Dead Heat
When two or more competitors finish tied, resulting in winnings split proportionally.
A dead heat occurs when two or more competitors finish in a tie. In betting, dead heats are most common in horse racing, golf, and other individual sports. Rather than voiding the bet, winnings are split proportionally based on the number of tied competitors.
Dead Heat Rule
If you bet on a selection and it ties with one other competitor, you receive half your winnings. With three tied competitors, you receive one-third. The stake is also reduced proportionally.
Example
You bet $100 at +400 on a golfer to finish top 5. Your golfer ties for 5th with one other player. Instead of $400 profit, half your stake ($50) is paid at +400 and returns $250, while the other $50 loses. You finish $150 ahead, because only one of the two tied players can "officially" finish 5th.
Key Takeaways
- Dead heats split winnings proportionally between tied competitors.
- Most common in horse racing and golf.
- Your effective payout is reduced by the number of tied participants.
Examples
- Two horses tie for second. Each-way bettors on either receive half the place payout.
- Three golfers tie for 10th in a top-10 finish market. Each receives one-third.
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 3Do you know what Push means?
A tie between the bettor and the sportsbook. Your stake is refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a dead heat paid out?
Your stake is divided by the number of tied competitors, and that portion is paid at full odds. On a $100 bet at +400 with a two-way tie, $50 wins at +400 and returns $250, the other $50 loses, and you finish $150 ahead.
Do dead heat rules apply outside racing and golf?
Yes. Any market with a fixed number of places can use them, such as a top goalscorer market when two players finish level.