From Churchill Downs to Ascot, betting has been an integral part of horse racing for centuries, if not longer. What we can say with certainty is that modern horse betting started in the early 1600s in England, during the reign of King James I. Despite that, we can safely assume that whenever horse races occurred in ancient times in Greece, Persia, China, and Rome, there were some people who placed bets on the outcome. Today, we simply continue this rich tradition using modern solutions like online bookies.
The betting landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Modern punters are no longer confined to a single bookmaker at the track. Instead, they now have access to dozens of online sportsbooks, betting exchanges, and even crypto platforms. However, the myriad of options can bewilder some bettors, especially new ones. With each bookie offering different odds, promotions, and features, finding the best ones can be a daunting task, unless you know what you are doing. Hopefully, this article will steer you in the right direction.
Understanding Horse Betting Odds
Before starting to look for the best odds on horse betting, it is crucial to understand how they work. There are several formats in use:
- Fractional (e.g., 5/1): Popular in the UK and Ireland, showing profit relative to stake. A £10 bet at 5/1 returns £50 profit plus your £10 stake
- Decimal (e.g., 6.00): Common in Europe and Australia, showing total return per unit staked. A £10 bet at 6.00 returns £60 total
- Moneyline (e.g., +500): Used in the US, where positive numbers indicate potential profit on £100 stake
Understanding all three is a key factor in finding the best odds for your bet.
How to Compare Odds Effectively
Finding the best odds for horse betting is about one thing and one thing only: maximising your profit. That is the thing you must keep in mind at all times. The first step should always be using odds comparison sites. There are several of them, and they let you see all the odds at a glance and save a lot of time.
The second step is to monitor odds shifts, especially as the race approaches. Odd can change significantly due to many reasons, and if you can spot the change before the bookies react, you can have a huge payday.
Finally, pay attention to smaller bookies. To compete with the big boys, these small or niche platforms often try to attract punters with better odds.
Consider Crypto Sportsbooks for Better Odds
Cryptocurrencies have become an important part of both sports betting and iGaming. The advantages crypto offers over traditional fiat currencies are self-evident, and both bookies and punters are eager to take advantage of them.
Crypto sportsbooks often feature lower fees and faster payouts, both of which are highly appreciated in the betting world. That means their odds can be better for you, as they have far less overhead than traditional bookies. Also, many crypto bookies operate as a part of online casinos, offering not only betting but traditional gambling games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, among others. Using them offers punters not only access to their amazing feature, but also a chance to play a few hands of blackjack while they wait for the next race to start.
Conclusion
If you plan on making a career out of horse betting, finding the best odds is a crucial skill you must muster. Fortunately, today it is much easier than ever before. From understanding why odds differ between bookmakers to exploring crypto sportsbooks, modern punters have a variety of tools at their disposal to achieve their goals and maximise their profits on horse betting.