How to bet on horses
The main object of betting on horses is to beat the ‘Oddsmakers’ or the ‘Odds Compilers’ and win some money. Additionally, placing a bet on your favorite event makes the race exciting and more enjoyable.
Betting is done through Sports books or Sportsbooks (US) and Bookmakers (UK) entities that accept bets. You can bet on the outcome of horse races and several sporting events.
To place a bet, you go to a sportsbook, physical or online. You could also bet over the phone with many sportsbooks. Note that a sportsbook is not the same as an oddsmaker. The sports book simply accepts sports bets. An oddsmaker is a person who sets the betting odds.
You need to state what you are betting on by making a selection, the type of bet and the amount you are wagering. Your selection will obviously depend on the odds offered, so you will want to examine the range of odds available before you make a decision.
There are many types of bets you can place. Some sportsbooks may offer more betting varieties and combinations than others.
Some practical examples of betting and variations
The Daily Double: You win if you pick the winner of the first and second race. To bet you say “$2 daily double on 3 (your pick to win in the first race) and 5 (your pick to win in the second race)”. Your bet must be placed before the start of the first race.
Quiniela: You win if you pick two horses that finish first and second, in either order, in any single race. To bet you say “$2 quiniela, numbers 5 and 6″. If the results of the first two horses are either 5-6 or 6-5, you win.
Quiniela Box: Pick three or more horses. You win if any two of your selections finish first and second. To bet you say “$2 quiniela box on 4,5 and 6″. You are making three separate bets so your minimum bet is $6. If they finish 4-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-5, 5-4 or 5-6, you win. You can box as few as three or as many as the field.
Perfecta: The Perfecta is similar to the Quiniela, except the two horses must finish in the exact order. To bet you say ” $3 Perfecta, 5-6.” Only if the horses finish 5-6 you win.
Straight Trifecta: Pick the first three horses to cross the finish line in exact order. To bet you say “$2 trifecta numbers 7,4 and 5.” Only if they finish 7-4-5 you win.
$1Trifecta Box: Pick three horses to finish first, second and third, in any order. To bet you say “$1 trifecta box 2,3 and 5.” You are actually making six $1 bets, so your total bet is $6. If they finish 2-3-5, 2-5-3, 3-2-5, 3-5-2, 5-2-3 or 5-3-2, you win.
$1Trifecta Key: Pick your favorite horse to win, then two or more others to place and show in any order. To bet you say “$1 trifecta key on 1 with 2 and 3.” You are actually making two $1 bets so your total bet is $2. To win your Key horse must win and the other two must finish either 1-2-3 or 1-3-2.
