What is a First 4 Bet? First 4 Betting Explained

Welcome back to the Punter IQ series! You’ve read up on your Trifectas, Quaddies and Quinellas and want to know more. 

Well, if you’ve explored the Exotics tab for racing on the Sportsbet app or website you may have noticed a bet type called a First 4.

Not exactly across what is a First 4 and how to apply it in a wager? Well, don’t worry, in this Punter IQ guide we will explain exactly what a First 4 bet is, the different types of First 4 bets and how to place one. 

How Does First 4 Betting Work?

You’re probably wondering what is a first 4 bet? A First 4 is an exotic bet type found in racing. Similar to a Trifecta, a First 4 allows punters to attempt to correctly select the first four runners of a specific race in the exact order they finish. 

Selecting just four horses and assigning each of them a finishing position of either 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th is the simplest and most lucrative version of a First 4 wager. 

This is known as a Straight First 4 bet and means the four horses must finish in the punter’s exact chosen order for the bet to be successful. 

What are the First Four Bet Types?

In addition to a Straight First 4, you can, as with most exotics, box your selections and hedge your bets.

This is known as a Boxed First 4 bet and it allows you to pick as many runners as you like. These runners can then finish in any of the first four places for your wager to be successful. 

Obviously though, as with all boxed exotics, the potential dividend is a lot lower than a straight bet, due to its increased likelihood of being successful. 

First 4 Bet Additional Info 

Seeing as a First 4 is an Exotic bet type, any potential dividends are tied to a tote. 

Therefore, unless otherwise specified, Sportsbet First 4 payouts are based on the winning combinations as declared by Super-TAB.

Not familiar with totes and how they work? Check out our What is Tote Betting Punter IQ guide. 

In the event one of your selected runners in a First 4 bet is declared a 'non-runner' or is scratched after the wager is confirmed, we will refund every combination which includes the scratched runner.

The wager will then be re-calculated without the scratched runner and we’re back off to the races! 

Did you know that a Superfecta is also another name for a First 4 Bet? All the same names and markets apply to these, such as boxed superfectas or just standard superfecta wagering.

So now if you ever hear your mates talking about putting a superfecta bet on you know precisely what they are talking about!

How do You Select a First 4 Bet?

As an expert punter like yourself is well aware, selecting who to back can be quite tricky, but not to worry we have you covered. Head on over to our daily racing tips on The Huddle to get our experts tips on a range of races every single day of the week. 

Not only will they select a winner but they also discuss other challengers and those to watch!

How to Place a First 4 Bet

Most Exotic bet types (don’t let the name fool you) are very easy to place. A First 4 is no different. Follow our easy to use step by step guide below and start punting!

1. Simply go to either the Sportsbet app or website, select your desired race and click on the exotics tab. 

2. From there choose First 4 from the list of bet types and lock in your runners. Remember you can box them up or leave them straight, it’s completely up to you.

3. To finish, review your selections, choose your stake and confirm your bet and then it’s off to the races! 

A First 4 bet is a fun and unique way to experience racing for punters both new and old.