What is Dutching? Betting Concepts Explained

What is Dutching?

Backing several selections in an event so that no matter which wins, the returns are the same.

Dutching is a method used to divide a stake over several selections in an event so that the same amount is won regardless of which selection wins. This technique is helpful when you wish to back two or more outcomes and have a specific amount to stake. Before the rise of betting exchanges, dutching was sometimes used as an elaborate way to lay (bet against) a selection by backing everything else.

The dutching calculation is not always straightforward, with varying odds and betting exchange commissions to consider. Once you are comfortable with the concepts, try using the dutching calculator on this site to work out the precise amounts to stake on each selection.

Dutching Example

Imagine a horse race in which you have identified 2 runners with odds of 11/1 and 3/1 that you would like to back. With a total stake of £10 it might be tempting to split this into two £5 bets; however, should the 11/1 horse win, your returns would be much higher. The solution is to reduce the amount staked on the horse with higher odds and increase the stake proportionally on the other until the winnings are equal. The math behind this is as follows:

First, work out the implied probabilities from the odds
- Implied Probability of an 11/1 runner = (1 / (11/1 + 1)) * 100 = 8.33%
- Implied Probability of an 3/1 runner = (1 / (3/1 + 1)) * 100 = 25%
Work out the stakes
- Amount to stake on the 11/1 runner = (8.33 / (25 + 8.33)) * £10 = £2.50
- Amount to stake on the 3/1 runner = (25 / (25 + 8.33)) * £10 = £7.50

Now with the stake split evenly, the amount returned should any runner win is £30.

Last Update: 27 November 2023

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Also See

Dutching calculator - Work out the amount to stake so that your returns are the same no matter the outcome. Handles exchange commission and up to 10 selections.

Free bet calculator - Want to guarantee a profit from your free sport bet? This calculator will tell you what to back and lay to generate the maximum possible returns. Supports commission deductions and terms where the free bet stake is not returned.

Bet Calculator - Calculate sports bet returns for each ways, accumulators, lucky 15 bets and more. Handles dead heats, rule 4 deductions and bookmaker bonuses. Easy to use and powerful, this calculator supports every betting scenario.

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A Guide to Dutching

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