What Is a Dead Heat in Betting?
In Australian sports betting, a Dead Heat occurs when two or more competitors finish tied, and the event has no clear winner. This is common in sports like horse racing, golf, and top goal scorer markets in soccer.
Dead Heat outcomes don’t void your bet, but your payout is adjusted based on the number of tied participants.
To get started with betting fundamentals, check out this full Betting 101 Guide.
How Does a Dead Heat Bet Work?
Dead Heat Rules Explained:
When a Dead Heat occurs:
- Your stake is divided by the number of tied participants.
- Your original odds remain unchanged.
- The reduced stake is then used to calculate your payout.
Example of Dead Heat Calculation in AUD
Here’s how a typical Dead Heat payout is calculated:
Scenario | Bet Amount | Odds | Tied Winners | Adjusted Stake | Payout (incl. stake) |
Golfer ties for 1st | AUD 100 | 20.0 | 2 | $50 | $1,050 |
Golfer ties for 2nd | $AUD 100 | 20.0 | 3 | $33.33 | $700 |
Soccer top scorer tie | AUD 100 | 15.0 | 3 | $33.33 | $600 |
Note: Calculations are rounded.
Dead Heat outcomes can occur in various sports, mainly when results rely on finish positions or statistical leaderboards.
Common Sports Where Dead Heat Applies:
- Horse Racing – Two or more horses cross the finish line together.
- Golf – Ties for top places in each-way or leaderboard bets.
- Soccer – Tied results in “Top Goal Scorer” or “Most Assists”.
- Greyhound Racing – Similar to horse racing, ties are at the finish line.
- Rugby League – Two players are tied for top try scorer.
- Formula One – Rare, but drivers may finish at identical times.
Why Dead Heat Rules Matter for Aussie Bettors
Understanding how Dead Heats affect payouts helps you:
- Avoid surprise results on your betting slip
- Make informed decisions in high-stakes events.
- Better assess value in markets prone to ties
Some Aussie sportsbooks may handle Dead Heats differently, so always check the house rules.
Dead Heat in Soccer Example: A-League
Imagine betting AUD 100 at 10.0 odds on a player to win the A-League Golden Boot, and he ties with two others:
- Stake split by 3: $100 ÷ 3 = $33.33
- Payout: $33.33 x 10.0 = $333.33 + stake = $366.66 AUD
How to Bet with Dead Heat in Mind
Follow these steps to place smarter bets:
1. Know the Market
- Look for goal scorer, top finisher, or each-way bet types.
2. Check the Bookie Rules
- Some Australian sportsbooks may refund part of your stake or adjust differently.
3. Use the Payout Formula
- Divide the stake by the number of tied winners.
- Multiply by odds to calculate your return.
4. Manage Your Expectations
- A win in a Dead Heat is better than a total loss, but it’s not a full win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Dead Heat mean in betting?
How are Dead Heat payouts calculated?
Can Dead Heats happen in soccer?
Is Dead Heat common in Australia?
Do all bookmakers apply the same Dead Heat rules?
What happens if there’s a Dead Heat for first place?
Final Thoughts: Dead Heat Betting in Australia
Dead Heat bets can be both a cushion and a curveball. If you know how the rules work, you’ll never be blindsided by an unexpected result. While your payout may be smaller, you’re still in the money, which is better than walking away with nothing.
So, before placing bets on tightly contested markets like horse races or football top scorers, always prepare for the possibility of a Dead Heat.
For more on betting basics, refer to this handy Betting 101 Guide.
