Learning the Basics of Horse Racing Betting

By: Olena

Posted: November 16, 2023

Updated: November 16, 2023

Horse racing has long been a popular sport across the globe
People like it for a number of reasons, including profit from betting
If you also want to bet and win, you should learn the basics of horse races

Horse racing has long been a popular sport across the globe. The audience has been wagering on horses since they have been running. People like it for a number of reasons, from its spectacular action to a chance to win big through betting. If you also enjoy the sport for its hidden profit potential, understanding the basics of betting on horse races is what you need. Our guide will be your ultimate cheat sheet on the process of placing a wager on horses, exploring the various types of bets, and understanding how to choose favorites. After that, you’ll be an expert in horse race betting at online gambling sites in Malaysia!

Placing Bets on Horses Step by Step

Placing a wager is quite simple, but you should understand where to start. First and foremost, it’s necessary to choose the right sportsbook. Bet365 is a good option for horse racing fans as it covers many competitions around the world. Once you're done with your account, it’s time to make the first bet!

First of all, you should learn the race program and DFR (Daily Racing Form). The first helps to learn everything about the track, and the second is about hoofed participants. Be aware of horses’ past performances, achievements, and jockeys to choose the strongest one!
Have you selected the best horse? Proceed to the type of bet you'd like to place. The most popular options include win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, etc., each having its own odds and payouts, but we'll cover them later.
Then, just set an amount and wager on your horse by confirming a bet at your sportsbook. Wait until the race takes place and receive winnings for your well-done job!

If your chosen horse is the first to cross the finish line, you'll be rewarded with a payout based on the odds and the type of bet you placed. Don’t worry – both factors will be covered in the basics of horse racing betting.

Types of Horse Racing Bets You Can Make Online

As a highly popular sport at online sportsbooks in Malaysia, horse racing offers a wide array of betting options. Depending on the bet you choose, it will affect your odds and payouts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkXW9ryIEqo&pp=ygUKaG9yc2UgcmFjZQ%3D%3D The three most common types of bets are win, place, and show – which one should you go for? Everything is clear about a win bet. As its name suggests, it requires your horse to finish first. This is the only condition for you to be paid out your winning money. It is quite a tough bet to place, as you can only choose one trotter and hope it wins. A place bet pays if your horse finishes either first or second. Such flexibility boosts your odds of getting a good payout, so most horse racing fans stick to this type of wager. The last one, a show bet, means that your favorite must finish in the top three. This bet provides exceptional chances of getting paid, but the winnings are not that impressive. Besides traditional bet types that are ideal for beginners, there are wagers offering larger payouts. If you are not afraid of risks, try your luck in exacta (two horses must finish 1st and 2nd in a precise order), trifecta (three horses must finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in a precise order), or superfecta (four horses must finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in a precise order). Still can’t get enough of the basics of horse racing betting? Learn what makes a good racehorse and go for daily double (horses must win two races in a row) or increase your stakes to Pick 3-6, where your stallions must kill it in three to six consecutive races, respectively. All the advanced horse race bets are hard to do, but they can result in significant winnings.

Basics of Horse Racing Betting: Odds

Horse racing odds are as important to understand as horse conditions. They point at the horse's likelihood of winning a race and the potential payout associated with each bet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUDgaN6iHFc&t=1s&pp=ygUKaG9yc2UgcmFjZQ%3D%3D Odds on horse racing are typically presented in three formats: fractional, decimal, and moneyline. In fractional odds, the first number represents the potential winnings, while the second points at the stake. For example, odds of 3/1 indicate that for every $1 wagered, the potential return is $3 plus the original stake if your trotter wins. Decimal odds show the total potential return, including the original bet. For example, odds of 4.00 imply that a $1 bet would result in a total return of $4, including the stake. American (moneyline) odds help you to define favorites before opening DFR, as their “-” and “+” signs show potential winners and underdogs, respectively. Check out our betting types guide to learn some advanced strategies on dealing with horse racing odds.

What Should You Know Before Betting on a Horse?

Now, you are all set to bet on your favorite horses and their jockeys. Is there anything else you should know about? Keep in mind the following factors that may influence your result and happy horse race betting!

Before placing a wager, consider various factors that can influence the outcome of a race: the horse’s physical form, past results, consistency, and suitability to the track conditions.
The expertise and track record of the jockey and trainer are other things to keep in mind while evaluating the horse's potential for success.
Check track conditions, including the surface type, weather, and layout. Certain horses may be more successful in specific conditions, such as firm or soft ground, or on a certain distance.
Keep an eye on any changes or developments related to the race, such as late scratching, jockey changes, or alterations to the track conditions. Every little detail can affect your horse’s performance, so it’s better to be aware of it!