Quadpot Bet Guide: What Is a Quadpot in Horse Racing?
Horse racing is packed with different ways to get involved, and some bet types fly under the radar. The quadpot is one of those you might see at a meeting or on a betting site, but it is not always clear what it involves.
If you are new to betting or just curious, the jargon can make things feel more complicated than they are. A little clarity goes a long way.
This guide explains what a quadpot is in UK horse racing, how it works, and how it differs from similar pool bets. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Quadpot Bet in Horse Racing?
A quadpot is a pool bet that covers four specific races at the same meeting. The aim is to pick a horse that will place in each of those four races, usually starting at race three and finishing at race six.
You are not trying to find the winner in each race. Your selection just needs to place, and the number of places paid depends on field size and race type, following standard rules used on the day. In many races that means the first three home, and in larger handicaps it can extend to four.
If your selection places in all four races, your bet stays live to the end. If any pick finishes outside the places, that line is out. All stakes go into a shared pool. After deductions are taken, the remaining pool is split between everyone with a successful line, and a dividend is declared.
Online platforms display and settle quadpots in the same general way, though the layout and terminology can vary. It might be worth checking how a site presents its pool bets so you know exactly what counts as a place. If you do decide to try your hand at quadpot betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Which Races Count Towards a Quadpot?
A quadpot covers four races at one meeting, usually races three to six. These are set in advance so everyone taking part is working from the same race sequence.
Only the designated races count. They are listed on racecards, in the on-course programme, and on betting sites. If one of those races is abandoned or moved, the pool operator’s published rules set out what happens next, for example whether a leg goes void.
At the course, staff can point out the relevant races. Online, the same information is shown alongside the meeting details.
How Are Quadpot Winnings Calculated?
Unlike fixed-odds bets, a quadpot does not have a price attached to each selection. Everyone’s stakes go into a single pool. After the operator’s deduction for running costs and taxes, the rest is shared equally among all winning lines and paid as a dividend to a set unit stake.
The fewer winning lines there are, the higher the dividend is likely to be. If there are more winners, each share is smaller. Your total return depends on the declared dividend and how many lines you played, so taking more lines gives broader coverage but increases your outlay.
For example, if the net pool to be shared is £45,000 and there are 900 winning lines, the dividend would be £50 to the unit stake. Entering two lines would return twice the dividend, and so on. Results and dividends are published shortly after official placings are confirmed.
Quadpot vs Placepot: What’s the Difference?
Both the quadpot and the placepot are pool bets that pay out to those who manage to find placed horses across a sequence of races. The difference is scope and timing.
A placepot usually runs through the first six races on the card, with selections to place in each of those six. The quadpot is shorter, covering four races, typically races three to six. You can join a quadpot later in the day, which suits anyone who arrives after the opener or prefers a more compact bet.
The practicalities are similar, but the shorter format changes how people approach their picks and budgets.
Is a Quadpot Worth Playing?
It depends on what you enjoy about horse racing bets. The quadpot may appeal to those who like following a thread through the card without committing to a full six-race sequence. Returns are not known in advance because they come from a shared pool, which is part of the appeal for some but will not suit everyone.
It can also be a relatively low-cost way to have an interest across several races. Smaller stakes can still cover multiple lines, though adding lines increases your spend. As with any pool, potential returns vary with the size of the pool and how many people manage to get through all four legs.
If you prefer to bet online, formats and displays can differ slightly from one platform to another. A quick look at your chosen site’s pool-betting rules will show how places are defined and how dividends are declared for the meeting.
Bet On Horse Racing Online
Exploring horse racing markets can be done from home with Mr Luck. You will find a range of bet types, clear descriptions, live race information, and pool bets like the quadpot when available, all in one place.
We keep things straightforward, showing which races are included, what counts as a place, and how dividends are settled once results are official. We are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and you will find safer gambling tools in your account to help you manage your play in line with your preferences and budget.
Feel free to take a look at the day’s meetings, learn how our pools work, or read up on the event rules before you consider joining in. If anything is unclear, our support team is on hand to help. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.