Horse racing is not only thrilling to watch but is also one of the most popular sports to bet on around the world. In fact, when looking at the crowds of spectators filling the grand stands at any given horse race, one can be quite certain that the large majority of those spectators have placed a wager of some kind on the race.
Generally, as is common with all gambling, only a certain portion of them will win, but it’s not just simple “luck” that causes this. There are, in fact, a number of basic tips and strategies that one can employ to help ensure wins, and also increase the overall payout.
Find the Best Bookmaker
A good bookmaker is crucial. Look for licensed and reputable bookmakers who offer horse racing as part of their sportsbook. Some are specific to location and may also offer special promotions and bets for certain venues and events.
Always Do Your Research
As with all sports betting, and gambling in general, learning the game, its rules, and the players, is always a smart first step.
When betting on a horse, it is therefore best to know its general information, such as the history of its races, health and performance, the type of tracks it does best on, the jockeys involved, etc.
Look into as many aspects and factors as you can to help ensure that when you place your wager, it is backed up by informed decision rather than a mere “hunch” or pure luck.
The Nap Of The Day
This is a common term used by horse racing tip sites, sportswriters, and bettors, to refer to their top selection for horses in certain races and events each day. Doing a quick web search will bring up many of these sites, which often contain extensive tip-sheets, and many people rely solely on their predictions when betting.
Try Placing Different Bets
Once you have a solid understanding and handle of placing bets, try some light experimenting with different wagers involving different odds and higher payout. This can help both in practice and in forming your own betting strategies.
Go For The Best Odds
While it can be tempting to rely on just one bookmaker that you trust, different bookmakers will usually offer different odds for each horse in a race. Finding the bookmakers with the best odds can vastly improve the payout potential.
Odds are generally also a far safer and more reliable guide to make betting choices than, say, judging the performance of a horse over one or two races.
Gamble Responsibly
It may seem like an old cliché, but responsible gambling and bankroll management is an integral core strategy of successful gambling.
Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can potentially, and almost certainly be highly destructive to one’s finances, and therefore their over-all life and well-being.
Set strict loss limits, make informed decisions, manage the frequency of your gambling, and learn to know when to quit.