How to Make an Off-Track Bet

Off-Track Betting (OTB) parlors are a popular means for horse racing fans to wager on the sport. There are OTB branches in most states that allow individuals to make a bet on any racetrack in the country. Here are some basic guidelines for making an off-track bet, either online or at an OTB tele-theater.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Familiarize yourself with common wagering terms, such as win-place-show, exacta, daily double, quinella and trifecta, before making an off-track bet. Websites, such as New York City OTB, feature a glossary of horseracing terms. (See link in Resources.)
2. Search your local Yellow Pages or the Internet to find an OTB parlor in your area where you can make your off-track bet.
3. Visit any OTB parlor to make your bet, or make it online. You'll find information such as racetrack odds, scratches, jockey colors and horse numbers displayed on video terminals and racing forms or on OTB websites.
4. Select a racetrack, the particular race (or races) you want to bet on and the horse's name or number. Decide on the dollar amount you want to bet and the type of bet you want to make.
5. Verify your bet's accuracy. Check your ticket or, if making a bet by telephone, have the operator read back the information.
6. Consider opening a telephone betting account that allows you to access any OTB parlor. The toll free telephone number enables you to make all types of bets at any racetrack. Look for your winnings in your betting account once the race results are official.
7. Set up your telephone betting account by completing an application that verifies you're at least 18 years old. Applications are available online at any OTB website.
8. Make the required $300 minimum deposit at an OTB branch location with a check or money order, by transferring money from your checking account via OTBPay or with an EASYOTB cash advance.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've made a bet either online or at an OTB parlor, you can't cancel or revise your wager.