A dutching calculator distributes a total stake across multiple selections in the same event so that the profit is identical whichever of those selections wins. Instead of backing one outcome, you back several at once and collect the same return regardless of which one comes in.
Enter your total stake and the odds for each selection. The calculator outputs the exact stake for each and the expected profit if any of them wins.
How to Calculate Dutching Stakes
- 1Enter your total stake — the combined amount across all selections, for example €50.
- 2Add odds for each selection — enter the decimal odds for each outcome you want to cover.
- 3Read your stakes and profit — the calculator shows how much to bet on each selection and the guaranteed return if any wins.
The Dutching Formula: A Worked Example
Formula
Stake per selection = Total stake × (1 ÷ Odds) ÷ Sum of (1 ÷ all odds)
Example: 3 horses in a race
Horse A @ 3.0 | Horse B @ 4.0 | Horse C @ 6.0. Total stake: €50.
Sum = 1/3.0 + 1/4.0 + 1/6.0 = 0.333 + 0.250 + 0.167 = 0.750
Horse A stake = 50 × 0.333 ÷ 0.750 = €22.22
Horse B stake = 50 × 0.250 ÷ 0.750 = €16.67
Horse C stake = 50 × 0.167 ÷ 0.750 = €11.11
If any horse wins: €22.22 × 3.0 = €66.66. Profit = €16.66 (33% ROI).
Sum below 1.0 (0.75) means this is a profitable dutch: total implied probability is 75%.
When Dutching Makes Sense
Dutching works when you have a view that one of several selections will win, but not confidence in which one. It also makes sense when you spot combined implied probability below 100% across the selections you want to cover, giving a guaranteed profit no matter which wins.
A common use case is horse racing: backing the top 3 fancied runners when you believe the favourite is overpriced, spreading the risk while maintaining upside.
Common Mistakes When Dutching
- ✕Combined implied probability over 100%. If the sum of 1/odds across all selections exceeds 1.0, you will lose money regardless of which wins. Only dutch when the sum is below 1.0 for guaranteed profit.
- ✕Rounding stakes manually. Even small rounding errors mean the returns differ per selection. Use the exact calculator output.
- ✕Odds moving after calculation. If any odds shorten before you place all bets, recalculate. The stakes are sensitive to odds changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dutching in betting?
Dutching means backing multiple selections in the same event with stakes calculated so the return is equal whichever of those selections wins. It reduces the risk of picking one winner while maintaining a profit if any of your selections comes in.
Can you dutch and guarantee a profit?
Yes, if the combined implied probability of your selections is below 100%. This occurs when the sum of 1÷odds for all your selections is less than 1.0. In that case, any winner returns more than your total stake.
How is dutching different from a surebet?
A surebet covers all outcomes in a market across different bookmakers. Dutching covers a subset of outcomes from one event, usually at the same bookmaker, when you believe certain selections are overpriced.
Does dutching work for any sport?
Yes. It is most common in horse racing and greyhounds where multiple runners compete, but it works for any market with three or more outcomes where you want to cover more than one selection.
If you want to cover all outcomes across bookmakers for a guaranteed profit, use the surebet calculator instead. To find the best available odds for each selection, the Oddsmatcher does this automatically.
