Dead Heat
Published sty 22, 2026
Updated sty 22, 2026
12 mins read
Dead heat occurs when two or more selections finish exactly equal in a market where only one winner was expected.
The stake is divided equally among the tied selections.
How it works
-
Applies mainly to racing and finishing position markets
-
Stake is split by the number of tied outcomes
-
Partial payout is calculated
Example
-
$20 bet on a horse to win
-
Two horses finish joint first
-
Effective stake becomes $10
Key characteristics
-
Reduces total payout
-
Common in horse racing and golf
-
Applies automatically under bookmaker rules
Important note
Dead heat rules can significantly reduce returns, even on winning selections.
Share this article
Trending
Wed, 28 Jan, 20:00
UEFA Champions League
Atletico Madrid
FK Bodo/Glimt
Wed, 28 Jan, 20:00
UEFA Champions League
PSV Eindhoven
Bayern Munich
Wed, 28 Jan, 20:00
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain
Newcastle United
Wed, 28 Jan, 20:00
UEFA Champions League
Barcelona
FC Copenhagen
Thu, 29 Jan, 20:00
UEFA Europa League
Porto
Glasgow Rangers