Quinella: first and second, any order
A quinella wins if your two horses finish first and second in either order. One $2 quinella covers both orders, so it costs half of a two-horse exacta box. It usually pays a bit less than the box, but often close.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Pick two horses for first and second, any order.
- 02A $2 quinella costs $2; a $2 exacta box costs $4.
- 03Not every track offers quinellas.
Key numbers
Quinella at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- A quinella is one bet that covers both orders.
- It costs half the exacta box.
- Payouts are set by the quinella pool.
- Compare probable payouts when shown.
Progress
How a quinella wins
- 1
Pick two
Horse 3 and horse 7
- 2
Race
Order does not matter
- 3
3 then 7
Wins
- 4
7 then 3
Wins
- 5
3 third
Loses
Simple two-horse quinella.
Quinella vs exacta
| Point | Quinella | Exacta box | Straight exacta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order | Any | Any | Exact |
| Cost for 2 horses at $2 | $2 | $4 | $2 |
| Combinations | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Payout | Quinella pool | Exacta pool | Exacta pool |
Pools and payouts differ by track.
How the cost works
With two horses, a quinella is one combination. With three horses in a quinella box, it is three combinations: 1-2, 1-3 and 2-3. With four horses it is six.
An exacta box on the same horses needs twice as many combinations, because each pair has two orders. Three horses means six exacta combinations, or $12 at $2.
So the quinella is the cheaper way to cover a group of horses for the top two.
Quinella box costs
| Horses | Combinations | At $1 | At $2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | $1 | $2 |
| 3 | 3 | $3 | $6 |
| 4 | 6 | $6 | $12 |
| 5 | 10 | $10 | $20 |
Combinations = n × (n − 1) ÷ 2.
Which pays more
An exacta pays for the exact order, so a straight exacta pays more than a quinella on the same pair. A box costs double, so per dollar the quinella is often similar.
When the favorite is in the pair, quinella payouts can be quite small. When two long shots finish top two, quinellas can pay well.
Some tote screens show probable quinella payouts. Comparing them with the exacta can help you choose.
Sequence
Betting a quinella
Step 01
Check the menu
Is a quinella offered?
Step 02
Pick horses
Two or more.
Step 03
Say it clearly
$2 quinella, 3 and 7.
Step 04
Check the ticket
Race and numbers.
Step 05
Watch the board
Results and payouts.
Where you find quinellas
Quinellas are common at many US tracks and simulcast race books, though some tracks dropped them in favor of exactas. Online wagering sites show the menu for each race.
Australian and some other pools are larger for quinellas.
If the bet is not listed, use an exacta box. It costs twice as much for the same pair, so consider a smaller base bet, such as $1, to keep the total close to a $2 quinella.
Floor rules
Quinella terms
Know before you sit
- Quinella
- Pick the top two in either order.
- Exacta
- Pick the top two in exact order.
- Box
- All orders of chosen horses.
- Probable payout
- Estimated payout shown before the race.
A worked payout example
Say horse 3 at 2 to 1 and horse 7 at 8 to 1 finish first and second. A $2 quinella might pay around $25, while the $2 exacta 3-7 might pay around $40. The $4 exacta box would return that $40 on a $4 cost, about the same per dollar as the quinella.
If the long shot wins and the favorite runs second, the exacta 7-3 often pays much more, such as $70, which is where a box can beat the quinella. Probable payouts on the tote board show these prices before the race.
Common mistakes
- Boxing an exacta when a quinella is offered
- Compare costs.
- Ignoring takeout
- It varies by bet.
- Not checking the menu
- Some tracks drop quinellas.
- Using too many horses
- Costs rise fast.
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 quinella?
A bet that your two horses finish first and second in either order. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
How much does it cost?
Often $2 for one pair, or $1 at some tracks. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
How is it different from an exacta?
An exacta needs the exact order. A quinella pays either way. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Money
Does a quinella pay more than an exacta box?
Usually a little less, but it costs half as much. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
How many combinations in a 4-horse quinella box?
Six, so $12 at $2. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Is a quinella a good bet?
It is a cheap way to cover two horses for the top two, but takeout still applies.
03Rules
Do all tracks offer quinellas?
No. Check the program or wagering menu. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What if a horse is scratched?
Most tracks refund combinations with that horse. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Can I bet a quinella online?
Yes, at licensed online wagering sites where the track offers it. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Parimutuel betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Pools and exotic bets
- New York Racing Association Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Wagering menus
- Equibase Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Official US racing results and charts
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER