Video Summary
A group of friends are heading to the horse races and one of them is determined to make a bet, despite not knowing much about horse racing. They decide to use their knowledge of math and probability to place a bet. They choose three horses, “Unlikely Lad” at 50-1, “Favorite Filly” at 2-1, and “Decimal Dan” at 10-1. However, instead of choosing just one horse, they decide to hedge their bets by placing separate wagers on each horse, with the goal of winning either a small or large payout. They realize that if they win, they will likely only win a small amount, so they decide to multiply the odds by placing an accumulator bet, where all three horses must win for the bet to payout. This yields a much larger potential payout, but with a much lower chance of winning. The group is excited by the potential payout, but acknowledges that there are factors outside of probability that could affect the outcome, such as the horses' competing in the same stables or being trained by the same jockey.
Mathematical comedienne Timandra Harkness trots through the odds of betting on a winning horse. Famous Race Horses: …
Mathematical comedienne Timandra Harkness trots through the odds of betting on a winning horse. Famous Race Horses: …