What is a Dutch Bet?

Dutch Betting, sometimes referred to as ‘Dutching’ is the act of betting on more than one outcome in a sporting event. The plan is to stake in such a way that the bettor will claim a profit as long as one of those selections wins.

The method is mainly used for horse racing or football which are the two most popular sports for the betting community. The system can also be applied to certain other sports.

The Mechanics of Dutch Betting

There are two main types of Dutch betting. One method involves using the same stakes for each selection and this is called Equal Stake Dutching. The other system uses a range of stakes and this is referred to as Reduced Stake or Split Stake Dutching.

The mechanics require one selection to win. The stakes are made in such a way that a profit will be guaranteed as long as one of those picks wins. However, if all selections fail to win, all stakes are lost.

Understanding the Mathematics Behind Dutch Betting

Like all systems, Dutch Betting is best explained using examples. Here is a horse race in which we are looking at two separate runners. For ease of calculation, we’ll say that both horses carry pre-race odds of 4.0.

For the first example, we’ll use the Equal Stake dutching method.

● Horse 1: Stake £10 at 4.0
● Horse 2: Stake £10 at 4.0

Our total outlay is £20

If either of the two horses win, we receive a return of £40, so we have made a profit of £20. If both horses lose, our stake is also lost.

Now we’ll look at the maths using a Reduced Stake system.

● Horse 1. Stake £10 at 4.0
● Horse 2. Stake £5 at 9.0

In this case, our outlay is £15.00. If Horse 1 wins, our return is £40.00 and our profit £25.00. If Horse 2 wins, our return is £45.00 and our profit £30.00.

Once again, if both horses lose, our stake is forfeited.

Either method can be applied to a mix of odds as long as a profit comes in when one selection wins.

Other types of Dutch betting involve using a specific stake. For example, you may wish to bet £50 on a football match and you split that amount between two or more bets. The concept is still the same as you look for a guaranteed profit as long as one selection wins.

The Significance of Dutch Betting in Modern Betting Landscape

While Dutch Betting has been used for decades, the system has become more prevalent since the rise of online bookmaking. The introduction of betting exchanges has also led to a rise in dutching. This is because it is seen as an alternative to the bet and lay method used in Hedge Betting.

The digital age is largely responsible for the increase in Dutch Betting and that, in turn, has led to more interest in other systems. It’s so much easier to access information these days, and dutching now has a much more significant role to play.

When to use Dutch Betting

Dutch betting can be used in a number of circumstances. It may be the case that you fancy two or more horses in a race with similar form. If it’s tough to pick between them, you can consider dutching.

While horses have been used as a common example here, there are many other sports where Dutch Betting can be applied. For example, you may want to pick two or more selections in a first goalscorer market for a football match. Similarly, a top batter market in cricket will offer the same type of option.

It’s ultimately down to the preference of the bettor, but dutching is primarily used when there is more than one strong option in an event.

Risk and Rewards of Dutch Betting

A Dutch Betting system requires a higher initial outlay and there is a risk of a bigger loss if none of the selections were to win. However, there is also a higher chance of gaining a profit, because you have more than one option within the event, so there is a balance.

Dutching can be a good option for new bettors and for those who have yet to try out a system. It is unlikely that you will receive high returns, but it is possible to earn consistent, smaller profits over a longer period of time.

In short, it’s not a system that offers any guarantees. The risk is that all stakes will be lost, but those who find two or more strong picks in an event can make steady returns through Dutch Betting.

Dutch Betting Vs Traditional Betting

The key difference between Dutch Betting and traditional betting lies in the number of selections. Using a horse race as an example, most bettors will just back one runner. If that horse wins, or is placed if the bet is each way, there will be a return. If the horse loses or finishes outside of the places, the bet is forfeited.

A Dutch Bet could be seen as a second chance. You now have at least two runners in that race and, if one horse fails, there is a second, third or fourth chance to claim a return. Remember, you can have as many selections as you like as long as stakes and odds will equate to a profit if one of them wins.

Practical Guide to Getting Started with Dutch Betting

As with any betting system, it’s a good idea to get started with practice bets. Identify an event that you want to use for your test such as a horse race.

The next step is to work out your outlay using either the Equal Stake or Reduced Stake method. You can use an online bet calculator to help with the maths if needed.

Having practised with these ‘Dummy Runs’, you should gain the confidence needed to dutch for real.