Reverse Forecast Bets: Meaning, Payouts & Betting Insights
When it comes to sports betting in the UK, terms can sometimes feel more complicated than they are. One of those is the reverse forecast. If you have ever scanned a racecard and noticed this option, but felt unsure, you are not alone.
This guide is here to explain what reverse forecasts are, how they can be worked out, and where you might encounter them. By breaking things down step by step, the aim is to give you a clearer picture of how they function.
Whether you read racing pages casually, or place the odd bet with a site such as Mr Luck, this explanation can help the concept make more sense.
What Is a Reverse Forecast Bet?
A reverse forecast is a type of bet most commonly linked to UK horse racing and greyhound racing. At its core, it is about trying to predict the first two finishers in a race. The important detail is that the two you select can finish in either order.
This bet is actually made up of two separate straight forecasts.
A straight forecast means choosing which runner you think will be first, and which will be second, in one fixed order.
A reverse forecast covers both orders by placing one bet on A first, B second, and another on B first, A second. That means the total stake is doubled. For example, a £1 reverse forecast costs £2 in total.
How Does a Reverse Forecast Bet Work in Horse Racing?
Imagine a horse race with eight runners. You believe Horse A and Horse B stand out from the rest, but you are unsure which one might win. A reverse forecast allows you to back both outcomes: A first with B second, and B first with A second. If those two horses occupy the top two positions, one part of your bet wins and you receive the return for that particular order.
If either finishes outside the first two, both parts of the bet lose. Because this structure is based on official finishing positions, there is always an element of chance, no matter how strong a runner may appear on paper.
In greyhound racing, the principle is the same. The bet is settled according to the pair that fills the top two places, and again only one order can pay out.
When Should You Place a Reverse Forecast Bet?
There is no single best moment to use a reverse forecast. It depends entirely on your view of a particular race. Some people may consider it when two competitors appear stronger than the rest of the field.
The size of the field can also influence the decision. In a smaller race with just five or six runners, the chance of your two selections filling the top two is naturally higher than in a large handicap with 15 or more. However, the potential return depends on how the official formula prices that outcome, so the likelihood and the payout must be considered together.
The odds of the two runners also matter. If both are very short-priced favourites, the potential return can be relatively modest. If one or both are at bigger odds, the payout could be larger, though the probability of them both finishing in the top two is lower.
How Are Reverse Forecast Bet Payouts Calculated?
In the UK, bookmakers typically use the Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) method to calculate payouts. This is a formula that uses the official Starting Prices (SPs) of the runners involved. The calculation produces a dividend, which is then applied to your stake.
Here is a simple outline:
- A reverse forecast consists of two straight forecasts.
- If the finishing order is A first, B second, you are paid the A–B forecast return on that half of your stake.Â
- If the finishing order is B first, A second, you are paid the B–A forecast return.
Because only one finishing order is possible, only one of your two stakes can produce a potential return.
Special situations can sometimes affect settlement. For instance, if one of your two selections does not run, the way your bet is treated will depend on the bookmaker. Some may void the entire bet and refund your stake, while others may treat the bet as a single on the remaining runner.
Dead heats for first or second can also complicate matters, with stakes or potential returns being divided according to the bookmaker’s rules. For this reason, it can be worth reading the terms and conditions of the operator you are using.
What Sports Can You Use a Reverse Forecast Bet On?
Reverse forecasts are most widely offered in horse racing and greyhound racing. Both sports have clearly defined first and second places, which is essential for a forecast bet to be settled.
While some operators may offer similar options in other events with ranked outcomes, this is far less common.
For example, novelty races or overseas formats may have different rules, and not all betting sites will provide forecasts on them. If you are considering placing such a bet with Mr Luck or another operator, it may be sensible to check whether the market is available and how it will be settled.
Reverse Forecast vs Straight Forecast: What’s the Difference?
A straight forecast is one single bet where you select the exact finishing order of two runners. If you are confident Horse A will beat Horse B, then a straight forecast is more focused, as the entire stake is on that outcome. However, if the runners swap places, the bet loses.
By contrast, a reverse forecast splits the stake into two parts. This covers both possible orders, but doubles the cost. It is therefore a balance between flexibility and stake size. Some bettors may prefer the precision of a straight forecast, while others might prefer a reverse forecast.
The choice comes down to how strongly you believe in a particular outcome. There is no guaranteed strategy that will bring profit, as both bet types involve uncertainty.
Bet Online at Mr Luck
Mr Luck is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and offers UK customers the opportunity to place bets on a range of sports and racing events.
If you log in or create an account, you can explore different markets and compare the options available. Each operator sets its own terms, so if you are considering forecast bets it can be worth checking the rules provided within the site.
It is important to remember that sports betting involves risk. Even when the race seems predictable, outcomes can surprise. If you decide to bet, set yourself a budget that you can comfortably afford and make use of the safer gambling tools available on Mr Luck, such as deposit limits and reality checks.
Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If it stops being enjoyable, take a step back and consider a break.
*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.