How to Bet on a Live Horse Race

Horse racing is one of the most exciting sports to watch. The physical beauty and power of the horses is breathtaking and the competition and tension from the race is unbeatable. The only way to make it more exciting is the chance to win money. Betting on a live horse race is intimidating to some due to its complexity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Purchase a racing form or a program to guide you. A day at the races includes several races, often more than ten. To keep them all straight, it helps to use one of these forms, which contain all the information you need.
2. Learn to read a racing form. Everything but the horse's name is written in a type of shorthand so it can include the maximum amount of information about a horse. This is confusing to newcomers, but don't be discouraged. Ask a neighbor who looks experienced, as most racing fans are happy to help.
3. Visit the betting window and know what bets you are going to place. In a given race you will have an opportunity to place many different bets. Choose from many types of bets including: Win, Place, Show, Exacta and Trifecta.
4. Hold on to your ticket. When you place a bet, the clerk will give you a ticket as a receipt. If your bet hits, turn in the ticket for your winnings. The money you receive will depend on the amount you bet, the odds of the horse and the type of bet you placed.