Betting on the races has been an enjoyable pastime for nearly as long as what horses have been running.
Even so, for beginners, knowing how to get started can be daunting.
The good news is that this needn’t be the case. There’s a world of information and excitement out there just waiting to be discovered.
And we’re about to tell you how.
For A Start – How To Bet
Like the roulette Canada offers, betting on a horse isn’t complicated.
Below are the steps you’ll take when placing your wager:
- Stipulate the name of the racetrack.
- Indicate which number race you’d like to bet on.
- State the amount you’d like to bet.
- Indicate the type of wager you’re placing. Examples include: betting on a single horse as the outright winner, predicting a finishing place, or even betting on a combination of horses.
- State the number of the horse or horses you’re wagering on.
- Check your ticket for accuracy.
What To Pack For A Day Out
When planning for an enjoyable day at the races, there are a few items to pack. These include sunscreen and a pair of binoculars to start with. Also, be sure to get your hands on the following items (available at the track):
- The program. The horse racing program will contain valuable information on all the horses about to compete in the race. There will also be info on trainers, jockeys, and owners. The cost of a program is typically around $3.
- The Daily Racing Form. The Daily Racing Form, or DRF, contains all the information you’ll ever need to know about things like past performances, handicapping as advised by DRF staff, and even interesting (and often helpful) articles about horse races. These cost around $4.
- Handicapping tip sheets. These are particularly helpful and include the daily selections chosen by handicappers at the track. These usually cost $2.
- Public handicapper selections. Racetracks are often covered by local newspapers in the area. These publications often pay experienced handicappers to make their top selections. The cost is around $1.
How To Place A Parlay Bet
Something that is particularly fun to do is to place a group parlay with your friends.
Typically, each person in the group will pick one race and one horse to bet on. The best way to go about it is to parlay the money won from every winning bet into a wager on the next horse and race on the list.
This is a great way to watch your winnings grow – and have great fun and bonding time with your friends in the process.
Top Betting Tips
- Every track has a television commentator in charge of handicapping the various races. Many a bet has been won by listening carefully to what these experts have to say.
- Favourite horses win around a third of the time. When starting out, sticking to the favourites will build your betting confidence.
- When thinking about jockeys, the top 10 riders will win around 90% of all their races. Jockeys are important and their value shouldn’t be underestimated.
- The morning line doesn’t refer to the favourite of the oddsmaker at the racetrack. Instead, it reflects how the oddsmaker thinks the public will react.
