What is Flexi Betting?
What is Flexi Betting? - Guide to Horse Racing Bets & Specials
There are many different ways to bet on horse racing at Stake Sportsbook, including exotic bets such as flexi betting.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what flexi betting is and how it works, along with some tips for placing successful flexi bets.
What is Flexi Betting?
Flexi betting is a unique way to place exotic bet types, such as Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta and First Four, for a set amount. With a flexi bet, you can place a combination of selections within an exotic bet for a smaller outlay, reducing the risk.
The bet you place will cost the dollar amount you nominate, and if you win, you’ll receive a percentage of the full dividend. In exotic horse betting, the dividend is the payout based on the pooled bets. This type of betting is typically seen on horse racing events, but it can be used on other forms of betting too.
How Does Flexi Betting Work?
A flexi bet is a way to increase the selections of your bet without increasing the cost. Rather than placing multiple selections with a standard bet size on each, this spreads your total stake between each selection.
The flexi bet option won’t be available on all sports or betting markets. At Stake, you can use this bet type when placing exotic horse racing bets. Instead of receiving the full payout from the exotic bet, you receive a percentage payout based on how your bet was spread between the different markets.
The bet percentage is a key concept of flexi betting. It’s the fraction of the total stake you placed compared to the cost of the bet if it was placed for $1.
For example, if you place a boxed Trifecta featuring five runners, the normal cost would be $60 if placed for $1, as there are 60 possible combinations. However, if you use flexi betting to place a total stake of $10, the bet percentage is 16.66%.
If your flexi bet is successful, you collect the percentage of the dividend equal to the bet percentage. So if your bet percentage was 16.66%, you receive 16.66% of the dividend.
How to Place a Flexi Bet on Stake?
Placing a flexi bet at Stake is simple enough. You can find more information on how to place horse racing bets in our full guide, and we’ve also got more details on horse race betting terms. We’ve broken the flexi betting process down into steps for you to follow:
Choose a race from any of the upcoming racing events.
Use the menu to see the fixed odds, starting price and different exotic bet types available on the race.
Select the exotic bet to add it to your bet slip, and then make your picks.
Check the flexi betting option in the bet slip and enter your total stake.
Confirm your bet and then watch the live stream if it’s available.
For more information on betting, we’ve created a full guide to place bets.
Flexi Bet Examples
Let’s say you want to place a Quinella bet on the R1 Ascot:
You can open the event by going to Horse Racing>Australasia>Ascot.
You can see the available exotic bets on the menu, including Trifecta, Exacta, Quinella and First Four exotic bets.
Open the Quinella tab and then select the field or choose from any of the runners.
Use the add bet button to add the bet to your betting slip, with the Quinella combos shown next to this.
Check the flexi betting option in the bet slip and then enter your stake.
Confirm the bet and watch the race live if the live stream is available.
Which Sports & Events Offer Flexi Bets?
Flexi betting and exotic bets are typically only offered on horse racing. However, some other forms of racing may also offer flexi bets.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is most commonly associated with flexi betting, as this is where the bet type was originally available. At Stake, you can place exotic bets on a wide variety of horse racing events from all over the world including the biggest events taking place in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Other Types of Racing
Sometimes, exotic bets are also available on other forms of racing, including greyhounds and motorsport. However, this depends on the online betting site you use.
How do Flexi Bets Compare to Other Bet Types?
Flexi bets differ from other bet types because they give you more control over your total wager. As long as your bet percentage is at least 1%, you can use it to place multiple selections of exotic bets without worrying about spending too much.
Typical betting markets such as over/under and the spread aren’t available on racing. However, horse racing events typically include the following bet types:
To win – Bet on the runner you think will win the race. Much like a match winner or moneyline bet, your bet is successful if that horse wins.
To place – In any race, the runners try to finish ahead of the competition. However, even if they don’t win, they can still place, meaning to finish in the first 2 or 3 places.
Trifecta – A Trifecta bet lets you predict which runners will place in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. You also have to get the finishing order correct to win your bet.
Exacta – This is a prediction on which horses will finish in 1st and 2nd place. You must get the order correct to win.
Quinella – This is a bet on which runners will finish in the 1st and 2nd place. However, you don’t have to get the order correct to win your bet.
First Four – This is a bet on which 4 runners will be the first to cross the finish line. The finishing order needs to be correct for your bet to win.
Boxed bet – Boxed exotic wagers allow you to include multiple finishing combinations for the same group of horses.
Tips for Placing Flexi Bets on Horse Racing
Check form guides – Before placing your horse racing bets, always check the form. At Stake, you can see lots of useful information on each runner. This includes their last 10 runs, race history and career results. There are runner comments too, giving you all the information you need to work out your betting strategy.
Calculate the dividend – Work out your flexi bet dividend by looking at your bet percentage. Flexi betting is a great way to reduce your total stake, but it will also reduce your dividend (the payout) by the same amount. Make sure you understand this before choosing this betting method.
Catch the live stream – After you’ve placed your flexi bet, make sure you follow the action on the live stream to see if you’re a winner. Live streams are available on selected races, and are completely free. You can find out more details in our guide to live streaming.
Why Should You Place Flexi & Exotic Bets on Stake?
Stake is the best place to bet on horse racing, with events from all over the world covered. We have great odds on all races, including a wide range of exotic betting types and the possibility of placing flexi bets. You can enjoy live betting too, with pre-live and live betting markets. There are live odds and even live streams available on selected races.
Sports Promotions, Stake VIP Club & Responsible Gambling
Take advantage of our sports betting promotions when you join Stake. We’ve got lots of great offers and exclusive rewards, including a fantastic VIP Club. Level up your account to unlock rakeback, reloads and your own VIP host. Take a look at our VIP FAQs for more info.
For expert tips and predictions, hear from Stake partner and racing legend, Frankie Dettori! Keep your eyes peeled for updates and exclusive promotions from the World's Greatest Jockey.
Whenever you’re betting, we recommend you stay Stake Smart by following our responsible betting guidelines. This way, you can have fun while enjoying your bets and stay in control of how much you spend.
