Pick 4 and Pick 5: winners of several races in a row
A Pick 4 asks you to pick the winners of four races in a row. A Pick 5 asks for five. Many tracks use a 50-cent base, and the ticket cost is the base times the number of horses you use in each race multiplied together.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Ticket | Horses per race | Combinations | Cost at $0.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1-1-1 | One each | 1 | $0.50 |
| 2-2-2-2 | Two each | 16 | $8 |
| 1-3-4-2 | Mixed | 24 | $12 |
| 3-3-3-3-3 (Pick 5) | Three each | 243 | $121.50 |
Key numbers
Multi-race bets in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Ticket cost equals base × horses in race 1 × race 2 × race 3 and so on.
- Singling a strong horse cuts the cost sharply.
- Pools pay big when favorites lose.
- Pick 5 pools often have lower takeout to attract players.
At the door
A sample Pick 4 ticket
Gate pass
21+
Race 5
Horses 2, 7
Race 6
Horse 4 (single)
Race 7
Horses 1, 3, 8
Race 8
Horses 5, 6
2 × 1 × 3 × 2 = 12 combinations, $6 at a 50-cent base.
Cost control
| Plan | Combos | Cost at $0.50 |
|---|---|---|
| 3-3-3-3 | 81 | $40.50 |
| 1-3-3-3 | 27 | $13.50 |
| 1-1-3-3 | 9 | $4.50 |
Each single cuts the cost by a third or more.
Singles and spreads
A single is one horse you trust in a race. A spread uses several horses in an open race. Good tickets mix both.
Spreading in races with weak favorites gives the best value.
Example payouts
| Result | Typical $0.50 Pick 4 payout |
|---|---|
| All favorites | $20 to $80 |
| One long shot | $200 to $1,000 |
| Several long shots | $5,000 or more |
Pools vary by track and day.
Carryovers
If no one hits a jackpot-style Pick 5 or Pick 6, part of the pool carries to the next day. Carryovers attract more players and can offer value.
Regular Pick 4 pools usually pay consolation prizes instead.
Sequence
Building a ticket
Step 01
Study each race
Find singles and open races.
Step 02
Set a budget
Before building.
Step 03
Choose horses
Single or spread.
Step 04
Check the cost
Multiply.
Step 05
Place the bet
Read back the ticket.
Scratches
If a horse you picked is scratched, many tracks give you the post-time favorite instead. Check the track rules.
Online wagering apps show substitutions in your history.
Your turn
Multi-race terms
Pick 4
Winners of four races in a row.
Single
One horse in a leg.
Spread
Several horses in a leg.
Carryover
Pool money moved to the next day.
Partial tickets
Some players build several smaller tickets instead of one big one: an A ticket with top picks and a B ticket with more spread. This keeps cost down while covering upsets.
Track results to see which approach works.
Many players join a small betting group to share a larger ticket. Each person pays a share of the cost and receives the same share of any payout, which lets the group cover more horses.
Takeout examples
| Bet | Typical takeout |
|---|---|
| Win, place, show | 15% to 18% |
| Exacta | 19% to 22% |
| Pick 4 | 14% to 25% |
| Pick 5 | 12% to 15% at many tracks |
| Pick 6 jackpot | 15% to 25% |
| Daily double | 18% to 22% |
Rates vary by state and track. Lower takeout leaves more of each pool for winning tickets, so check the track’s posted rates.
Common mistakes
- Spreading every race
- Costs explode.
- Ignoring takeout
- It lowers payouts.
- Forgetting scratch rules
- Know substitutions.
- Betting without a budget
- Set one first.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is a Pick 4?
A bet on the winners of four races in a row. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
How much does a Pick 4 cost?
The base, often 50 cents, times the number of combinations. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What is a Pick 5?
The same idea across five races. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Strategy
What is a single?
Using one horse in a race to cut ticket cost. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
When should I spread?
In open races with weak favorites. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Are carryovers good?
They add money to the pool and can improve value. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Rules
What if my horse scratches?
Many tracks substitute the post-time favorite. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Can I bet online?
Yes, through licensed advance deposit wagering sites. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Are winnings taxed?
Yes; large payouts may trigger a W-2G. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- Equibase — Glossary Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Bet types
- Daily Racing Form Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Handicapping
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER