What is a reverse forecast bet and how does it work?

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Reverse forecast bets are traditionally used on horse racing and greyhound racing, but bookmakers might offer them on any event that features participants or teams finishing first and second.

The way you place reverse forecast bets and the way bookmakers calculate the odds of your bets and potential winnings can differ from one bookie to another. If you’re unsure about how they work on a particularly betting site always check their betting rules before placing your bet. 

How to place a reverse forecast bet on horse racing

Many betting sites, including Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, have the following simple method for placing reverse forecast bets:

  • Select the forecast tab from the markets at the top of the racecard
  • Navigate to the reverse forecast odds
  • Pick the horses you think will fill the first two places
  • Add the reverse forecast to your betslip if it hasn’t been added automatically
  • Choose your stake and place the forecast bet

    • For other sites, such as Betvictor or William Hill, you pick your two horses then select the reverse forecast option at the betslip stage.

    Reverse forecast bets on other sports

    Unlike in horse racing, reverse forecast bets aren’t offered as a matter of course on other sports such as football, but bookmakers will often price them up for outright markets such as the Premier League title race or relegation battle. You can also request reverse forecast prices.

    Things to consider when placing a reverse forecast

    • Reverse forecasts are generally only available on a field of three or more runners
    • Generally, the more your forecast differs from the shortest-priced runners in the winner betting the more you stand to win if you pick correctly.

    How do you work out reverse forecast bet odds and returns?

    As discussed, many bookies offer fixed-price reverse forecasts so you can see the odds and potential returns of your bet when you add it to the betslip.

    For horse and greyhound racing, some betting sites won’t offer a fixed price on the reverse forecast before the race. Instead they use a computer calculation called the Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) to work out your payout based upon the number of runners and their starting prices (SP).

    Other types of forecast bet 

    As well as the reverse forecast there are two other similar, but not identical forecast bets to learn about, the straight forecast and the combination forecast. Find out more with the guides below.

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