What is Dutching in Betting

by Mick Burrows from
What is Dutching in Betting

Novice punters are often confused with what is Dutching in betting and even the more experienced bettors sometimes enquire how to Dutch bet?

Here we answer both questions, analysing the best sports at which to use the system and examining the tools available to assist - specifically the Dutching calculator. We also take a look at similar types of bet and highlight some of the best Dutching strategies.

1. What is Dutching?

With a technique of betting multiple outcomes Dutching at first glance, seems to require punters to share the risk of losing across a numerous wagers. However, by distributing the stake proportionally across different selections, it actually creates a "hedge" effect for their bets and effectively ensures a consistent return, should any of the selected outcomes lock in a profit.

Dutching betting has similarities with the more traditional matched betting, only without the need to lay. Its origins were applied and popularised by a notorious New York City gangster named Arthur Simon Flegenheimer - better known as Dutch Schultz - during the US prohibition years. The mathematical strategy behind it has since secured its place in the legitimate world of betting, having evolved and been adapted to modern sports markets.

2. How to Dutch Bet

In Dutching betting a bettor will place their initial bet before covering other outcomes within the same market, but at alternative bookmakers. The trick is to stake different amounts on each selection, depending on the odds to guarantee an equal profit or loss, irrespective of the outcome.

Dutching Process

  1. Place your initial bet on your first selection at one bookmaker
  2. Identify alternative outcomes within the same market at different bookmakers
  3. Calculate the required stakes for each selection using odds analysis
  4. Place proportional bets on each selection to ensure balanced returns
  5. Verify that each selection yields the same profit regardless of which wins

That’s the key point in how to Dutch bet: the stake must be spread across the selections so that returns are balanced, regardless of which one wins. This requires careful calculation to determine exactly how much to place on each option, ensuring the same profit no matter the outcome. For a deeper look at similar strategies and how they fit into the bigger picture of sports betting, take a look at our advanced betting guide.

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3. Dutching Calculator and Betting Software

The calculators are Dutching betting software used to assist punters with their mathematical reckonings, to determine how much should be placed on different selections, minimising risk and identifying potential profits.

The format and design of a free Dutching calculator is aimed at simplicity, with many even auto-filling stakes, analysing profit and any guarantees; plus in some cases linking a player to a favoured bookmaker.

4. Dutching Betting Strategies

When placing any bet, especially on a regular basis, it's always advisable to have a well thought-out plan and possessing a Dutching betting strategy is no different, especially with regards to stake management.

Of course there's no 100% risk-free betting system or strategy to guarantee a win on every single bet, but using the best Dutching strategies will ensure the value and outcomes of a bet are as profitable as possible.

Dutching Advantages

  • Creates a hedge effect to minimize risk across multiple selections
  • Ensures consistent returns regardless of which selection wins
  • Allows backing of multiple outcomes in markets with similar odds
  • Provides mathematical approach to stake distribution
  • Works effectively across various sports and betting markets

There's several approaches to take which may involve staking to win the same amount, which would require splitting the stakes so that an equal profit will be made on both selections.

Alternatively, it could be an equal stake Dutch bet, which simply means to stake the same amount on each selection and have variable winnings depending on the odds.

In a round-about way it's creating a separate market by using the prices that are offered by the sportsbooks, but whilst it has similarities to traditional matched betting, there's no laying of the bet involved.

5. Dutching in Horse Racing and Other Sports

The most popular sports options for Dutching are horse racing, greyhound racing and football, but using a strategy to Dutch bet will vary depending on the sport in question. Dutching in horse racing for instance, where the aim would be to limit the bet to as few selections as possible, probably would never need more than four horses.

Dutching: Popular Sports

  • Horse racing - ideal for races with multiple runners having equal winning chances
  • Greyhound racing - effective in competitive races with similar odds
  • Football - works well in markets with multiple outcomes like match result or goalscorer markets

It's ideal in a race that features several runners with an equal chance of winning, with Dutching allowing the backing of each, with still the opportunity to receive the same profit regardless of the winner.

Essentially, as long as the odds dictate that two or more wagers will always at least return the value of the lost stake, by betting multiple outcomes Dutching can be adapted for most sports, but will be particularly effective in markets where several outcomes have similar odds.

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6. Difference Between Dutching, Hedge and Arbitrage Betting

Punters will naturally use Dutching for profit as they would with hedge and arbitrage betting, and although each have similarities, there are subtle differences. Hedge betting involves placing a bet on an outcome but then adding a second bet against that outcome, to reduce the financial risk of the first bet losing.

Arbitrage betting is a more advanced strategy that takes advantage of discrepancies in odds across different bookmakers. Some bettors even refer to each-way Dutching as "Arbitrage Dutching". If you’d like to explore this further, check out how to use odds difference indicator — the related article explains it in detail.

Betting Strategy Method Purpose Risk Level
Dutching Stakes different amounts on multiple outcomes in same market Guarantee equal profit regardless of winner Medium - requires precise calculations
Hedge Betting Places second bet against original outcome Reduce financial risk of first bet losing Low - minimizes losses
Arbitrage Betting Exploits odds discrepancies across bookmakers Guarantee profit regardless of outcome Very Low - risk-free when done correctly

7. Dutching 101: Dutching Betting Tips

With Dutching betting it's best to choose a sport and stick with it, rather than chancing multiple sports which will help to manage risk and help to avoid overlooking market movements and consequently failing to adjust stakes, or look beyond Dutching and seek an alternative means of betting.

That is why the use of a Dutching calculator is a must as it not only averts that common mistake, the software also makes the process much easier to navigate.

Dutching Tips

  • Choose one sport and stick with it rather than spreading across multiple sports
  • Always use a Dutching calculator to avoid mathematical errors
  • Monitor market movements and adjust stakes accordingly
  • Limit selections to maximize profitability (never more than 4 in horse racing)
  • Focus on markets where several outcomes have similar odds
  • Maintain proper stake management and bankroll discipline

8. Conclusion

Dutching betting is without doubt a versatile and valuable tool for any punter aiming for more consistent profits.

Of course, it’s not the right fit for every betting scenario. But by mastering the nuances of this method and using Dutching calculators, bettors can gain a clear edge and improve their long-term results.

For those keen to broaden their betting knowledge, the A-Z glossary for punting is a great next read. It covers essential terms and strategies that can further enhance your approach to smart punting.

9. Dutching - FAQ's

9.1 🏇 Is there a specific Dutching strategy horse racing bettors should use?

No, but the principal of Dutching regarding number of selections should be adjusted for each sport chosen.

9.2 💻 Is matched betting Dutching with a different name?

No, matched betting involves placing two separate bets to unlock a sportsbook bonus bet.

9.3 🧮 Should Dutching calculators be used?

Yes, the use of calculators is a must for what is Dutching in betting.

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