Track Take Calculator
Calculate track takeout (vig) for horse racing bets. See how much the track keeps from each betting pool by jurisdiction and bet type.
Formula:Net Pool = Total Pool × (1 - Takeout Rate)
Total amount in the betting pool
Override jurisdiction rate with custom percentage
Track Take
$170
17.00% of pool
Net Pool
$830
Amount paid to winners
Return Rate
83.0%
Pool returned to bettors
Pool Breakdown
To Winners: $830 (83.0%)Track Take: $170 (17.0%)
Break-Even Requirement
To break even with 17.0% takeout, you need to win at 1.20× the rate of an average bettor. If a fair-odds horse should win 20% of the time, you need to identify it 20% × 1.20 = 24.1% of the time to break even.
Takeout Comparison by Bet Type (default)
| Bet Type | Takeout | Return | On $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win/Place/Show | 17.0% | 83.0% | $170 |
| Exacta | 20.0% | 80.0% | $200 |
| Trifecta | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
| Superfecta | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
| Daily Double | 20.0% | 80.0% | $200 |
| Pick 3 | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
| Pick 4 | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
| Pick 5 | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
| Pick 6 | 25.0% | 75.0% | $250 |
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
What is Track Take?
Track take (or takeout) is the percentage the track keeps from each betting pool before paying winners. If takeout is 17% on a $100 win pool, $17 goes to the track and $83 is paid to winners. Takeout varies by bet type: typically 15-17% on WPS, 20-25% on exotics.
Key Facts About Track Takeout
- Takeout: % track keeps from each pool
- WPS takeout typically 15-17%
- Exacta/Trifecta takeout: 19-25%
- Pick 5/6 takeout: 20-25%
- Different jurisdictions have different rates
- Track + purses + taxes = total takeout
- Net pool = Total pool × (1 - Takeout)
- Higher takeout = harder to profit long-term
Frequently Asked Questions
What is track take in horse racing?
Track take (takeout) is the house edge in pari-mutuel betting. It's the percentage deducted from each pool before payouts. On a $100,000 win pool with 17% takeout, $17,000 goes to the track and $83,000 is distributed to winners.
How does takeout affect my betting?
Takeout is the vig you must overcome to profit. With 17% takeout, you need to be 17% better than average to break even. On exotics with 25% takeout, you need even more edge. Lower takeout = easier to profit.
Why is exotic takeout higher than WPS?
Exotic bets (exacta, trifecta, etc.) have higher takeouts because they're harder to hit and pools are often smaller. The track also argues the entertainment value is higher. Pick 6 often has the highest takeout at 20-25%.
Where does the takeout go?
Takeout is split between: track operating expenses (50-60%), purse money for horsemen (25-35%), and state taxes (10-20%). The exact split varies by jurisdiction.
How do I find takeout rates?
Takeout rates are set by state racing commissions and published by tracks. Check the track's website or program. California, New York, and Kentucky are major racing states with published rates. Rates can change, so verify current rates.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).