Breaking even or closest to?
 

Hi all,

I'm just wondering if it is at all possible to bet on all outcomes at the TAB (whether it be sports or racing) and come out even? With no intention to make a profit or loss. I'm not too good with maths but I would think that there is a way to do this??

Thanks!

It would be a fairly easy exercise using betfair, but why would you want to?

It's actually just to settle an argument i'm having with a mate. Not using betfair or any other betting exchange, just the TAB.

No not possible. For the win market on a gallops race the tote takes around 15% (actually more with rounding) from the pool. Therefore you'll lose that amount every race if you back every runner. The percentage taken from the pools for the other bet types vary's. The tote wins whatever the outcome.

Ok thanks for that.

AngryPixie you wouldn't lose every race. eg. 8 horse race winner pays $10. You would have to now the exact amount all the winners paid against the total numbers of runners.(horse racing example)
You could not back any two teamed event as the tabs market is figured to under 100% return.

It would only be possible if the Book market was set at 100% or less.
This sometimes happens on Betfair, but only for a fraction of a second.

The TAB market is 118% so its not possible unless one weeded out 1 or more runners whose combined price is 18% or less .
e.g. $5.50 horse is approx 18.18%
So take out 1 or more $5.50 horses & your bet book % is now close to 100% So as to break even.
That is if the $5.50 shots dont get up to win.

Remember that one can only break even backing the whole field, if the book percentage is 100% or less.
One would stagger the bets depending on each horses price , for those who dont already know, this is known as Dutching..

Cheers

Yes you're right.

You are also right if you Dutch every horse in a race (tab odds)