What Is a Quadpot Bet? Horse Racing Quadpot Rules & Explained

Quadpot betting lets fans follow four consecutive races in a single meeting with one pooled bet. It can look complex at first glance, but the core idea is straightforward once the basic rules are understood.

This guide explains what a Quadpot is, which races are included, how payouts are worked out, and how multiple selections affect cost. It also covers common pitfalls, compares Quadpot with Placepot and Scoop6, and ends with a handy glossary.

Read on to learn more.

How Does a Quadpot Work?

A Quadpot covers four consecutive races at one meeting, usually races three to six. The aim is to have at least one selection finish in a place in each leg. Place positions depend on the race type and field size.

If at least one selection places in leg one, the bet continues to leg two, and so on. If no selection places in any leg, the lines that include that leg are out.

It is possible to pick more than one horse in a race to create multiple combinations. The total cost equals the number of lines multiplied by the unit stake. Returns are shared from a pool among all lines that placed in every leg.

With the basics clear, the specific rules tidy up edge cases like non-runners and dead heats.

Quadpot Rules Explained

A Quadpot runs across four consecutive races, most often starting from race three. At least one selection must place in each leg for a line to qualify at the end.

Place terms follow standard race conventions. As a general guide, place positions are usually:

• Two places for races with 5 to 7 runners
• Three places for races with 8 or more runners
• Four places in handicaps with 16 or more runners
  Exact terms can vary by race type, so it is worth checking the racecard.

Perming more than one horse in a leg increases the number of lines. Every line must contain a placed runner in all four legs to count.

Non-runners, dead heats and abandonments are handled under pool rules. A non-runner is commonly substituted by the starting-price favourite, or joint favourite if applicable, though operators may differ. All results settle on the official result.

Knowing which races are in play makes the next part much easier.

Which Races Qualify For a Quadpot?

Quadpot bets are offered on selected meetings. They usually cover races three to six at the chosen card, although the exact legs are set by the operator and confirmed before the first Quadpot race.

Flat and jump meetings can feature a Quadpot. The designated legs may change in rare situations, such as abandonments or split races, so the meeting page or racecard is the best place to check what is included.

Once the legs are confirmed, attention turns to how the prize pool is shared.

How Are Quadpot Payouts Calculated?

Quadpot dividends come from a shared pool. All stakes for that meeting’s Quadpot are combined, deductions are taken, and the remaining pool is divided among all lines that placed in every leg. The dividend is published per £1 unit, and returns scale with the unit stake and the number of winning lines a player holds.

Fewer winning lines mean the pool is split between fewer people, while more winning lines spread the pool more widely. Exact figures vary from meeting to meeting.

Step-By-Step Payout Example

Here is a simple walk-through of how a dividend might be worked out.

Imagine the total Quadpot pool at a meeting is £10,000. After 20% deductions, £8,000 remains for winners. When the four legs are complete, suppose there are 800 winning lines. The £8,000 is divided by 800, giving a dividend of £10 to a £1 unit. A 50p unit would therefore return £5 per winning line. The numbers will differ at each meeting depending on stakes and how many lines survive all four legs.

How Do I Place a Quadpot Bet Online?

On most licensed betting sites and tote platforms, the Quadpot appears on the meeting page and typically covers races three to six. The interface lets users mark selections in each leg and shows how many lines have been created, along with the total cost at the chosen unit stake.

Before confirmation, a summary displays the meeting, the four legs, the selections, the number of lines and the stake per line. Once submitted, a digital receipt confirms the bet and can be viewed in the account’s bet history.

How To Structure Multiple Selections In A Quadpot

Picking more than one horse in a leg is known as perming. It allows broader coverage but also increases cost. The number of lines is the product of selections in each leg. For instance, 2 x 2 x 1 x 1 creates 4 lines; 3 x 2 x 2 x 1 creates 12 lines. Total stake equals the lines multiplied by the unit stake.

Costs can climb quickly, so many bettors decide their maximum outlay first, then shape their perms to fit. Most platforms display lines and total stake in real time, which makes adjusting the structure straightforward before placing the bet.

Common Quadpot Mistakes To Avoid

Selecting races that are not part of the Quadpot is a simple but costly error. Check the listed legs on the meeting page before settling on any picks.

Overlooking non-runners can cause confusion. It helps to know how an operator treats non-runners in pool bets, as substitution rules can affect outcomes.

Forgetting that multiple selections multiply the number of lines is another common mistake. A quick glance at the total lines and cost can prevent overspending.

Misreading place terms is also frequent. Place conditions change with field size and race type, so a quick check of the racecard removes doubt.

Finally, not reviewing a bet summary before submitting can lead to unintended lines or missing legs. A short pause to confirm the details usually pays off.

Quadpot Versus Placepot And Scoop6: Key Differences

All three are pool bets, but the targets differ.

The Quadpot spans four consecutive races, typically starting at race three, and requires at least one placed horse in each leg.

The Placepot runs across the first six races of a meeting and also pays on placed runners. With two extra legs, staying in to the end is usually harder.

Scoop6 is commonly offered on Saturdays and big meetings. It also covers six races, but only winning selections count. That higher bar tends to produce fewer winners and often larger headline payouts, sometimes with bonus elements.

Many bettors pick the Quadpot when they join a card later in the day or prefer the shorter four-leg format.

Key Terms You Need To Know For Quadpot Bets

Quadpot: A pool bet covering four consecutive races at one meeting, usually starting from the third race.

Leg: An individual race within the four-race sequence.

Placed: A finishing position that qualifies for place terms. The number of places paid depends on field size and race type.

Selection: The horse or horses chosen in a leg.

Combination (or Line): A unique grouping of selections across all four legs. More selections create more lines.

Stake per Line: The amount staked on each line. Total stake equals stake per line multiplied by the number of lines.

Dividend: The return per £1 winning line after deductions.

Pool: The total money staked on the Quadpot at a meeting, shared among successful lines.

Non-Runner: A horse withdrawn after bets are placed. Treatment is set by the operator’s pool rules.

Dead Heat: A tie for a place, which can affect how many combinations qualify.

If you choose to place any bets, set personal limits that suit your circumstances, take regular breaks, and keep betting occasional. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or your finances, seek support early.

Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help. With the rules, structure and payouts understood, a Quadpot can be followed with confidence.