Placing A Bet
How do I place a bet on a horse?
Once you've studied the form and you've found a horse that you like, have a look at the odds. If you still like your horse at those odds, work out how much you want to stake. Remember, only bet with money you can afford to lose. Once you've done that, you can go and place your bet with a bookmakers on course or at a local shop. If you do it at a local shop, you need to fill out a slip. So you put the amount you're betting, the name of the horse, the race time, and the race course. Then hand your slip to the grumpy old woman behind the counter, make sure you give her the correct money otherwise she'll get her knickers in a twist. If you're doing it on course, you just hand over the money and you say "Ten pounds on the number four horse," and they'll give you a slip. Keep that safe.
Where can I place a bet on a horse?
In the past, you could only back a horse with your own course bookies, the tote, or at your local bookmaking shop. Now you can back a horse online, over the telephone, or even through your television.
I'm new to betting - what's the best bet to get me started?
When it comes to placing a bet, the best first bet to make is probably an 'each way' bet. Here, the odds are bigger, your chance is better, and if you win, you are more likely to enjoy the experience.
Why is one horse the favourite?
One horse is the favorite for two reasons: the first reason is because it's probably the best horse in the field, and the second reason is because everyone's been punting on it. When a steady flow of cash comes to one horse that means only one thing: price comes down.
What's the difference between betting at the trackside or in a bookies?
When placing a bet, there are differences in placing a bet trackside compared to in a bookies. Trackside is not a great deal in terms of value but it is more exciting, you can shout your horse home and generally get more excited. On the other hand, if you're in a bookies you'll probably be a bit quieter, with more people to smell.
What's the maximum amount of money I can bet on a horse?
On course, bookies have a maximum payout, normally about a grand, but your big established firms like Ladbrokes and Hills have huge amounts they can possibly pay out, but they will restrict the amount you can bet if you're a winning punter with them historically, and you might get nothing back to half your stakes sometimes.
Can I bet on more than one horse in the same race?
When placing a bet, you can bet on more than one horse in one race, and you can do it on the nose, to win. But really, you are betting against yourself. If you want to bet two or three horses in the same race, the best way to do it is pick each way, and go for big prizes.
How do I collect my winnings?
If at the horse races you either had a bet on course, through the tote, or at your bookmaking shop, you would have received a slip. Now do not lose that slip, if you do or tear it up you won't get paid out for your bet. Therefore keep it safe and go and hand it over to the person behind the cash desk or the bookmaker that you placed the bet with.
