First time flutter? For many people, having a flutter (bet) can add to the thrill and excitement of horseracing. Bets can be placed off-course via a betting shop or the internet, or on-course via the Tote, a betting shop or a bookmaker.
Betting off-course You don’t have to be at the races to enjoy a bet. In fact, there are thousands of betting shops throughout Britain. In a betting shop, you can choose to bet on any racemeeting of the day, and bet at smaller stakes than on-course with a bookmaker.
Here’s how to place a bet in a betting shop: 1) Choose your horse, type of bet and the amount you want to wager 2) Fill in a betting slip (as shown) and hand it over the counter with your money 3) Your betting slip will be registered and you will receive a carbon copy 4) You will need to present your copy of the bet after the race in order to collect any winnings.
Internet betting Betting online is quite simple. There are a growing number of betting websites where you can register and open a betting account. Funds can usually be deposited from either a debit or credit card. Any winnings are credited to your betting account and can be transferred at any time into your bank or credit account.
Betting at the races The Tote offers pool based bets, where all bets form a pool of money that is shared amongst the winners. Check the Tote screens for an estimated dividend for your selection. Your final dividend will be known when the pool closes at the beginning f the race. Here’s how to place a bet with the Tote. 1) Go to Tote kiosk-there’s one in each enclosure 2) State the race number, the number of your chosen horse, the bet type, the amount, and hand over your cash 3) You will be given a ticket detailing your bet, which you will need to present to collect any winnings. e.g.: “Hi, can I please have a £2 each-way bet on race one, horse number five, for a total bet of £4.â€
Racecourse betting shop Betting in a racecourse shop is much the same as having a flutter in any high street betting shop – see “Introduction to betting†for more details.
Bookmakers Betting with bookies is very simple, with two easy bets on offer, win and each-way.
How to place a bet with a “Bookie†1) Pick the horse you think will win 2) Check the bookmakers’ boards – the odds for a horse will appear beside the name. These odds may differ from bookie to bookie. 3) Choose a bookmaker and state the number of the horse, the bet you wish to place, the amount, and hand over your cash 4) The bookie will register your bet, and you will receive a betting slip or ticket 5) You will need to present your ticket to collect any winnings. e.g.: “Hi, can I please have a £5 win bet on horse number two.â€
ON THE DAY
What to do 1) Arrive: Once you have entered the course, the first thing to do is buy a “racecardâ€. This details the races to be run and the form of each horse 2) Explore the Course: Look around! Search for good spots to watch the races, nice bars and restaurants – a lot of courses also provide additional entertainment 3) Parade Ring: Be sure you see the horse close-up as they parade prior to racing 4) Pick a Winner: If you do intend placing a bet, the five minutes prior to the race is the most popular time 5) View the Race: Viewing races from different positions is a great idea. Consider positions in the grandstand, close up on the rails, beside a fence obstacle for jumps racing, or perhaps a trip to the start 6) Winner’s Enclosure: Greet the winners and place-getters as they return from the race 7) Celebrate: It’s time to head to that favourite bar or restaurant and celebrate your win!
Handy tips Ø Set off in plenty of time as traffic can be heavy Ø Walking the course before the first race can be fun – it gives you an idea of what is in store for the horses and jockeys Ø Remember to take a newspaper or buy a racecard at the course for a list of the runners and some expert advice. The Racing Post is available from newsagents and at most courses on the day Ø Take a pen to jot down your selection Ø You may like to take a pair of binoculars if you fancy watching the racing closely Ø Cameras are a good idea, but don’t take flash photography as this can upset the horses Ø Mobile phones are OK, however their use within the betting ring is discouraged Ø Clothing should be comfortable, and warm enough if you are going to be standing outside on the course for long periods Ø It’s also likely you’ll be walking around quite a bit, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
