Tote Betting Explained

Placing a Bet on the Tote: The Basics

Tote betting is a popular form of horse racing wagering enjoyed by loads of punters worldwide. The biggest reason for its popularity is its community-driven nature, which can create more considerable prize pools. With this form of wagering, you can easily win a bigger payout than what you get from regular bookmakers with fixed odds betting.

Tote system betting is undeniably more prevalent in horse racing, as its origin traces back to the sport. However, it has also expanded to a few other sports and events. So, punters may find other sports and events where this betting style is also available, like greyhound racing, football, rugby, cricket, and others. 

That said, let’s delve into the Tote betting meaning and rules.

One notable fact is that Tote sports betting differs significantly from the traditional fixed-odds market. Unlike the latter, where the odds are agreed upon when placing the bet, the overall pooled bets and the total amount of money bet on the winning outcome determine the odds and payout in a Tote.

Also, a “totalisator” facilitates this gambling option. These Totes take on no risk as the payout comes from the punters’ overall bets. But they get to deduct taxes and service fees from the total pool. These days, some bookmakers also offer Tote pools to their punters.

Tote Betting Rules

As mentioned, Tote wagering operates with its own rules, and it’s essential to understand them to succeed. These Tote betting rules may vary slightly depending on the specific system you wager on and other essential details. But here are some of the general guidelines you should keep in mind:

• Betting pools: Tote involves pooling wagers into a single pot, which is later shared among the winning bets.
• Dynamic odds: The Tote sports bet odds are dynamic and can change as more bets come in before the event.
• Minimum stakes: Tote wagers usually have a minimum stake requirement, depending on the type, racecourse, and specific Tote service provider.
• Place terms: For a Tote place bet, the number of allowable places can vary depending on the number of runners.
• Tax and commission: Tote wagers usually incur tax and additional commissions for the Tote service, which gets deducted from the overall betting pool before winning bets get shared. The deducted percentage usually varies depending on the Tote type.
• Pools with no winner: When a Tote bet ends with no winner, the entire gross pool usually gets carried forward to another race.

How Can You Bet on the Tote?

Tote sports betting often seems complicated to many beginners. However, this form of wagering is quite straightforward once you grasp the fundamental concepts. Once you understand how the Tote odds work, the types of bets you can place, how each way applies, and its distinction from fixed odds betting, you can easily place informed wagers.

How do Odds Work on the Tote?

One of the most significant distinctions between online Tote betting and other straightforward wagering options lies in how the odds work. The Tote wager has no fixed odds determining the potential payout. Instead, each participant’s odds and potential payout are determined by the overall bet pool and the amount wagered on each outcome.

So, the final odds for a Tote wager can only be determined when the betting pool closes, typically when the event commences. Once the event ends, the dividends get shared amongst the winning bets.

Calculation Example

Let’s look at a practical example to understand how this works fully. A 4-runner horse racing event will occur during the Cheltenham Festival, and UK bookies are offering Tote wagers. For simplicity’s sake, let’s say the Tote pool closed at an overall bet amount of $10,000, and the tax/commission is 10%.

The table below shows the breakdown of the wager on each horse selection and how the payout is derived.

According to the table, if horse 1 wins the race, punters with winning bets will receive $9.00 for every $1 wagered. In this case, if you had staked $100 on the horse, you would receive a $900 payout (i.e., $800 profit). And if horse 2, 3, or 4 wins, the payout will be $4.50, $3.00, or $2.25, respectively for every $1 wager.

Another thing you should note about the payouts is that the selection with the most action (i.e., largest bet amount @ $4,000) offered the least payout ($2.25). So, the smaller the bet amount on a selection, the bigger the share gained if it wins. That is why outsiders typically pay out vast amounts on Tote bets.

Types of Tote Bets Explained

One of the beauties of betting on the Tote is that it offers a wide range of betting options, each with unique characteristics and winning chances. From straight wagers like win and place bets to the more exotic ones like exacta, trifecta, and many others, you will find many options to explore in this market.

Now, let’s get into the different types of Tote betting.

Win

The win wager is the simplest form of Tote bet that requires you to pick a single horse to win a race outright. You need to predict the winner whether the race is a 5-runner or more. For example, you can place a Tote sports bet on horse 3 to win an 8-runner race during the Grand National.

Naturally, you will only win this bet if horse 3 wins the race. The dividend for payout, however, will depend on the overall pool and the wager size of the winning selection. Your payout will then be your wager amount multiplied by the calculated dividend, as explained earlier.

Place

Another way to approach betting on horse racing with the Tote is by engaging in “place” bets. Your selected horse doesn’t have to come first to win a place bet, as it usually covers the race’s top 2, 3, or more positions. It means you will win the bet if the selected horse comes in second, third, or even fourth (sometimes). Not all races will qualify for this type of bet, as the number of runners influences it. 

