Confused about dead heat

[LFCBADBOY]

I placed a back bet for £50 on a horse after a race had finished, as there was a stewards enquiry into the winner, hence the betfair markets stay open right when they cannot be sure of the winner.

The result was called a dead heat, and betfair took £12.50 of my money.

How is this possible? If it is a dead heat, then I didn't win, but neither did the layer who matched my bet, so surely all monies should just be given back to both sides?

I am very confused by this, and quite angry also, as it seems very unfair to me.

If anybody has an explanation of why this occurs I would be most grateful to hear it.

[KOTBIIAJIbTO]

When there's a dead heat all the results for this race are split in two. You liabilities might have been 25 quid, divided by 2 it's 12.50

[Temujin]

When there's a dead heat all the results for this race are split in two. You liabilities might have been 25 quid, divided by 2 it's 12.50

While this answer is correct somewhat, the technically correct answer is to say that the dividend is divided by the number of dead heaters.
In this case, we assume it was a dead heat with 2 runners. But if it were 3 runners, the result would be dividend / 3, and so on and so forth.

Losing 25% of your stake, I will also take a guess that you took 1.50 about this horse, which obviously after dead heat turns into a negative proposition at .75.

You need to be very careful backing things where there is a chance of a dead heat, unless you are getting >2.00 about them, as obviously any shorter, and they turn into a losing bet on dead heat.

It is also a good idea to read up on your market rules, where I am sure it says dead heat rules apply. I really wish I did on the cricket, which of course does not play dead heat rules but simply void the bets on a draw.

But either way, there is your answer. And you will find it is the same answer as I would assume 98% of all bookmakers on the planet would have in regards to how they settle dead heats. As 1/2 (2 of course being number of dead heaters) a winner and 1/2 a loser.

[craventy]

I backed a favorite at 1.50 and when it deadheated only got back .75 -> went to betfair and read their rules and thats what they do


so I lost 0.25 even though the horse tied, but I guess that is better than losing 1.00 if horse was an inch further back.

[shadowninja]

As far as dead heats are concerned, you won and lost. If you were trading the other horse, you'd have won some and wouldn't be complaining it is unfair. And yes, it could be worse!

[DJB]

Easiest way to calculate dead heat result , assuming two horses dead heat, is to halve the total value of your collect.

For example:

If you had $100 on a 2/1 shot your total return would be $300, however in a dead heat you would only get back $150 for a profit of $50.

It you had $100 on a 1/2 shot your total return would be $150, however with a dead heat you only get back $75 and a resultant loss of $25.