racing but for a variety of different sports, including greyhound racing, jai alai, and even eSports.

greyhound-racing-parimutuel-betting

Parimutuel Betting Worldwide

Parimutuel Betting is a popular form of sports betting across the world. The system originated in France in the late 19th century and has since spread to many other regions. Let’s take a closer look at how parimutuel betting is implemented across different parts of the world.

United States

TrackStateSport
Churchill DownsKentuckyHorse Racing
Del MarCaliforniaHorse Racing
KeenelandKentuckyHorse Racing

In the United States, Parimutuel Betting is most commonly associated with horse racing. The industry is heavily regulated, with strict rules governing the operation of tracks and the conduct of race meets. Some of the most famous tracks in the country include Churchill Downs, Del Mar, and Keeneland.

United Kingdom

CourseCitySport
AintreeLiverpoolHorse Racing
WimbledonLondonGreyhound Racing
Haydock ParkMerseysideHorse Racing

Parimutuel betting is also popular in the United Kingdom, with a thriving horse racing and greyhound racing industry. Some of the most famous courses in the UK include Aintree, home of the Grand National, and Wimbledon, known for its greyhound races.

India

TrackCitySport
Bangalore Turf ClubBangaloreHorse Racing
Mahalaxmi RacecourseMumbaiHorse Racing
Pune Race CoursePuneHorse Racing

In India, Parimutuel Betting is legal in certain regions, with horse racing being the most popular sport for betting. The Bangalore Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Pune Race Course are some of the most well-known tracks in the country.

Other Regions

  • Japan – Horse racing and boat racing
  • France – Horse racing and football
  • Australia – Horse racing and greyhound racing
  • Argentina – Horse racing and football

Parimutuel betting is also used in many other regions around the world, including Japan, France, Australia, and Argentina. While the sports that are eligible for Parimutuel Betting vary by region, the underlying principles of the system remain the same.

As you can see, parimutuel betting is a popular and widespread form of sports betting that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out, parimutuel betting offers a fun and exciting way to engage with your favorite sports.

horse racing guide parimutel betting

The Concept of Pool Betting

Pool Betting is the foundation of parimutuel betting. It is a unique betting system that involves pooling all bets placed by bettors into a single, unified pool. The pool is then divided amongst the winning bettors after the deduction of taxes and commission.

The Pool Betting concept is simple โ€“ the more people that place bets on a selection, the larger the pool becomes. This helps to ensure that there is enough money in the pool to offer substantial payouts to winning bettors. However, it also means that the final odds and payouts aren’t determined until all bets have been placed, making Parimutuel Betting a constantly changing and dynamic betting system.

Advantages of Pool BettingDisadvantages of Pool Betting
High Payouts: Pools can accumulate huge amounts of money, offering potentially life-changing payouts to winning bettors.
Social Aspect: Pool Betting brings together a community of bettors who share a common goal of winning and enjoying the excitement of the sport.
Uncertain Odds: Since odds fluctuate until all bets are in, it can be challenging to determine your potential return and make informed decisions.
Small Pools: If there are few people placing bets on a selection, the pool can be small, resulting in lower payouts.
Taxes and Commission: Winnings are subject to taxes and commission, reducing potential returns.

How Pool Betting Works:

Let’s say there’s a horse race with four participants, and 100 people have placed bets on the outcome. The total amount of bets placed is INR 1,00,000. This amount is placed in a pool, and after deducting taxes and commission, the pool now stands at INR 80,000.

If the winning bets were INR 50,000, this money would be divided amongst the winning bettors proportionally based on the amount they bet. For example, if you placed a bet of INR 1000 and the total winning bets amounted to INR 50,000, your share of the pool would be calculated as:

INR 1000 (your bet)/ INR 1,00,000 (total bets) _ INR 50,000 (total winning bets) = INR 500

Therefore, your share of the pool would be INR 500.

As you can see, understanding the concept of pool betting is essential for success in parimutuel betting. With its potential for high payouts and community-focused approach, it’s understandable why Pool Betting is a popular betting system around the world.

