What Does Betting Without Favourite Mean? Rules Explained
If you have come across “without favourite” in sports betting and wondered what it really means, you are not alone. The world of betting can be a bit confusing at first, especially when the most likely winner—the favourite—does not feature in certain types of bets.
In this guide, we will explain what betting without favourite means, outline the rules, and show you why some people use this option. Our aim is to keep it easy to understand, with clear examples, so you can get to grips with these markets and make informed choices.
Betting Without Favourite Meaning Explained
Betting without favourite is when the most likely winner is removed from consideration for your bet. For settlement purposes, the favourite’s finishing position does not count, so if the favourite comes first, your bet is calculated as if they were never in the race.
Imagine a horse race with five runners where Horse A is the favourite. If you decide to back Horse B “without the favourite” and Horse B comes second behind Horse A, your bet is settled as if Horse B had finished first. It works because the favourite is ignored in the final result for this market.
This way of betting is available across several sports, not just horse racing. On Mr Luck, you may spot “without favourite” options in football, golf, or tennis markets too. It is an approach often used when there is a strong front-runner, but the contest for the next places looks more competitive.
The odds for this type of bet are normally lower than standard win bets, since the favourite has already been discounted. Sportsbooks, including those licensed in the UK, can set their own rules or limits, so it pays to check their terms before placing your bets.
If you are interested in exploring how betting without favourite works in practice, the process is much the same across different sports, but each game or match might have small differences. Let’s look at how these markets are handled.
Betting Without Favourite Rules: How Does It Work?
If you choose a “betting without favourite” market on Mr Luck, your selection is judged based on the official result after the favourite has been removed. The favourite is the competitor or team expected to win, and for this market, they are disregarded when payouts are calculated.
Take the example of a horse race with six runners where one horse stands out. Backing another runner “without the favourite” means you will collect if your selection finishes as the highest placed after the favourite’s position is excluded. So, if your horse finishes second behind the favourite, your bet is settled as a win.
The odds reflect the fact that the favourite is overlooked, potentially resulting in shorter odds than you would get for a standard win bet. This market is now common in football fixtures, tennis matches, and more—especially when there is a clear standout competitor.
Each sportsbook—and this includes Mr Luck—will have its own market rules and may approach things like draws or dead heats differently. It is important to be familiar with these details, as the way ties are settled or how players are classified can affect your potential payout.
Now that you know the general process, we can see how this applies to each way betting options, which are popular among those looking for more ways to potentially win from a single event.
Example: Betting Without Favourite Each Way
Each way betting is widely used in horse racing and sometimes in other sports. This bet is divided into two parts: one part for your selection to win, and one part for your selection to place. The total stake is split equally between these two parts.
If you choose an each way bet “without the favourite”, your selection is judged after the favourite is removed. For instance:
Imagine a race with eight runners, and each way places are paid on the top three at one fifth of the odds.
You back Horse 2 “without the favourite”. The favourite comes first, Horse 2 comes fourth.
In this market, Horse 2 is now considered as third, with the favourite removed. The place part of your each way bet would therefore pay out.
It is important to check the specific place terms and settlement rules, as they can vary between bookmakers.
Understanding these details can be helpful, especially as each way bets offer different possibilities compared to a straightforward win bet. This is one reason some people use these markets for added interest.
Bet on Sports Online at Mr Luck
Mr Luck is registered with the UK Gambling Commission and provides a wide range of sports betting options, including the “without favourite” markets we’ve covered here, along with many others such as football, horse racing, and tennis. There are also classic casino games to try if you fancy something different.
If you would like to get started, simply log in if you already have an account, or join in a few quick steps. Your betting experience on Mr Luck is supported by UK standards for fairness and player protection.
*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.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
If you have come across “without favourite” in sports betting and wondered what it really means, you are not alone. The world of betting can be a bit confusing at first, especially when the most likely winner—the favourite—does not feature in certain types of bets.
In this guide, we will explain what betting without favourite means, outline the rules, and show you why some people use this option. Our aim is to keep it easy to understand, with clear examples, so you can get to grips with these markets and make informed choices.
Betting Without Favourite Meaning Explained
Betting without favourite is when the most likely winner is removed from consideration for your bet. For settlement purposes, the favourite’s finishing position does not count, so if the favourite comes first, your bet is calculated as if they were never in the race.
Imagine a horse race with five runners where Horse A is the favourite. If you decide to back Horse B “without the favourite” and Horse B comes second behind Horse A, your bet is settled as if Horse B had finished first. It works because the favourite is ignored in the final result for this market.
This way of betting is available across several sports, not just horse racing. On Mr Luck, you may spot “without favourite” options in football, golf, or tennis markets too. It is an approach often used when there is a strong front-runner, but the contest for the next places looks more competitive.
The odds for this type of bet are normally lower than standard win bets, since the favourite has already been discounted. Sportsbooks, including those licensed in the UK, can set their own rules or limits, so it pays to check their terms before placing your bets.
If you are interested in exploring how betting without favourite works in practice, the process is much the same across different sports, but each game or match might have small differences. Let’s look at how these markets are handled.
Betting Without Favourite Rules: How Does It Work?
If you choose a “betting without favourite” market on Mr Luck, your selection is judged based on the official result after the favourite has been removed. The favourite is the competitor or team expected to win, and for this market, they are disregarded when payouts are calculated.
Take the example of a horse race with six runners where one horse stands out. Backing another runner “without the favourite” means you will collect if your selection finishes as the highest placed after the favourite’s position is excluded. So, if your horse finishes second behind the favourite, your bet is settled as a win.
The odds reflect the fact that the favourite is overlooked, potentially resulting in shorter odds than you would get for a standard win bet. This market is now common in football fixtures, tennis matches, and more—especially when there is a clear standout competitor.
Each sportsbook—and this includes Mr Luck—will have its own market rules and may approach things like draws or dead heats differently. It is important to be familiar with these details, as the way ties are settled or how players are classified can affect your potential payout.
Now that you know the general process, we can see how this applies to each way betting options, which are popular among those looking for more ways to potentially win from a single event.
Example: Betting Without Favourite Each Way
Each way betting is widely used in horse racing and sometimes in other sports. This bet is divided into two parts: one part for your selection to win, and one part for your selection to place. The total stake is split equally between these two parts.
If you choose an each way bet “without the favourite”, your selection is judged after the favourite is removed. For instance:
Imagine a race with eight runners, and each way places are paid on the top three at one fifth of the odds.
You back Horse 2 “without the favourite”. The favourite comes first, Horse 2 comes fourth.
In this market, Horse 2 is now considered as third, with the favourite removed. The place part of your each way bet would therefore pay out.
It is important to check the specific place terms and settlement rules, as they can vary between bookmakers.
Understanding these details can be helpful, especially as each way bets offer different possibilities compared to a straightforward win bet. This is one reason some people use these markets for added interest.
Bet on Sports Online at Mr Luck
Mr Luck is registered with the UK Gambling Commission and provides a wide range of sports betting options, including the “without favourite” markets we’ve covered here, along with many others such as football, horse racing, and tennis. There are also classic casino games to try if you fancy something different.
If you would like to get started, simply log in if you already have an account, or join in a few quick steps. Your betting experience on Mr Luck is supported by UK standards for fairness and player protection.
*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.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
