How To Bet on Horses – UK Guide For Beginners

Horse racing can be an entertaining way for many to engage with sports betting. If you’re new to this area, it’s important to know that it involves more than just placing a hasty bet. Learning the basics can help ensure a more enjoyable experience.

This Bet442 beginner’s guide will help you understand different types of horse racing bets, where to place them, and how to interpret odds. Whether you aim to bet on local races, or the bigger events like the Grand National, this introduction can provide you with the essential knowledge needed to get started.

How To Pick Horses To Bet On

Picking a horse to bet on may seem tricky at first, but understanding the factors that contribute to a horse’s performance can help you make more informed choices. Remember, betting is a mix of chance and knowledge, and any winnings can never be guaranteed.

Start by researching the form of the horse. This refers to recent performance and health. A horse that has performed well in its last few races might continue to do so, but remember that past performance does not predict future results.

Look at the jockey and trainer records. A skilled jockey or a knowledgeable trainer can significantly impact a horse’s performance. Even the best horses can falter with inexperienced handling, so consider the experience level of those involved.

Take note of the race conditions. Different horses perform better on certain types of ground (soft, firm, etc.). Understanding how specific horses have fared under similar conditions can offer useful insights.

Lastly, check the odds. While higher odds might be more tempting due to the potential for a larger payout, they typically indicate a lower likelihood of winning. Balancing the potential risk and reward is an essential part of the betting experience.

Types of Horse Racing Bets

There are many ways to bet on horse racing, each offering a different experience. Understanding these types of bets can help you choose the option that best suits your preferences. Here’s a quick guide to the common types of horse racing bets you might encounter in the UK.

Single

A bet on one horse to win a race.

Double

A bet on two horses in separate races. Both must win to collect a payout.

Treble

A bet on three horses in different races. All must win for a payout.

Accumulator

An accumulator is a bet that combines four or more selections into a single bet. For the accumulator to result in a payout, all selections must win.

Trixie

A Trixie is a combination of four bets involving three different selections: three doubles and one treble. To get a return on a Trixie bet, at least two of the three selections must be successful.

Patent

A Patent is a combination of seven bets involving three selections: three singles, three doubles, and one treble. This bet type covers all possible outcomes, meaning you can get a potential return even if only one of the selections wins.

Yankee

A Yankee is a combination of 11 bets involving four selections: six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. For a return, at least two of the four selections must win.

Lucky 15

A Lucky 15 is a combination of 15 bets involving four selections: four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. This bet type ensures that even if only one selection wins, you still get a return.

Canadian

A Canadian, also known as a Super Yankee, comprises 26 bets involving five selections: 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, and one five-fold accumulator. For a return, at least two of the five selections must win

Lucky 31

A Lucky 31 is a combination of 31 bets involving five selections: five singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, and one five-fold accumulator. This bet type allows for a potential return even if only one of the selections wins.

Super Yankee

See Canadian.

Heinz

A Heinz is a combination of 57 bets involving six selections: 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds, and one six-fold accumulator. For a return, at least two of the six selections must win.

Lucky 63

A Lucky 63 is similar to a Heinz, but includes singles. It comprises 63 bets involving six selections: six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds, and one six-fold accumulator. This bet type allows for a return even if only one of the selections wins.

Super Heinz

A combination of 120 bets (21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, 7 six-folds, and one seven-fold) on seven selections.

Goliath

A combination of 247 bets on eight selections, covering doubles, trebles, 4-folds, 5-folds, 6-folds, 7-folds, and one-eight fold.

Round Robin

A Round Robin bet involves a combination of 10 bets across three different selections. This type of bet includes 3 doubles, 1 treble, and 6 up-and-down single stakes. The up-and-down single stakes are conditional bets, where the outcome of one bet can affect the stake placed on another. Unlike some other types of combination bets, a Round Robin does not involve straight singles, focusing instead on these more complex permutations. This structure allows for potential returns from multiple outcomes within the same set of selections.

Forecast

A bet predicting the first and second horses in the exact order.

Reverse Forecast

A bet predicting the first and second horses in either order.

