The Effect a Rule 4 Has on Bets
Photo by Mike Kotsch on Unsplash
Understanding all the rules and regulations of betting operators would be a challenging task. However, it is in the bettors’ best interests to have a basic understanding of the most common rulings that could affect them.
A Rule 4 deduction is a common ruling that most typically affects horse and greyhound racing in the UK. It is a deduction that occurs from any winnings if a race takes place with one or more non-runners. Essentially, it is used because a race without one of the runners is easier to win for the remaining competitors.
Rule 4 is an industry-wide ruling that is typically expressed as pence in the pound rather than as a percentage.
How a Rule 4 Affects a Bet
When Rule 4 is applied, the amount declared is taken off the winnings and the stake that is returned remains intact. An example of this could be a £1 single on a 10/1 winner with a 10p Rule 4 applied. The customer would receive their original £1 stake back and the winnings would have a 10 pence deduction per pound. This means they would receive £9 in winnings (instead of the £10 if there was no Rule 4), for a total return of £10.
Rule 4 will also be applied against the each-way part of a bet and any accumulators that include that selection. Of course, Rule 4 is only applied to that specific selection in the bet.
Rule 4 Deductions
The deduction amount of Rule 4 is directly related to the odds of the selection that does not run. If the non-runner is a long shot that was not expected to place, Rule 4 deductions will be lower or may not be applied.
Alternatively, if the non-runner had short odds or was the favourite, it will be deemed to have had a far greater impact on the final result and Rule 4 deductions will be much greater. Punters should always consult a guide for the safest sites to find a reputable bookmaker that will apply Rule 4 deductions fairly and in line with industry standards.
Here are the deductions relative to the odds of potential non-runners to give you a better idea of how a race could be affected:
– 5p for odds from 10/1 to 14/1
– 10p for odds from 6/1 to 9/1
– 15p for odds from 9/2 to 11/2
– 20p for odds from 10/3 to 4/1
– 25p for odds from 5/2 to 3/1
– 30p for odds from 15/8 to 9/4
– 35p for odds from 13/8 to 7/4
– 40p for odds from 5/4 to 6/4
– 45p for odds from evens to 6/5
– 50p for odds from 20/21 to 5/6
– 55p for odds from 4/5 to 4/6
– 60p for odds from 8/13 to 4/7
– 65p for odds from 8/15 to 4/9
– 70p for odds from 2/5 to 1/3
– 75p for odds from 3/10 to 2/7
– 80p for odds from 1/4 to 1/5
– 85p for odds from 2/11 to 2/17
– 90p for odds from 1/9 and below
If there is more than one non-runner in a race, multiple Rule 4s can be applied up to a maximum of 90p.
Reformed Markets
If there is time for a market to be reformed before the race, Rule 4 will only be applied to bets that have taken an early price prior to the announcement of the non-runner. Bettors who explore the ante-post market can enjoy early prices for races and events and can offer great value for money, but it’s worth noting the possible greater impact of Rule 4.
The Markets Rule 4 Can Affect
Rule 4 is most typically found in horse or greyhound racing, but it can be applied to other markets that are affected by a competitor not participating.