What Is ‘Dual Forecast’ in Sports Betting?
A dual forecast is a type of bet, common in horse and greyhound racing, where you select two participants to finish first and second in either order.
It’s a less risky version of a standard “straight forecast,” which requires you to predict the top two finishers in the exact correct order. As long as your two chosen selections fill the first two places, your dual forecast bet is a winner.
How a Dual Forecast Works
In any race with three or more runners, you can place a dual forecast. You are essentially covering two potential outcomes in a single wager.
- Your Task: Pick two runners to finish 1st and 2nd.
- Winning Scenarios:
- Your first selection wins, and your second selection comes in second.
- Your second selection wins, and your first selection comes in second.
Because it is easier to win than a straight forecast, the payout and odds for a dual forecast are significantly lower.
Horse Racing Example
Imagine you’re betting on a horse race and you’re confident that two horses, “Brave Knight” and “Gallant Steed,” are the best in the field.
- Straight Forecast: If you bet on a “Brave Knight to beat Gallant Steed” straight forecast, you only win if Brave Knight is 1st and Gallant Steed is 2nd.
- Dual Forecast: If you place a dual forecast on Brave Knight and Gallant Steed, you win if the finishing order is:
- 1st: Brave Knight, 2nd: Gallant Steed
- OR
- 1st: Gallant Steed, 2nd: Brave Knight
This type of bet is a good strategy when you are confident in identifying the top two competitors in a race but are uncertain about which one will cross the finish line first. It offers a balance between a simple “win” bet and the high difficulty of a straight forecast.