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The third most popular sport to bet on in the U.S.A. is horse racing, which has a rich and long history. Like playing casino live games online in virtual or landbased casino establishments, horse betting is also a form of social entertainment called gambling: people pay money and prove their luck. However, to be a successful horse bettor you need not only luck, but also knowledge of various betting techniques to win and an understanding of horse betting. There have been thousands of books and guides written on horse betting over the years, but we will keep it short: here are five essential tips on how to start betting on horse races, increase your chances of winning and bring your betting to the next level.

Gamble responsibly

This rule is relevant for all forms of gambling, including betting on horse races. Even if betting on horse racing is less based on luck than playing casino games, horse racing is still a notoriously unpredictable sport. And losing control over gambling may be a serious risk to your financial security. There are some common rules on how to avoid irresponsible (and pathological) gambling. First, you need to use bankroll management, a budget for gaming. It must be the amount of money you can afford to lose. Second, never try to win back what you have lost. The desire to win back (further betting with a higher probability of winning and risk) is a very dangerous desire, which can be a sign you already got stuck in a downward spiral of gambling addiction, which can get you stuck in a debt hole even faster. And never bet on a horse just because you have already bet on it and it lost. Betting on every race in a row is also dangerous. Never underestimate the danger of gambling addiction and always be aware of it. Before getting started in betting, inform yourself about therapeutic organizations for gamble-addicted people.

Do research into the race before placing your bet

The more detailed research you do before selecting a horse to bet on, the better chances of winning you will have. Many factors may have an influence on the result of the race including the horse’s rank in her past few races and age, type of track, experience and weight of the jockey, and weather conditions. You can assess the current form of a horse by analyzing the results of at least 5-10 recent races. An important factor is the jockey’s weight. The average value of the indicator is 60 kilograms, and rookie jockeys are allowed to increase their weight to improve their balance. Knowing the nuance allows you to calculate which jockey is more experienced and has a better chance of winning.

As for the type of track, racetracks use grass, dirt, and synthetic turf. Research the type of surfaces and the horses’ performance history on those types. A surface that is too hard increases impact and can cause joint injuries in racehorses. In general, each horse performs best on a particular type of track surface. Different horses show better performances on dry tracks or track with tougher/softer turf. Take a closer look at the past performances of the horse and analyze which surfaces are the “favorites.” Unfavorable weather conditions can take away the advantage of the favorites. It is also important to consider that depending on the age of the horse, it may perform better in a sprint or a long-distance race. Younger horses have a better start and more experienced horses do better over hurdles and long-distance races.

To do research, read the form guides and inform yourself about statistics for horses and jockeys who will take part in the race. Try to find out as much information as you can about horses and their previous form and future competition you can: there are many factors to consider.

Don’t just bet on the favourite without doing research

In many cases one of the third favorites in the competition wins the race. However, each race has its features and rules and is unpredictable. Even the bookmakers may make false predictions! That’s why you should avoid lumping all the money on the favorite in the race. Instead of betting on the favorite, consider wagering on the recent winners in the race.

Incorporate different types of bets

Varying your bets means incorporating different types of bets into your betting practice. Apart from the outright victory market, there are also each-way betting markets. Multiple horse bets (betting on several horses in the race), multiple race bets (betting on several races), place bets (betting on that the horse will come on the first, second, or any of the top three, four, five places). To place a multiple-horse bet, you can either bet on two horses when the order matters (exacta) or not (quinella). Trifecta bet means you bet that the three horses you have chosen will come in the first three places in the race.

Try to focus on horse races with lower levels

Betting on horse races over jumps is more risky than betting on lower-level horse races. Especially as a beginner, you should focus on races with lower levels. Bet on races with huge fields only if you already are an experienced bettor with a background in betting.

Final thoughts

Piecing together all the details and critical statistics about the horse and the race is not easy: it is similar to collecting different types of puzzles. These six tips on how to bet on horses may help you get started in horse betting, but to make regular profits you will need much more knowledge and skill. Start following the tips above and practicing them; however, it is important to take them one step at a time: learning how to bet requires time. Never bet blindly! Once you have incorporated these tips, you may go further and learn more about horse betting strategies (we will write about them in our next article on horsenation.com). Good luck on your next bet and stay with us to know more about horse betting!