A dual forecast bet, or more commonly known as a reverse forecast bet, is a type of wager that involves predicting two selections to finish in the top two positions in a sporting event.
Unlike a straight forecast, the order in which these two selections finish does not affect the outcome of the bet. Rather, as long as your two picks secure the first and second spots, you win.
This type of wager can be used in numerous sports, but it is particularly popular in horse racing and greyhound racing, where predicting the exact finishing order can be challenging. A potential advantage of a dual forecast bet is the increased chances of winning, as you don't have to predict the exact order of the top two finishes.
Dual Forecast Bet Meaning
In essence, a dual forecast bet is a combination of two straight forecast bets. It allows more flexibility and can potentially increase your chances of winning, as the order of the top two finishers in a race or event does not matter.
To put it in perspective, let's consider a horse race with horses A, B, and C. If you place a dual forecast bet on horses A and B, you would win if horse A finishes first and horse B second, or if horse B finishes first and horse A second.
This type of bet essentially doubles your chances of potentially winning compared to a straight forecast bet. However, the flexibility of a dual forecast bet comes at a price - the bet essentially consists of two bets, and therefore, the stake is doubled.
Dual Forecast Bet Horse Racing Example
To better understand how a dual forecast bet works, let's consider a practical example from horse racing.
Suppose there's an upcoming race with five horses: A, B, C, D, and E. You've analysed the form, the track conditions, and the jockeys, and you've concluded that you think horses A and B have the highest chances of finishing in the top two.
You decide to place a £10 dual forecast bet on horses A and B. This means you're effectively placing two £5 bets: one on horse A to finish first and horse B to finish second, and another on horse B to finish first and horse A to finish second.
If either of these scenarios occurs, you win the bet. The exact returns will depend on the odds and the specific rules of the bookmaker, but they will generally be higher than if you had simply bet on one horse to win.
Dual Forecast Football Bet Example
While dual forecast bets are most commonly associated with horse and greyhound racing, they can also be applied to other sports, including football.
In football, dual forecast bets are often used in outright markets, such as predicting the teams that will finish in the top two places in a league.
For instance, let's consider the Premier League. Suppose you believe that Manchester City and Liverpool have the best chances of securing the top two spots. You decide to place a £10 dual forecast bet on these two teams.
Just like in the horse racing example, this means you're effectively placing two bets: one on Manchester City to finish first and Liverpool second, and another on Liverpool to finish first and Manchester City second. If either of these scenarios occurs, you win the bet.
Dual Forecast vs Reverse Forecast
The terms "dual forecast" and "reverse forecast" are often used interchangeably, as they essentially refer to the same type of bet. However, some bookmakers may differentiate between the two based on the specific rules and potential payouts of the bet.
In general, both dual forecast and reverse forecast bets involve predicting the top two finishers in an event in any order. The main difference typically lies in the way the payouts are calculated.
For instance, some bookmakers may offer fixed odds for dual forecast bets, meaning the potential returns are determined when the bet is placed. On the other hand, reverse forecast payouts may be calculated using a specific formula, such as the Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) used in horse racing, which takes into account factors like the starting prices of all the runners.
Before placing a dual or reverse forecast bet, it's essential to understand the specific rules and payout structure offered by your bookmaker. This can help you make an informed decision.
Please gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
