Does anyone know the formula for Dutch Betting?

Many thanks!

Yes,

Consider Horses A, B, C and D in the race.

The odds are 5/2, 4/1, 7/1 and 8/1 respectively.

First determine their decimal probability with 1/(1+odds). So, again respectively,

1/(1+(5/2)) = 1/3.5 ~= .286
1/(1+4) = .2
1/(1+7) = .125
1/(1+8) = .111

And total that for 0.722. If this number is greater than or equal to 1 these horses cannot be dutched (which you will find is always the case with totes, bookies, etc. -- in fact, the closer to 1 the better deal you're getting).

Now take 1 - 0.722 = 0.278.

Imagine the amount you would like to win is $50. So you would take your bet divided by the total times the probability. So, rounded to the nearest dollar, this would result in:

50 / 0.278 * .286 = 51
50 / 0.278 * .200 = 36
50 / 0.278 * .125 = 23
50 / 0.278 * .111 = 20

No matter who comes in, your profit will be (around) $50 (net profit on one horse less the wagers on the others).

I hope that all made sense!

-Duck

Thnx, Duck! When you say closer to 1, the better the deal, what do you mean? More selections, less outlay??

If you run this formula against the odds offered by any bookie you will find that it is just over 1.

If it is 1.1 then that bookie is running a tight ship. If it is around 1.3 then that's typical. 1.5 is getting a bit greedy and 1.7 is downright highway robbery.

So if you're going to do dutch bets then choose a bookie who tends to be closer to 1. Otherwise, you'll have to miss out on more selections introducing more risk.

I can send you a dutch bet program which has all 3 types of Dutching to choose from.

It will save you a lot of time & possable error. .

bhk@bigpond.net.au