So you've decided to get in on the exciting world of horse racing. But before you can throw down some money on the ponies, you're going to need to know what kind of bets are available and what each one means. Read on, and all will be explained.
First, let's look at the three most common types of bets. They are to win, to place, and to show.
1. To Win - You bet on a particular horse to win. If that horse comes in first place, then you win.
2. To Place - You are betting on a particular horse to either come in first or second. In Europe, three places are paid for eight or more runners, while a field of 16 will see the first four finishers considered as placed.
3. To Show - This bets covers a horse coming in first, second, or third place. In Europe, this bet is less common since the number of payout spots may differ.
Now that we've covered the three most common types of bets, let's look at a few others.
4. Each Way - Your total bet is split in two, with half being placed on a win and the other half placed on a place.
5. Combination Bet - You select between two to four horses to finish in a particular order.
6. Pick 3 - You must pick the winners of three consecutive races.
7. Pick 6 - You must pick the winners of six consecutive races. Many tracks will have the jackpot for such a bet carry over from day to day. This can often grow into the millions.
8. Reverse Forecast - A bet placed on two horses to finish in first or second, in either order.
9. Perfecta - A bet placed on two horses in which they must cross the finish line in the exact order chosen.
10. Trifecta - A bet placed on three horses to place the finish line in exact order.
11. Superfecta - A bet in which four horses must cross the finish line in exact order.
12. Daily Double - You select the winners of the first and second races of that day.
13. Parlay - A bet in which you select multiple races. If you win the first race, your winnings carry over and are wagered on the second race you bet on. If you win that, then all money carries over to the next race. You must win on all the races you bet on to cash in on a parlay.
14. Future - A bet on a horse to win a future event. These bets are usually put up at the beginning of the horse racing season and bet up or down.
Now that you know of few of the different bets that you can make, go on out to the track and try your luck. What have you got to lose? Besides money, that is.
First, let's look at the three most common types of bets. They are to win, to place, and to show.
1. To Win - You bet on a particular horse to win. If that horse comes in first place, then you win.
2. To Place - You are betting on a particular horse to either come in first or second. In Europe, three places are paid for eight or more runners, while a field of 16 will see the first four finishers considered as placed.
3. To Show - This bets covers a horse coming in first, second, or third place. In Europe, this bet is less common since the number of payout spots may differ.
Now that we've covered the three most common types of bets, let's look at a few others.
4. Each Way - Your total bet is split in two, with half being placed on a win and the other half placed on a place.
5. Combination Bet - You select between two to four horses to finish in a particular order.
6. Pick 3 - You must pick the winners of three consecutive races.
7. Pick 6 - You must pick the winners of six consecutive races. Many tracks will have the jackpot for such a bet carry over from day to day. This can often grow into the millions.
8. Reverse Forecast - A bet placed on two horses to finish in first or second, in either order.
9. Perfecta - A bet placed on two horses in which they must cross the finish line in the exact order chosen.
10. Trifecta - A bet placed on three horses to place the finish line in exact order.
11. Superfecta - A bet in which four horses must cross the finish line in exact order.
12. Daily Double - You select the winners of the first and second races of that day.
13. Parlay - A bet in which you select multiple races. If you win the first race, your winnings carry over and are wagered on the second race you bet on. If you win that, then all money carries over to the next race. You must win on all the races you bet on to cash in on a parlay.
14. Future - A bet on a horse to win a future event. These bets are usually put up at the beginning of the horse racing season and bet up or down.
Now that you know of few of the different bets that you can make, go on out to the track and try your luck. What have you got to lose? Besides money, that is.