Calculating Parimutuel Payouts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Calculating parimutuel payouts can seem like a daunting task, but once you break it down into steps, it becomes much easier. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating parimutuel payouts:

  1. Determine the type of bet you placed. Was it a win bet, place bet, show bet, or an exotic bet like a trifecta or superfecta?
  2. Find the total amount of money bet on the race.
  3. Subtract the track take from the total amount bet to get the total amount of money in the betting pool.
  4. Determine the amount of money bet on the winning horse or horses.
  5. Divide the total amount of money in the betting pool by the amount of money bet on the winning horse or horses.
  6. Multiply the result by the amount of money you bet on the winning horse or horses to get your payout.

For example, let’s say you placed a $10 win bet on a horse that won a race with $100,000 bet in the pool. The track take was 15%, leaving $85,000 in the pool. $30,000 was bet on the winning horse. Here’s how you would calculate your payout:

Total Amount Bet on RaceTrack TakeTotal Amount in PoolAmount Bet on Winning Horse(s)Divide Total Amount in Pool by Amount Bet on Winning Horse(s)Multiply Result by Amount Wagered on Winning Horse(s)Payout
$100,000$15,000$85,000$30,000$2.83$28.30$38.30

In this example, your payout would be $38.30 for your $10 win bet.

Remember, calculating parimutuel payouts accurately is essential for managing your bankroll effectively. With this step-by-step guide, you can confidently calculate your potential winnings and make informed betting decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parimutuel betting is a thrilling way to enjoy sports betting. With its unique pool betting system, potential for high payouts, and the social aspect of shared pools, parimutuel betting offers a dynamic and exciting way to engage in sports wagering.

To succeed in parimutuel betting, it’s important to understand the basics, including how bets are placed, how payouts are calculated, and the various types of bets you can make.

Handicapping and finding value bets can also greatly increase your chances of making profitable wagers. And with the global reach of Parimutuel Betting, you can enjoy this exciting betting system around the world, including in India.

We hope this guide has provided you with all the information and tools you need to excel at parimutuel betting. Remember to bet wisely and enjoy the thrill of wagering on your favorite sports.

lottabet banner 728x90

FAQ

How does parimutuel betting work?

Parimutuel betting works by pooling all bets placed on a particular event or race. The total amount wagered is then divided among the winning bets, with the payout determined by the odds of each wager.

What are the types of parimutuel bets?

There are various types of parimutuel bets, including win bets, place bets, show bets, exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. Each type offers different levels of complexity and potential payouts.

How are parimutuel payouts calculated?

Parimutuel payouts are calculated by dividing the total amount wagered (minus the takeout) by the amount bet on each winning wager. The resulting quotient is the payout for each winning bet.

Which sports can I bet on using parimutuel betting?

While parimutuel betting is most commonly associated with horse racing, it can also be applied to other sports such as greyhound racing and jai alai.

What are the pros and cons of parimutuel betting?

Some advantages of Parimutuel Betting include potentially higher payouts and the social aspect of shared pools. However, it can also have drawbacks, such as limited control over odds and the inability to guarantee specific payouts.

How can I find value in parimutuel betting?

Finding value in Parimutuel Betting involves thorough handicapping and analysis of the odds. By identifying horses or bets that are undervalued by the betting public, you can increase your chances of making profitable wagers.

What is the history of parimutuel betting?

Parimutuel betting originated in France in the late 19th century and has since become a popular form of gambling worldwide. It has evolved alongside the growth of sports betting and has become a staple in many racing industries.

How is parimutuel betting implemented around the world?

Parimutuel Betting is implemented differently in various regions around the world. It is particularly prominent in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Hong Kong, but it is also used in many other countries where horse racing is popular.

What is pool betting in parimutuel betting?

Pool betting refers to the process of pooling all bets together for a specific event or race. The combined pool of money is then divided among the winning bets, with the size of the pool directly influencing the potential payouts.

How do I calculate parimutuel payouts?

Calculating parimutuel payouts involves dividing the total amount wagered (minus the takeout) by the amount bet on each winning wager. This calculation determines the payout for each winning bet.

Rudra Chanda