Here is the rule most Tote sports betting brands follow for positions in the place bet:

• 2 to 4 runners: 1st alone (i.e., no place betting)
• 5 to 7 runners: 1st & 2nd
• 8 to 15 runners: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
• 16 or more non-handicap: 1st, 2nd & 3rd
• 16 or more non-handicap: 1st, 2nd & 3rd, & 4th

For example, if you wager on horse 3 to place (top 3) in the 8-runner scenario above, you will win the bet if it finishes first, second, or third. As you might have already inferred, place Tote gambling bets tend to have higher winning chances than the win bet. However, the payout is usually less than the former as its pool gets split between more winners. Remember, a race must feature at least five horses to qualify for this bet.

Each way

Some Tote bookmakers also offer punters the chance to place each-way wagers on horse races, combining a “win wager” with the “place bet.” This wager is ideal for punters who are confident that their selected horse will win its race but also want to be cautious.

The Tote each-way wager works like the regular one, with two equal bets covering both win and place outcomes. But here, the win bet will go to the win pool, while the place wager will go to the place pool. If the selected horse wins the race, you will win both parts of the wager. However, if the horse comes in second or third, you will lose the win wager but win the place wager.

Note that many Tote bookmakers do not offer traditional each-way wagers, and bettors can only place separate bets to win or place. It is due to the nature of pool betting and the way odds are calculated in these systems. We will explain this in more detail later on in the guide.

Exacta and Reverse Exacta

The Tote exacta wager works similarly to the regular straight forecast bookmakers provide for horse racing events. Here, you must pick two horses to finish in the first and second positions in the exact order. For example, “Horse 4 @ 1st and Horse 2 @ 2nd.”

Another Tote bet exacta you can place is the reverse exacta, which works like the traditional one. It also involves picking the top two winners in a race but in any order. This reverse wager, however, covers two possible outcomes, thereby requiring two equal stakes. One for “Horse 4 @ 1st and Horse 2 @ 2nd” and the other for “Horse 2 @ 1st and Horse 4 @ 2nd.” You will win one part of the bet if the two horses finish in the top 2 spots.

As always, the Tote payouts of the exacta wagers will depend on the betting pool dividend calculated.

Trifecta and Reverse Trifecta

Like the Tote exacta, the trifecta wager in Tote betting is similar to the traditional counterpart. Here, you will select three horses to finish in the first, second, and third positions in a race and the exact order in which each horse will finish. For example, “Horse 4 @ 1st, Horse 2 @ 2nd, and Horse 8 @ 3rd.” As you can imagine, this is more difficult to predict, so the dividend of winning bets is typically higher here than exacta and straight-win wagers.

The reverse trifecta Tote bet, on the other hand, involves predicting the top three finishing horses in any order. Since it involves three horses in 3 possible places, this covers six possible outcomes and requires six equal stakes.

Swinger

Swinger is one of the more unusual forms of single-race Tote exotic bets, usually operated on horse races with six or more runners. The objective of the Tote swinger wager is to select two horses to finish in the top three positions in a race, in any order. It results in a kind of combination wager as follows:

• 1st and 2nd
• 1st and 3rd
• 2nd and 3rd

For example, if you pick Horse 5 and Horse 3 in a 6-runner race for your swinger wager, you will win the bet if they both finish in the first, second, or third position. But you lose if one or the two horses don’t finish in the top 3 spots.

Placepot

The Totepool placepot wager is undeniably one of the more popular types of exotic horse racing bet you will find. Unlike the other wagers, this one typically applies to more than one race, usually the first six of each meeting. Here, you will pick a horse to place in the top positions in each of the first six races. The positions you will get will depend on the number of horses in the race, as highlighted in the Tote place wager above. Only 8-runner or more races can place in the top three positions.

The best part is that the Tote placepot rules do not limit the number of horses punters can pick for their wagers. You can pick two or more selections per race. However, this will result in a bigger stake as you cover more outcomes.

Jackpot

Another popular form of exotic Tote sports bet is the jackpot wager, which involves engaging the first six races at a meeting. However, unlike the placepot, this one involves selecting the winning horse in the six races.

As you might have inferred, the jackpot is more challenging to win as it requires that each selection come in first in the races, but the payout can be impressive for winners.

Quadpot

A Tote quadpot wager is similar to the placepot option. The only difference is that the quadpot selects horses to place in the last four out of the first six races at a meeting (i.e., the third to sixth races on the card).

Aside from the races, everything else follows the Tote placepot rules regarding the number of runners and the ability to pick more than one horse selection, as explained earlier. One of the best parts of this wagering option is that it allows punters to try again if their placepot goes down in any of the first two races. Of course, if you don’t fancy anything in the 1st and 2nd, you can always go for the quadpot directly.

