trifecta

gambling

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The term "trifecta" originated in the early 1970s as a specific type of horse-racing bet. It involves correctly predicting the first, second, and third place finishers in a race, in that exact order. The word itself is a combination of the prefix "tri-" meaning "three," and the end of the word "perfecta," another horse-racing bet.12

Beyond horse racing, "trifecta" has broadened to mean any group of three desirable things.1

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horse racing
Wagers
…but not in order), and trifecta (win, place, and show winners in order in one race). Other specialty wagers, sometimes offering extremely high payouts, require the bettor to select multiple trifectas, the winners of several races, or the first four horses in one race.
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…but not in order), and trifecta (win, place, and show winners in order in one race). Other specialty wagers, sometimes offering extremely high payouts, require the bettor to select multiple trifectas, the winners of several races, or the first four horses in one race.
Read More