Ever wondered how some bets can turn a small stake into a potentially higher return at the races? If you are new to betting, the different types of wagers can seem confusing at first. A combination tricast is one of those bet types that often causes questions.
If you are learning about betting in the UK, this guide explains what a combination tricast bet means, how it works, and how it differs from other bet types offered by licensed bookmakers.
What Is a Combination Tricast Bet?
A combination tricast bet is a type of wager commonly available on horse and greyhound racing with UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licensed operators. Instead of predicting one exact finishing order for the top three runners, you select three or more and cover every possible order in which they could finish first, second and third.
Your stake is divided across each possible finishing sequence. With three selections, you cover six possible outcomes. With four selections, there are 24. The more runners included, the higher the number of combinations, which increases the total stake.
Each combination counts as a separate bet. Returns are based on the official tricast dividend for that race, which is calculated from the total pool and the declared result. UKGC-licensed betting operators display the number of combinations and total stake before you confirm your bet.
If you do decide to try your hand at combination tricast betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does a Combination Tricast Work in Horse Racing?
In horse racing, a combination tricast lets you select three or more horses that you think may finish in the top three positions, in any order. Each possible order is treated as a separate bet.
For example, if you select three horses with a £1 unit stake, you will have six lines, which totals £6. If the finishing order of one of those lines matches the official result, the return is settled using the tricast dividend announced after the race.
Dividends can differ between races and are determined by the total amount wagered in the tricast pool and the final result.
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How Many Selections Do You Need for a Combination Tricast?
A combination tricast requires at least three selections in one race. With three, there are six combinations. With four, there are 24. The total stake increases with each additional selection.
Bookmakers may apply their own limits or minimum field size requirements before accepting a tricast bet. UKGC-licensed operators display a clear breakdown of how many combinations are created and the total stake before you place your bet.
What Is the Difference Between a Straight Tricast and a Combination Tricast?
A straight tricast involves selecting the three runners you think will finish first, second and third in the exact order. If the finishing order is different, the bet loses.
A combination tricast covers every possible finishing order for your chosen runners. This gives wider coverage but increases the total stake, as each possible order forms a separate bet.
With a straight tricast, there is only one line. With a combination tricast, there are several, depending on how many runners you select.
How Are Combination Tricast Bets Calculated?
A combination tricast divides your stake across all possible finishing orders for your selections. The number of lines increases with each additional runner, which affects the overall cost.
If you place a £1 unit stake with three runners, there are six lines, totalling £6. If one of those six outcomes matches the official result, the return is calculated from the tricast dividend for that race. The dividend changes from race to race depending on the size of the pool and the result.
Example of a Combination Tricast Bet
Suppose you choose Horses A, B and C with a £1 unit stake. The possible combinations are:
- A first, B second, C third
- A first, C second, B third
- B first, A second, C third
- B first, C second, A third
- C first, A second, B third
- C first, B second, A third
This creates six bets and costs £6 in total. If the result is B first, C second and A third, that single combination would return an amount based on the official tricast dividend for the race.
When Does a Combination Tricast Pay Out?
A combination tricast pays if three of your selections finish in the top three positions in any of the covered orders. Only the matching combination is settled as a winner.
If one of your chosen runners is a non-runner or fails to finish, the affected lines are settled as losing bets unless the bookmaker’s rules state otherwise. It might be a good idea to review the site’s rules on non-runners and settlement before placing your bet.
Can You Place a Combination Tricast on Greyhound Racing?
Yes. Combination tricasts are also available on greyhound racing through UKGC-licensed bookmakers. The principle is the same as in horse racing. You select three or more greyhounds, and your stake is divided across all valid orders of the top three finishers.
Returns are based on the tricast dividend declared for that race. Bookmakers may have different limits or requirements, which you can check in the race card or help section before placing your bet.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Combination Tricast?
The main advantage of a combination tricast is flexibility. You can cover all possible finishing orders for your selected runners rather than relying on one exact outcome. This could help if you expect certain runners to perform well but are unsure of the exact finishing sequence.
The disadvantage is cost. Each order represents a separate line, so the stake increases with more runners. While coverage expands, so does the overall outlay. If none of your runners finish in the top three, the bet does not return anything.
Most UKGC-licensed bookmakers display the number of lines, total stake and potential outlay clearly before you confirm your bet. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