Scoop6

The scoop6 wager is undoubtedly one of the more innovative Tote exotic bets. It involves making predictions across six specified horse races across various nominated meetings, typically held on Saturdays. Essentially, the scoop6 wager provided by the Tote service provider allows punters to pick winning horses or placed horses in each of the specified six races, and winning bets will get a share of the dividend.

Another exciting part about the Totescoop6 bet is that it also runs a bonus pool where winners of the wager can pick the winner of the bonus race on a later day to stand a chance to win an extra big pot.

Betting on Singles Vs. Multiples on the Tote

From the different bet types for Tote bets explained above, it’s safe to conclude that the wagering options fall into two broad categories – singles and multiples. The single wagers are the bets you place on a single selection and race. Examples are the win and place bets, straightforward options with high winning chances.

On the other hand, the multiples, also known as exotics, involve betting on multiple horses in one or more races. Examples include the Tote exacta, trifecta, placepot, and others, all of which involve making selections of two or more horses to win or place in one or more races, depending on the bet type.

The table below shows a comparison of the two wagering options.

How Does Each-Way Betting Work on the Tote?

Unlike traditional horse racing bets, there is no each-way betting per se when you bet on the Tote, as mentioned under the each-way section above. Here is why.

However, you can create an equivalent of the each-way bet by placing the “Tote win” and “Tote place” wagers on the same horse selection. It can even be more beneficial than the traditional each-way wager. Let’s explore how below.

With the regular each-way wager, you must put up equal stakes to cover both the win and place parts of your bet. And if the selected horse comes in first, you win both parts of the bet. But if the horse doesn’t win but places, you get the winnings from only the place part of the bet. You may still incur a loss if the each-way place winnings don’t cover what you lost on the winning half.

However, you get independent markets with separate pools by engaging the “Tote win” and “Tote place” wagers separately. So, instead of a quarter or a fifth of the Totewin price, you would usually get from the each-way place half, the winnings here might be significantly higher or lower. Everything depends on the horses, the race, the action amount, and the Tote pool bet size.

Tote Betting Vs. Fixed Odds

As mentioned, the main distinction between Tote system betting and fixed odds wagering lies in determining odds and payouts. Punters’ wagers go into a pool with the Tote bet, which later gets shared across the winning bets according to the calculated dividend and stake amount. On the other hand, fixed-odds betting involves bookmakers setting odds prices based on predictions and opinions, reflecting the chances of an outcome occurring and what a punter can potentially gain.

It raises the question of which of the two options is better when betting on horse racing. However, there is no easy answer, as both have pros and cons. Ultimately, deciding which to use depends on each punter’s preferences. That said, the table below shows a comparison between the two wagering options.

Tote Betting Tips

There is no denying that Tote betting can be an exciting way to enjoy betting while standing a chance to earn more considerable rewards. However, like any sports betting form, being strategic with your Tote wagers is essential. That way, you can avoid common mistakes while improving your chances of winning.

Here are some tips that can help you achieve that.

• Do your research: Research is vital to any successful sports betting activity, and Tote wagering is no exception. So, before placing your bet, research and ensure your selection has a good chance of winning.
• Choose a suitable bet type: Different types of Tote bets are available to punters, as we have mentioned earlier. So, familiarize yourself with the different bet types available and choose the one you are more comfortable with.
• Set a budget: Money management is crucial in your journey, as Tote online betting can be risky and hard to win. So, set a budget and stick to it, and only play with money you can afford to lose.
• Be patient: Due to the unpredictable nature of horse racing events, Tote betting can sometimes be quite frustrating as you may lose several bets. Ensure you are always patient and never chase losses.
• Consider outsiders: If, based on your research, your prediction favors an outsider over the favorite, don’t be afraid to bet on it. Favorites don’t always win races. Plus, the dividends on outsiders are usually huge compared to the favorites’ payout.

The Tote Origins

The Tote was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1928 under the supervision of Sir Winston Churchill, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer. With horse racing becoming quite popular and many people wanting to place bets, illegal betting became rampant. So, the Tote was created as a regulated, government-controlled alternative to create a fair and transparent betting system that would ensure player protection. A secondary goal was to use the betting revenue generated from the Tote to support the horse racing industry. Surprisingly, the Tote became a resounding success that remains to date. Some other countries, like the Tote, also created their unique system to achieve pool betting.

The Tote Today

The Tote has undergone several transformations since it came up in the 1920s. As mentioned, the United Kingdom’s government established and owned the Tote brand. It remained so until July 2011, when it was privatized and sold to Betfred, who owned and managed it until 2009, before the UK Tote group acquired it.

Today, the UK Tote group operates Tote bets on horse races in the UK and Ireland, offering it across diverse race courses and even through online platforms and mobile apps for convenient accessibility. We should also mention that while Tote traditionally operated independently from bookmakers, there are collaborations between it and sports betting sites. So, some Tote bookmakers offer these wagers alongside their regular fixed odds market, providing their punters with a broader range of options.

