What Is a Reverse Forecast in Betting? How Does It Work? Explained

Reverse forecast betting can be a confusing term for sports betting beginners, it can be a very profitable angle once you understand it.

In today’s article, we will explain everything you need to know…

1. What is a reverse forecast bet?
2. How does a reverse forecast bet work?
3. Why use a reverse forecast bet?

What is a Reverse Forecast Bet?

A reverse forecast bet is a sports bet where the bettor selects two participants (typically racing or greyhounds) to finish first and second, but in no specific order.

There are two lines to the bet that account for either outcome happening. Think of it as hedging your bets: instead of predicting the exact 1-2 finish, you’re covering the top two, regardless of their finishing order.

How a Reverse Forecast Bet Works…

In essence, a reverse forecast is like placing two straight forecast bets.

In a straight forecast, you’re betting on Participant A to come first and Participant B to come second. However, with a reverse forecast, you’re betting on both possible 1-2 outcomes: A then B, and B then A. Because you’re covering both potential outcomes, a reverse forecast bet requires double the stake of a straight forecast. A lot of online betting slips now show reverse forecast bets automatically, but understanding the two separate lines helps you judge whether the price offers real value.

If you place a £20 reverse forecast, you’re essentially placing two £10 bets on each possible combination; thus the total stake is £20.

Reverse Forecast Example:

Analysing an upcoming race, you’re convinced that City of Delight and Enthused are the strongest competitors in the race. In your analysis you have these two horses as the most likely to secure the top two spots.

Looking at the odds, this reverse forecast can be backed at odds of 5.5.

Instead of guessing the exact order they’ll finish in, you place a reverse forecast bet – although if you’re confident predicting the full finishing order, more advanced options like tricasts are also available. If “City Of Delight” finishes first and “Enthused” finishes second, you win. But, importantly, if “Enthused” comes in first and “City of Delight” is second, you still win!

This is just one reason you might use a reverse forecast bet.

Why use a reverse forecast bet?

The main reason to use a reverse forecast bet is when you believe the market has mispriced the race and the top two finishers offer value at the available odds. This is likely due to the market undervaluing one of the higher-odds horses or greyhounds in the race.

It might be a race where you are confident that the favourite is priced correctly. The second and third-priced horses in the race, you believe however are too short and the horse next likely to win is actually fourth or fifth in terms of odds. This is when you want to be placing a reverse forecast bet.

In terms of value, backing these horses straight up to win would also be profitable. The reverse forecast bet however, might allow give you better odds or allow you to put together two horses that you believe are great value bets.

It’s often smart to use a reverse forecast when two horses are trading well below their true odds but without a clear frontrunner. If one is an outsider and lands in the top two, the payout can be much higher than backing either horse to win. It’s essentially a high-upside value play when the market seems off.

Where Can I Place a Reverse Forecast Bet?

Reverse forecast bets can be placed with the majority of online bookmakers. There are some however, that do not offer this market.

The Betfair Exchange offer reverse forecast bets on most of the bigger UK horse racing markets. Liquidity for these markets is generally very low until quite close to race time. This is even more noticeable in recent years, as most exchange volume is concentrated on win markets until the final minutes before the race. On lower-class races such as maidens and nursery’s you will be unable to place a reverse forecast bet.

Here is a list of a few bookmakers and exchanges that offer the reverse forecast market:

• Betfair Sportsbook
• Paddypower Sportsbook
• William Hill
• Betfair Exchange
• AK Bets
• Pokerstars
• Bet365
• Betdaq Exchange

If you are looking to bet on the reverse forecast market earlier in the day, bookmaker accounts or local shops which offer this market are a necessity.

Conclusion:

To sum up, the reverse forecast bet is an ideal choice for those who have narrowed down the top two contenders but are uncertain about the exact order of their finish. It allows a margin of flexibility in your predictions, enhancing the odds of walking away with a win.

As with any bet, your long-term edge comes from spotting value (not just picking likely outcomes). If you’re tracking market movement or using form data, reverse forecasts can be a clever way to squeeze more profit out of your strongest reads. But remember: bet small, stay consistent, and review results over time.

Related: What is a Goliath in Betting? A Simple Explanation…