The Basics of Horse Betting

 

The basics of horse betting are pretty easy. Go to any track, or watch on TV and start in on the betting action! It can be overwhelming to learn how to bet the first time, but follow this simple guide and all will be well!

Heading to the track, smelling the horses, breathing in the fresh air and hearing the thunder of hooves down the stretch is an invigorating and adrenaline rushing feeling! From your local track to Churchill Downs, no matter if it is a claiming level or Grade I Stakes race, the feeling of winning money never gets old!

The Betting Program

First things first, you should buy a racing program which will list all the days races and who is entered and the morning betting lines, as well as the past race record of all horses. In another post we will go over how to read the program.

If you are a beginner, there is no shame in picking your horse based on color, name or the good ol’ close my eyes and point!! You can check out the horses in the Paddock before each race and pick out your favorite color silks or horse color!

Window Betting

So you have gone to the Paddock, found your horse..no what? You have to go up to the betting window and place your bet! There is a standard way to tell the teller what you want to do:

Track: Tell the clerk what track you are betting on. “Belmont Park, race 11.”

Amount: Tell the clerk the amount that you are betting. “Twenty Dollars.”

Type: Tell the clerk the type of bet you are making. “Win.”

Number: Tell the clerk the number of the horse you are betting. “Number 10.”

So when you put this all together “Belmont Park, Race 11, $20 to Win on Number 10”

BOOM! You hand her $20, they hand you back a printed ticket like the one above and you are set!

Beginner Betting

     Win: You ONLY win money if your horse comes in first.

Place: You win if your horse comes in First OR Second.

Show: You win if your horse comes in First, Second or Third.

Good Luck!

That is a basic bet. In future blog posts we will discuss more! Happy Wagering!

Read about Exotic Wagering and Horse Racing Terminology!