Next to Jump

What is an Exacta Bet In Horse Racing

03/11/2025|SB Staff|Betting Guides & Terminology
<p>Welcome back to our Punter IQ series where we are exploring all the different exotic bet types in the world of racing.</p> <p>Up to this point, we’ve covered <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/what-is-a-trifecta">Trifectas</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/what-is-a-quinella">Quinellas</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/what-is-a-first-4">First 4s</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/what-is-a-quaddie">Quaddies</a> and more. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the next cab off the exotic’s rank - an Exacta.&nbsp;</p> <p>In this guide we won’t just break down exactly what is an Exacta bet, but we will also outline what is the difference between an Exacta and a Quinella as well as what is the difference between an Exacta and a Trifecta.&nbsp;</p> <p>Need to read up on your Quinellas and Trifectas first? No problem, get up to speed with all the different exotic bet types thanks to our Punter IQ series.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What Types of Exacta Bets Are There With Sportsbet?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What is an Exacta Bet?</h3> <p>If you were wondering what the exacta bet definition is then you’re in luck.&nbsp;An Exacta is a type of exotic racing bet that requires you to pick the first two finishers of a race in the correct order.</p> <p>You must select the runner that will finish first and the runner that will finish second, in the EXACT order. Yes, that is where this bet type’s name is derived from.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What is an Exacta Box Bet?</h3> <p>As with most exotic bet types, you can select as many runners as you want and instead make it a boxed Exacta.&nbsp;</p> <p>Obviously, the more runners you pick, the lower your dividend will be, as your chance of winning is much higher.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking of dividends, any payouts for successful Exactas will be based on the tote of the state the race is located in. Need more information regarding tote betting and how it works? Consult our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/what-is-tote-betting">What is Tote Betting</a> Punter IQ guide.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How do Exacta Bets Differ From Other Exotic Bets?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What is the Difference Between a Quinella and an Exacta Bet?</h3> <p>A lot of first time punters often get confused with Exactas and Quinellas because yes, they are eerily similar.</p> <p>There is one main difference between the two, a Quinella requires punters to select the first two runners of a race in any order.</p> <p>With an Exacta, you must pick first and second in the exact order. This increases the risk but as always, increases the reward.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>What is the Difference Between an Exacta and a Trifecta?</h3> <p>Again, there is a fair amount of overlap between certain exotic wagers, but there are major distinctions.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is the same between Exactas and Trifectas, with first time punters sometimes questioning what the difference between the two are.</p> <p>The main distinction between an Exacta and a Trifecta is that an Exacta only requires you to select two horses, whereas a Trifecta requires you to select three.&nbsp;</p> <p>Think of a Trifecta as the next level up from an Exacta. Instead of picking two horses to finish first and second in the correct order, you have to select three to finish first, second and third in the correct order. Pick the podium if you will.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How to Place Exacta Bets With Sportsbet</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Like all exotic wagers, don’t let the name fool you, placing an Exacta bet couldn’t be more simple.&nbsp;</p> <p>Just go to the Sportsbet website or app.</p> <p>1. Choose your desired race, go to the exotics tab and select Exacta.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. From there, select your two horses, or if you’re hedging your bets and placing a boxed Exacta, select as many runners from the field as you like.</p> <p>3. Then, choose your stake, confirm your bet, and enjoy the race.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Just like a Quinella, an Exacta is an extremely straightforward exotic bet type to place and understand.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sportsbet have made it even easier with our built in exacta bet calculator (we know its cool). You can find that in use across both our Sportsbet app and website.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Find out the best runners and riders to back in your Exacta bet with our expert daily racing tips <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/horse-racing/tips/daily-racing-tips-2024">here</a>.</p> <p>All in all an Exacta is perfect for new punters still finding their feet in the world of exotics and racing in general.</p>

Relevant Articles

What is a Quinella? How Does A Quinella Work Explained

As part of the Punter IQ series, Sportsbet presents the What is a Quinella guide. Perfect for new punters eager to learn about this exotic bet type.

How to Bet on Horses - Horse Racing Betting Guide

As part of our Punter IQ series, Sportsbet presents our How to Bet on Horses Guide. A must read for punters in the lead up to Spring Carnival.

What is Sportsbet’s Feed: Explore Our Social Sportsbook

Discover what Sportsbet’s The Feed is and how to use it! Get insider tips, live updates, and exclusive content to level up your betting game. Dive in now!
1
JOINOnly takes3 minutes
2
DEPOSITIt's safe andsecure
3
BETGreat oddsand specials
Must be
BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is a free service provided by the Australian Government that allows people to self-exclude from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in a single process. Registering is quick and easy and can be done at www.betstop.gov.au.
While you are registered, Australian licensed online and phone wagering providers must not open a wagering account for you, allow you to place bets, or send you marketing material.
Licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission.
Copyright © Sportsbet Pty Ltd.