Betfair Dutching Strategies: Complete Guide for Smart Exchange Traders

Dutching is one of the most versatile Betfair trading techniques, allowing you to spread your stake across multiple outcomes for a balanced return. This guide breaks down how dutching works, when to use it, and how to manage risk like a professional trader.

What Is Dutching?

Dutching is the process of backing multiple selections in the same market so that your total return is the same, no matter which selection wins. Unlike simply backing a single runner, dutching provides controlled exposure, better variance management, and the ability to exploit inefficiencies across several outcomes.

Dutching is most commonly used in:

Horse racing
Greyhound racing
Football correct-score markets
Match odds markets with high uncertainty
Any multi-outcome market with value discrepancies

The goal is simple: identify more than one overpriced selection and spread your stake to generate consistent profit.

How the Dutching Formula Works

At the core of dutching is a simple mathematical principle: the proportion of your total stake allocated to each runner is determined by the inverse of its odds.

The formula for each stake is:

stake_i = (totalStake / Σ(1 / odds_i)) × (1 / odds_i)

This ensures every selection produces the same gross return. Traders then adjust for Betfair commission, expected value, or volatility.

When to Use Dutching

1. Uncertain but Opportunity-Rich Markets

Some races or matches lack a clear favourite but present several options that appear mispriced. Dutching lets you take advantage of value across multiple sides without committing to a single outcome.

2. Low-Liquidity Markets

When liquidity is uneven, prices can fluctuate rapidly. Dutching helps you exploit these shifts by taking several selections at advantageous odds.

3. Trading for Lower Variance

Professional traders often use dutching to reduce variance and smooth their profit curve. Even if the expected value is modest, the controlled distribution of risk improves long-term stability.

Example: Dutching Three Horses in a Race

Imagine a race where you believe three runners are overpriced:

Runner A @ 4.0
Runner B @ 6.0
Runner C @ 9.0

With a total stake of £50, the dutching calculator gives you the following stakes:

Runner A → £23.81
Runner B → £15.87
Runner C → £10.32

Whichever wins, your gross return is the same. This approach allows you to take advantage of value runners without committing exclusively to one.

Using the Smarter Trades Dutching Calculator

Our fully browser-based dutching calculator lets you enter your total stake, exchange commission, and up to six selections. It automatically calculates equalised stakes, potential profit, and net return after commission.

Try it here: Go to the Dutching Calculator

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Dutching Without Value

Even balanced stakes can lose money long-term if you are backing runners at the wrong prices. Every dutch should be grounded in value betting principles.

2. Ignoring Commission

Betfair commission can erode what looks like a positive edge. Always evaluate net return, not just gross profit.

3. Over-Dutching Too Many Runners

Spreading a stake across too many selections dilutes your edge. Most profitable dutching strategies involve 2–4 selections.

Advanced Dutching Techniques

Weighted Dutching

Instead of equalising returns, you can allocate more stake to high-confidence selections. This is an EV-driven approach where outcomes with the greatest perceived value receive a heavier proportion of your exposure.

Partial Stake Dutching

Some traders dutch only part of their stake and leave a percentage on the strongest runner for higher upside. This hybrid technique balances risk and reward.

Hedged Dutching (Back–Lay)

When prices move favourably after placing your dutched bets, hedging lets you lock in a guaranteed profit across all runners. This is especially effective in volatile markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dutching legal on Betfair?

Yes. Dutching is a standard trading approach and is allowed on all betting exchanges.

Does dutching guarantee profit?

No. Dutching is still subject to odds efficiency, market movement, and commission. You can only profit consistently if you dutch selections with true value.

Is dutching better than backing a single runner?

It depends. Dutching reduces variance and allows multiple chances to win, but only outperforms single betting when several outcomes are mispriced.

How do I calculate stakes?

Use our free browser-based calculator: Smarter Trades Dutching Tool