Where Can You Bet on the Tote?

Like most horse racing wagers, Tote sports betting started at racecourses. Today, almost all racecourses in the UK and Ireland have Tote betting stations and representatives on-site to facilitate the wagering pool.

Punters can also access this wagering option online through standard bookmakers. The Tote brand also offers an online presence where punters can easily join the pool in horse racing events through its site and mobile app. 

Some of the best Tote betting sites that also provide a betting pool online today include the following:

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Åland Island’s provincial government

Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)

Anjouan Gaming License

Arizona Department of Gaming

Armenia Ministry of Finance

Autorisée par la Loterie Nationale Togolaise (LONATO) (togo)

Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)

Belgium Gaming Commission

Betting Control and Licensing Board Of Kenya

Betting Control and Licensing Board Of Zambia

Betting Control and Licensing Board Of Zimbabwe

Central Reserve Authority of Western Sahara

Coljuegos (Colombia)

Colorado Division of Gaming

Committee of Tourism Industry of the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Connecticut Gaming Commission

Costa Rica Gambling

Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB)

Customs and Monopoly Agency (AAMS) for operation in Italy

Czech Republic Gambling and Lottery Supervision Department Ministry

Danish Gambling Authority

Delaware Lottery

Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (Spain)

Eastern Cape Gambling Board

Estonia Gambling Regulation (ETCB)

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia National Lottery Administration

Federal Taxation Service (Russia)

Finance and Planning (Guinea)

Gambling authority of Antigua & Barbuda

Gaming Board Of Gambia

Gaming Board Of Liberia

Gaming Board Of Sierra Leone

Gaming Board of Tanzania

Gaming Commission Ghana

Gaming Council of Guinea-Bissau

Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) Portugal

Gauteng Gambling Board

Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)

Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner

Government of South Sudan

Greece Hellenic Gaming Commission

iGaming Ontario

Illinois Gaming Board

Indiana Gaming Commission

Instituto de Supervisão dos Jogos (Angola)

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

Ireland`s Revenue Commissioners

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (IoM GSC)

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission

KwaZulu Natal Gambling Board

La Loterie nationale de Côte d`Ivoire (LONACI)

Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB)

Lesotho Gambling Board

Limpopo Gambling Board

Lithuanian Gaming Authority

Lonase Gaming Commission (Senegal)

Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection of Latvia

Louisiana Gaming Control Board

Maine Gambling Control Unit

Mali gambling committee

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Minister of Finance (Poland)

Minister of the Interior (France)

Ministry of Economy and Finance and the national Lottery (Benin)

Ministry of Finance (Georgia)

Ministry of Finance (Serbia)

Ministry of Finance (Sierra Leone)

Ministry of Finance of Belarus

Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia

Ministry of Territorial Administration (Cameroon)

Ministry of the Interior (Gabon)

Ministry of Tourism (Zambia)

Ministry of Trade and Industry (Rwanda)

Mississippi Gaming Commission

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Commission

Montenegro Gambling License

Mozambique Gaming Inspectorate

Mpumalanga Economic Regulator

Mwali international services authority

National Betting Authority of Cyprus

National Gaming Board Uganda

National Lotteries Board (Malawi)

National Lottery Regulatory Commission (Nigeria)

National Racing Code (Brazil)

Nevada Gaming Control Board

New Hampshire Lottery Commission

New Jersey Casino Control Commission

New South Wales Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing (Australia)

New York State Gaming Commission

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North Carolina State Lottery Commission

North West Gambling Board

Northern Territory Racing Commission (Australia)

Oficiului Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc (Romania)

Ohio Casino Control Commission

Oregon Lottery Commission

Oyo State Gaming Board

Panama Gaming Commission

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Peru Gambling Authority

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

Secretaría de Gobernación (SEGOB) Mexico

Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission (STGC)

Slovakia Ministry of Finance

SONAL (Democratic Republic of Congo)

State of Osun (Nigeria)

Swedish Gambling Authority

Tennessee Gaming Commission

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Swaziland)

The Netherlands Gambling Authority

The State Commission on Gambling (SCG) Bulgaria

Tobique Gaming Commission

Tunisia State and Lotteries Board

Turkish Gaming Authority

Ukraine Ministry of Finance

United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)

Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery

Virginia Lottery

Washington State Gambling Commission

West Virginia Lottery Commission

Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board

Wyoming Gaming Commission

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The online Tote betting sites listed here are some of the best sports betting brands with a solid reputation in the market, offering a fair and safe market. They also offer different Tote betting options across several horse racing events, providing punters with many opportunities. Other than that, the sites also have great promotions and offers, exceptional mobile betting experience, excellent customer services, etc., making them good choices for punters.