Union Jack

A Union Jack is a system bet made up of eight trebles on nine selections arranged in a 3×3 grid. The trebles are formed by selecting three horses in different combinations across horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines within the grid.

Each-Way

A bet that has two parts: a win bet and a place bet. You can potentially win from both, or just the place part.

Placepot

A Totepool bet where you try to pick a horse to place in each of the first six races at a meeting.

Jackpot

A Totepool bet where you try to pick the winner of six specified races, usually more challenging.

Quinella

A Quinella is a bet where you try to predict the first two horses to finish in a race, but they can finish in any order. However, it’s important to note that the term “Quinella” is not typically used in the UK betting market. In the UK, the equivalent bet is called a Reverse Forecast, which works in the same way— trying to predict the first two horses to finish in any order.

How To Bet on Horses

Betting on horses can vary depending on the bookmaker you choose, but the basic steps remain quite similar across the UK. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started.

First, select a reputable sportsbook where you’d like to place your bets. You can go to a physical betting shop or use an online platform. Make sure the bookmaker is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) for a safe and secure experience.

If you’re betting online, you’ll need to create an account. This usually involves providing some personal information and might include an age verification process. Some bookmakers also offer mobile apps for added convenience.

Next, you’ll need to deposit funds into your account. Most bookmakers accept various payment methods such as debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. It’s essential to set a budget beforehand to ensure responsible gambling.

Locate the race you’re interested in. Online platforms typically have easy-to-navigate sections that list upcoming races, making it easy to find and select your desired event.

After choosing the race, decide on the type of bet you want to place. Enter the amount you wish to wager and confirm your selection.

Finally, after the race concludes, check the results to see if your bet was successful. Most online platforms update the results immediately, while physical shops may have boards displaying the outcomes.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to understanding how to bet on horses in the UK.

Horse Racing Odds Explained

Understanding horse racing odds is crucial for placing informed bets. Odds represent the potential return on your wager and the perceived likelihood of a horse winning a race.

Fractional Odds

In the UK, fractional odds are most common. They are displayed as fractions, such as 5/1 or 7/2. The first number indicates the potential profit from a successful bet, while the second number shows the stake. For instance, if you bet £1 at odds of 5/1 and the horse wins, you’ll receive £5 in profit plus your original £1 stake, totalling £6.

Decimal Odds

Some places might also offer decimal odds, which may be simpler to understand. They display the total potential return for every £1 wagered, including the stake. For example, odds of 6.0 mean you’d receive £6 on a £1 bet if the horse wins. Decimal odds can be more straightforward for quick calculations.

Odds-On and Odds-Against

An odds-on favourite has odds less than evens (e.g., 1/2), implying it is more likely to win, but the potential payout is smaller. Conversely, odds-against horses have higher odds (e.g., 5/1), indicating a less likely chance to win, but offering potentially higher returns.

By understanding these basic concepts, you can better interpret the odds and decide which horses to back.

How Many Places Are Paid In Horse Racing?

The number of places paid in horse racing can vary depending on the bookmaker and the specific event. This detail is crucial for each-way bets, where you can potentially earn a payout even if your horse doesn’t finish first.

Standard Place Terms

Generally, for races with up to seven runners, the top two places are paid. If there are between eight and 15 runners, the first three places are usually paid. In handicap races with 16 or more runners, the first four places are typically covered.

Special Events

For major events or promotions, bookmakers might extend the number of places paid. So, it may be a good idea to check the specific terms offered by your bookmaker for each race.

Variable Terms

Remember, terms can differ between bookmakers, so review the specific rules each time you place a bet. This ensures you understand how many places are paid out for the particular race you are betting on.

Bet on Horse Racing at Bet442

Join Bet442 for a straightforward and engaging horse racing betting experience. Our platform offers a user-friendly interface, excellent customer service, and a wide variety of horse racing events to bet on. 

At Bet442, you can explore different types of bets, from singles to accumulators. Sign up at Bet442 to enjoy an inclusive and responsible betting environment regulated by the UKGC, ensuring safe and secure play.

Please gamble responsibly.

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.