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Betting Rule 4 Explained

Rule 4 in horse and greyhound racing involves non-runners after bets have been placed in fixed odds pricing. Non-runners can greatly affect the odds, particularly when they involve the favourite, as long odds can suddenly become the favourite on fixed odds betting.

Rule 4 is an industry standard across horse racing and greyhound racing (and sometimes applied to other events). It is designed to make bets fair for both punters and bookmakers when non-runners are involved, reducing the winnings for races with non-runners, but in a way which is proportional to the initial odds and the overall situation.

This rule does not apply to the ante-post market, as this is done before final declarations are known, and non-runners do not give money back.

The official rule 4 deductions are as follows:
  • Odds of 1/9 or shorter, 90% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 2/11 up to and including 2/17, 85% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 1/4 up to and including 1/5, 80% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 3/10 up to and including 2/5, 70% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 2/5 up to and including 8/15, 65% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 8/15 up to and including 8/13, 60% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 8/13 up to and including 4/5, 55% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 4/5 up to and including 20/21, 50% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 20/21 up to and including 6/5, 45% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 6/5 up to and including 6/4, 40% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 6/4 up to and including 7/4, 35% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 7/4 up to and including 9/4, 30% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 9/4 up to and including 3/1, 25% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 3/1 up to and including 4/1, 20% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 4/1 up to and including 11/2, 15% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 11/2 up to and including 9/1, 10% of winning deducted
  • Odds of over 9/1 up to and including 14/1, 5% of winning deducted
  • If the non-runner is over 14/1, no deduction

In cases where more than one runner is withdrawn, multiple deductions can be applied. It is worth noting that the rule 4 deduction isn’t always applied, but it is worth taking into consideration with all events.

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