A ‘quinella’ bet in greyhound betting is a popular type of wager where the bettor is required to predict the first two dogs to finish a race, regardless of the order they finish in. Originating from horse racing, quinella betting has now found its way into other animal racing sports, including greyhound racing, offering the bettors more variety and excitement. The beauty of this bet is that it offers a higher probability of winning compared to certain other types of bets.
Understanding Quinella Betting
Quinella betting is a more straightforward approach compared to other betting types. Bettors only need to select the top two dogs they believe will finish first and second, regardless of the actual order. For instance, if a bettor picks ‘Dog 5’ and ‘Dog 7’, they will win the bet as long as these two dogs are the first two to cross the finish line, irrespective of who comes first or second. However, correctly predicting the order doesn’t provide any extra benefits to the bettor.
Bettors can also choose to place a “box quinella” bet. In a box quinella, the bettor selects more than two dogs, increasing the chances of winning. However, the bet’s cost also increases proportionally with the number of dogs chosen. For example, a box quinella involving three dogs would cover six possible combinations of finishes, thus multiplying the bet cost by six.
Applying a Strategy to Quinella Betting
Bettors often use strategies to increase their chance of winning a quinella bet. Here are some common practices:
- Studying the form guide: Just like in any other sporting event, checking out the form guide can offer insights about the dogs’ past performances, their trainers, and other relevant factors.
- Considering the Track Condition: The condition of the track on race day plays a significant role. Different dogs may perform differently depending on the track condition.
- Watching the Market Movement: Market movements can be a reflection of collective wisdom from other bettors. This can often help in determining the probable outcome.
Comparison Between Quinella and Exacta Bets
Quinella and exacta are similar types of bets, causing confusion among beginners. Both require the bettor to select the first two finishers of a race. However, while quinella doesn’t require you to predict the exact order, an exacta bet does. Below is a comparison:
| Quinella | Exacta | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A bet where the bettor picks the first two finishers without worrying about the order | A bet where the bettor picks the first two finishers in the exact order |
| Difficulty | Quinella is considered easier as it doesn’t require the picking the exact order | Exacta is considered more challenging and rewarding as it needs a prediction of exact order |
| Payout | Generally, quinella bets have lower payouts due to higher chances of winning | Exacta bets have higher payouts because predicting the exact order is more difficult |
The Payout Structure
Payout in a quinella bet depends on the odds for the two specific dogs involved, rather than having fixed odds. For instance, if both dogs are favorites, the returns would be lower than if a popular dog and a lesser-known dog finishes in top two. While this might imply that quinella bets have a lower payout compared to some other bet types, it offers a higher chance of winning, making it a preferred choice for many bettors.
Factors Influencing the Success of a Quinella Bet
Successful quinella betting often depends on several factors, including but not limited to:
- Understanding the dogs: Greyhounds, like any other athletes, have strengths, weaknesses, habits, and preferences. Knowing these can give a bettor a significant advantage.
- Knowing the track: Different tracks have varying characteristics. Some dogs may perform better on certain tracks. Knowledge about the track can significantly enhance the chances of a successful bet.
- Understanding the race dynamics: Every race is unique, with varying dynamics. Factors such as the dog’s lane, recent performance, and even the weather can significantly impact the results.
- Evaluating the odds: The dog’s odds reflect their supposed chance of winning. Favorable odds usually indicate a higher chance of winning.
Calculation of Quinella Bets
Although the final payout of a quinella bet can vary depending on the odds of the dogs involved, it can be beneficial to understand the calculation. While the exact process can differ across various bookmakers, the principle remains essentially the same:
- The combined amounts of money bet on all possible combinations are calculated
- The total of all the bets placed on the winning combination is calculated
- The total amount bet is divided by the amount bet on the winning combination to determine the dividend
- The dividend is then adjusted using a reduction percentage determined by the operator as their commission
| Steps | Calculation Example |
|---|---|
| Total bet amount on all combinations | $1,000 |
| Total bet amount on winning combination | $50 |
| Dividend Calculation | $1,000 / $50 = $20 |
| Bookmaker commission (20%) | $20 – (20% of $20) = $16 |
This means that for every $1 bet on the winning combination, a return of $16 is expected.
Popular Variations of Quinella Bets
Apart from the standard quinella and box quinella, some variations of quinella betting further enhance the betting excitement:
- StandOut Quinella: In a StandOut Quinella, a bettor picks one dog to finish first and multiple dogs to finish second. The selected dog must come first for the bet to win.
- Roving Banker Quinella: The Roving Banker Quinella is similar to the StandOut Quinella with the exception that the ‘Banker’ (the selected dog) can either come first or second.
- Multiple Quinella: In a Multiple Quinella, the bettor selects three or more dogs, and they must finish either first or second.
In these variations, the cost of betting resembles the box quinella, increasing with the number of chosen dogs.
These expanded aspects of quinella betting in greyhound racing highlight its appeal to bettors, who appreciate its simplicity combined with the potential for strategy and variety.
