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Combination Tricast: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Combination Tricast: What Is It & How Does It Work?

A Combination Tricast is a unique and fascinating form of wager, largely associated with sports betting, particularly in horse and greyhound racing. This form of betting brings an added layer of complexity, fun, and potential rewards compared to traditional betting. But what is it exactly, and how does it work? Here at Mega Reel casino, we will delve deep into the world of Combination Tricasts. 

What Is A Combination Tricast?

A Combination Tricast is a specialised kind of bet where the bettor attempts to predict the top three finishers in a race in any particular order. Usually, the selections are horses or greyhounds, depending on the sport. 

This betting type is an expanded version of the standard tricast bet, where you are required to predict the exact order of the first three finishers. However, a Combination Tricast offers a higher degree of flexibility as it allows any order of finish, thereby providing more chances to potentially win. 

Yet, it is worth noting that this form of betting comes with a higher stake cost due to its increased complexity. 

How Many Bets In A Combination Tricast?

A Combination Tricast bet essentially places six individual bets. This is to account for every possible outcome of your three selected runners finishing in the top three positions. 

Let's illustrate this using an example. Suppose you pick three horses; let's call them Horse A, Horse B, and Horse C. The six bets that constitute a Combination Tricast are: 

  • Horse A comes 1st, Horse B comes 2nd, Horse C comes 3rd
  • Horse A comes 1st, Horse C comes 2nd, Horse B comes 3rd
  • Horse B comes 1st, Horse A comes 2nd, Horse C comes 3rd
  • Horse B comes 1st, Horse C comes 2nd, Horse A comes 3rd
  • Horse C comes 1st, Horse A comes 2nd, Horse B comes 3rd
  • Horse C comes 1st, Horse B comes 2nd, Horse A comes 3rd

As long as your three selections are the first three to finish in any order, you have a winning Combination Tricast bet. 

Combination Tricast Bet Example

To further illustrate how a Combination Tricast bet works, let's use a real-world example. Assume that you've selected three horses - 'Thunder', 'Lightning', and 'Raindrop' - to finish in the top three in a race. You place a £1 Combination Tricast bet, but because a Combination Tricast comprises six bets, your total stake will be £6 (£1 x 6). 

Here are the six combinations your bet covers: 

  • Thunder, Lightning, Raindrop
  • Thunder, Raindrop, Lightning
  • Lightning, Thunder, Raindrop
  • Lightning, Raindrop, Thunder
  • Raindrop, Thunder, Lightning
  • Raindrop, Lightning, Thunder

So, if these three horses finish in the top three positions regardless of the specific order, your bet wins. 

How Much Does A Combination Tricast Cost?

The cost of a Combination Tricast bet depends on your unit stake and the number of selections. As each combination counts as a separate bet, the total stake is the unit stake multiplied by the number of combinations. 

For a Combination Tricast with three selections, there are six possible combinations. Therefore, if you place a £1 Combination Tricast, the total cost of the bet will be £6. 

What's The Difference Between a Tricast & a Combination Tricast?

The major distinction between a Tricast and a Combination Tricast lies in the flexibility of the order of finish. A standard Tricast bet requires you to predict the exact order of the first three finishers. Conversely, a Combination Tricast allows for any order of finish for the top three positions. 

Another key difference is the cost. A Tricast is a single bet, while a Combination Tricast consists of several bets (covering each possible combination), thus increasing the total stake. 

What Happens To A Combination Tricast With A Non-Runner?

In the unfortunate event of a non-runner in your tricast selections, the bet is generally adjusted according to the bookmaker's rules. Typically, a Combination Tricast with a non-runner transforms into a Combination Forecast on the remaining two selections. If two runners are non-runners, the bet usually reverts to a single bet on the remaining selection. 

Before placing a Combination Tricast bet, it's wise to understand your bookmaker's rules regarding any non-runners. This ensures you're fully informed of the potential outcomes and can make educated betting decisions. 

Conclusion

A Combination Tricast has its pros and cons. It offers more flexibility than a standard Tricast bet, but it also costs more than a Tricast due to it allowing for more potential outcomes. Therefore, it's important to give careful consideration before placing such a bet. 

Always consider your knowledge of the sport, your knowledge of the bet specifics with your chosen bookie, and your budget. Remember, it's crucial to practice responsible gambling and remember that winning is never guaranteed.