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Term
Dutching
Quick Summary
Dutching is a method of spreading your stake across multiple outcomes in the same market to guarantee the same profit regardless of which one wins. This article explains how Dutching works, how to calculate your stakes, and when it might apply.
What Is Dutching?
Dutching allows you to back more than one selection and adjust your stakes so that each possible win returns the same profit.
Example: You want to bet $100 on a horse race with three contenders:
- Horse A (odds 4.00): Stake $40
- Horse B (odds 6.00): Stake $27
- Horse C (odds 8.00): Stake $22.50
Whichever horse wins, the payout is roughly equal.
How to Calculate Dutching Stakes
Step 1: Convert odds to implied probabilities
Use one of the following formulas:
- For positive odds (e.g. +300):
Implied Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100)
- For negative odds (e.g. -200):
Implied Probability = -Odds / (-Odds + 100)
Step 2: Divide your total stake proportionally
Example: You want to bet $100 across three outcomes:
- Selection A: 25% probability
- Selection B: 16.67%
- Selection C: 14.29%
- Total probability = 55.96%
Then calculate stake per selection:
- A: (25 / 55.96) × 100 = $44.68
- B: (16.67 / 55.96) × 100 = $29.78
- C: (14.29 / 55.96) × 100 = $25.54
You can also use free Dutching calculators from AceOdds or Oddschecker to speed up the process.
Dutching vs Hedging vs Arbitrage
- Dutching: Spread bets across multiple outcomes in the same market
- Hedging: Place a second bet to reduce risk after the first is placed
- Arbitrage: Bet all outcomes across different sportsbooks to lock in profit
When Dutching Is Useful
- You have narrowed your picks to a few likely outcomes
- Odds are high enough to cover multiple bets
- The market is inefficient or undervalues multiple contenders
Common use cases:
- Horse racing
- Outright markets (e.g. tournament winners, MVP)
- Award shows or political elections
Tips for Dutching
- Focus on strong contenders
- Only Dutch mutually exclusive outcomes
- Use calculators to avoid stake errors
- Double-check payouts before placing bets
- Factor in exchange commission when applicable
- Skip the bet if odds are too short to profit
FAQs
Does Dutching get you gubbed?
Yes, it can lead to account restrictions if it mimics arbitrage behavior. Vary your bets and stakes to reduce visibility.
Is Dutching profitable?
Only if your prices offer value. Dutching manages risk but doesn’t create edge unless your selections are underpriced.
What’s the best sport for Dutching?
Horse racing is most common, but it also works well in golf, MMA, and outright futures markets.
What is two-way Dutching?
Covering both sides of a two-outcome event (e.g. both teams to win). Only works with favorable odds.
What’s the difference between Dutching and singles?
Dutching balances payouts. Singles return different amounts depending on which wins.
Can I Dutch in-play?
Yes, but it's difficult due to fast-moving odds. Use tools to assist with real-time calculations.
Learn More
To explore risk-managed betting concepts and how to interpret odds structures more effectively, visit The Advantage, your resource for educational, data-driven sports betting content.