What is a Daily Double bet?
A Daily Double is a bet where you pick the winners of two consecutive races. Both horses must win for your ticket to pay out.
Payouts come from a shared betting pool, often leading to higher returns than single-race bets — especially if one or both winners have longer odds.
If either horse loses, the entire bet is lost. However, if both win, the payout is based on parimutuel odds (the pool of all Daily Double bets), often producing strong returns, especially when one or both winners have longer odds.
How does a Daily Double work?
Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Choose two consecutive races, typically Races 1 and 2.
- Select one horse in each race.
- Place your bet; the minimum stake is usually $1 or $2.
- Wait for both races; you must win both legs for a payout.
The odds are determined by the Daily Double pool, which combines all bettors’ wagers on that specific combination.
Example: Belmont Park Races 1 & 2
- Race 1: You pick Horse A at +400 (5.00)
Race 2: You pick Horse B at +300 (4.00)
You place a $2 Daily Double.
If both horses win, your payout is based on the Daily Double pool odds, not simply multiplying +400 and +300.
Let’s say the published Daily Double payout for your combination is $120 for a $2 stake; that’s your return if both selections win.
If either horse finishes outside first, the bet loses
Types of Daily Double variations
Some racetracks and sportsbooks offer additional formats:
- Early Daily Double: Covers the first two races of the day.
- Late Daily Double: Covers the last two races on the card.
- Rolling Daily Double: Available on every pair of consecutive races, offering continuous betting options throughout the day.
These options allow bettors to find value and tailor their strategy based on form and conditions.
Why use a Daily Double bet?
Bettors use the Daily Double for several reasons:
- Higher payouts: Combining two winners can produce significantly better returns than single-race bets.
- Lower risk than larger exotics: Easier to win than Pick 3 or Pick 4 bets.
- Flexible strategy: Can be used early or late on the card, depending on confidence levels.
- Fun engagement: Keeps interest alive across two races instead of one.
- Better value for longshots: Gives a chance for strong returns when one or both winners have higher odds.
When to place a Daily Double
Sharp bettors use Daily Doubles to maximize value and manage risk:
- Confident back-to-back picks: They target two horses with strong chances to win consecutive races.
- Better value than individual bets: Combining winners in one wager can produce a higher payout than separate bets.
- Favorable field sizes and odds: Competitive fields with reasonable odds increase potential returns.
- Simpler multi-race action: A short, two-race bet offers moderate risk compared to longer exotic wagers.
- Track pool trends: Observing early betting patterns can reveal value before the parimutuel pool settles.
Daily Double vs pick 3 (quick comparison)
Feature | Daily Double | Pick 3 |
|---|---|---|
Number of races | 2 | 3 |
Minimum selections | 2 winners | 3 winners |
Difficulty | Moderate | Higher |
Payout potential | High | Very high |
Common use | Beginners or casual bettors | Experienced bettors |
Total cost | Lower | Higher |
Conclusion
A Daily Double is a classic two-race exotic bet that combines risk and reward perfectly.
By correctly selecting the winners of two consecutive races, you can earn larger payouts than single bets while keeping your total stake manageable.
It challenges bettors to think strategically across both races, adding depth without extra complexity. For horse racing fans who enjoy short-term excitement with meaningful upside, the Daily Double remains one of the most enjoyable ways to play.
Frequently asked questions
Can I box a Daily Double bet?
Yes. Some tracks and sportsbooks allow you to box your Daily Double, meaning you can select more than one horse in each race and cover all possible winning combinations. This increases your chances of a payout but also raises your total stake.
Do greyhound races have Daily Doubles?
Yes. Daily Doubles are not limited to horse racing, many greyhound tracks offer them as well. The structure is the same: you pick one winner in each of two consecutive races.
What is the maximum Daily Double payout?
There isn’t a fixed maximum payout, as Daily Double returns depend on the parimutuel pool and the odds of your selections. Higher odds or longshots can lead to very large payouts, while favourites produce more modest returns.
Can I cash out my Daily Double bet?
Some online sportsbooks offer a cash-out option for Daily Doubles. This allows you to settle your bet early for a guaranteed return, which can be useful if one leg has already won but the other is uncertain.
How does field size affect Daily Double strategy?
Larger fields generally increase risk but also potential payouts. Experienced bettors often look for races with smaller, more predictable fields to improve their chances of winning, while balancing value from higher-odds horses.