What Are ‘Dead Heat Rules’ in Betting?
Dead heat rules in sports betting refer to the result of a betting market when two or more competitors finish in a tie for first place. In this case, the total amount of money wagered on the market will be divided equally among all of the winning bets, regardless of how much money was staked on each competitor. This rule ensures fair payouts when no outright winner is declared.
When Can You Get a Dead Heat in Betting?
It’s important to note that dead heat rules in sports betting typically do not apply to team sports like football or soccer, where ties or draws are common and usually accounted for in standard markets like the moneyline or draw no bet.
Dead heats are most commonly seen in events where a tie is unexpected and there is no built-in draw outcome, such as:
- Horse racing – when two or more horses cross the finish line at the same time.
- Greyhound racing – similar rules apply when dogs finish simultaneously.
- Golf tournaments – especially in markets like Top 5/Top 10 finishes or outright winners if players are tied.
Some sportsbooks also apply dead heat rules in Olympic or motorsport events if podium placements are tied.
How Are Dead Heat Payouts Calculated in Betting?
There isn’t a universal industry standard, but most sportsbooks apply the following method:
- Divide your stake by the number of tied participants.
- Multiply the reduced stake by the full odds of your selection.
For example, if you wagered $100 on a golfer to finish Top 5 at +400, and three players tie for the 5th spot, your stake would be divided by 3. So:
- $100 ÷ 3 = $33.33 effective stake
- $33.33 x 4.00 (decimal) = $133.33 total return (including stake)
This ensures that bettors are fairly compensated even in cases where multiple winners are declared.
Dead Heat Payout Example Table
| Your Bet | Odds | No. of Tied Winners | Adjusted Stake | Payout (Decimal Odds) | Total Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | +400 | 2 | $50 | 5.00 | $250 |
| $100 | +400 | 3 | $33.33 | 5.00 | $166.65 |
| $100 | +400 | 4 | $25 | 5.00 | $125 |
Note: Decimal odds of +400 = 5.00 (including your stake). Formula below.
Dead Heat Payout Formula
(Your Stake ÷ Number of Tied Participants) × Decimal Odds = Total Return
