This page contains affiliate links. If you make a deposit through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions support content creation and ensure we can continue to provide up-to-date information.
Find out how to master win, place, and show bets in horse racing. Whether you’re an experienced horse race bettor or a beginner, this guide is for you.
Keep reading for strategies, valuable tips, and great online betting opportunities. Find out how to make win, place, and show bets, and get expert advice to enhance your horse racing experience and increase your chances of winning.
Take a look at the betting options of win, bet, and show horse racing. Understanding these different types of bets will help you to make informed decisions and enhance your horse racing betting experience. Here’s a description of each bet type:
Win Bet
Choose the horse you think will win the race (official results matter). Even if a horse seems first, rule violations can change the order.
Example: You bet $1 on ‘Horse A’ at 5:1 odds. If the horse wins, you get $5 (winnings) + your $1 bet back.
Place Bet
This bet lets you choose a horse to finish either first or second (official results matter).
Example: You bet $1 on ‘Horse B’ at 3:1 odds. If it places, you get $3 (winnings) + your $1 bet back.
Show Bet
This bet lets you choose a horse to finish anywhere in the top three (official results matter).
Example: You bet $1 on ‘Horse C’ at 2:1 odds. If it shows, you get $2 (winnings) + your $1 bet back.
Across The Board Bet
An across-the-board bet combines three wagers on one horse: win, place, and show.
Example: You place a $1 across-the-board bet on ‘Horse B’ at 3:1 odds (winnings are determined by odds). If Horse B wins, you win on all three bets. You can also use across-the-board bets on multiple horses to diversify your wagers.
Best Horse Betting Site For Win Place Show Bettors
BetOnline offers a wide range of horse race betting opportunities, from the Kentucky Derby to the Belmont Stakes, and more. The easy-to-use site offers live and in-play betting, so you can make the most of your wagers.
Racebook Rebate9% Daily
Horse Racing Free Bet$25
Wide range of races and tracks
Great live bets interface
Racebook 101 featuring tips, FAQs, rules, and track profiles
Is Win Place Show Betting Different From Exotic Betting?
Win Place Show betting is different from Exotic Betting in horse racing. The main difference between the two lies in how many horses you pick and how the bets are settled. Let’s take a closer look:
Win-Place-Show (WPS): These are considered straight bets. Pick one horse for each category (Win, Place, or Show).
Win: Your horse needs to finish first to win.
Place: Your horse needs to finish first or second to win.
Show: Your horse needs to finish first, second, or third to win.
Exotic Bets: These are combination bets where multiple horses are selected to win in a specific order. This type of bet offers potentially higher payouts, but they are much more challenging to win. Here are some common examples:
Exacta: Pick the first two finishers in exact order.
Trifecta: Pick the first three finishers in exact order.
Superfecta: Pick the first four finishers in exact order.
Parlays: Exotic Bets function similar to parlays in sports betting. You combine selections into a single bet, and all your choices must be correct to win. This payoff can be larger because it’s a more challenging bet.
On the other hand, Win-Place-Show bets are individual bets, so you can win on some selections even if others lose.
Win Place Show Bet Tips
Here are some of our top tips that will help to enhance your WPS horse racing betting skills:
Start Horse Wagering With Place Bets First
These bets are the easiest to grasp and are a great starting point. For instance, if you need more clarification about a horse’s chances, a show bet ensures a payout if it finishes in the top three. This simplicity allows you to focus on understanding the fundamentals of betting, without overwhelming complexities. Bovada offer a wide range of Win, Place, Show betting opportunities.
Begin With Small Bets
Start your betting journey with conservative wagers until you grasp the intricacies of horse betting. For example, a $5 win bet allows for minimal risk, while providing valuable learning experiences. As you gain confidence and understanding, gradually increase your wager sizes to align with your comfort level and expertise. BetOnline offers bettors the ability to bet with small amounts, as low as $1.
Research The Track, The Jockey & Past Races
In-depth research is key to understanding the complexities of horse racing. Be sure to analyze recent performances, track conditions, and historical data to make informed decisions. Take a look at how the jockey and trainer’s track records to see how often their horses win and in what types of races. Studying past races can reveal patterns and trends to inform your betting strategy. Example: If a horse has performed well on a muddy track in the past, it may indicate a good bet in similar conditions.
Helpful Guides For Other Types Of Horse Race Betting Online
Click the links below to access our expert guides for everything you need to know about how to make the best horse racing bets for a variety of races:
The Latest Horse Betting News
Click below to check out the latest horse betting news and updates from The Sports Geek.
We encourage you to gamble responsibly and consider online betting as a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss limits and time limits, and don’t bet more than you’re comfortable losing.
Here are some resources to help you, or someone you care about, gamble responsibly and get help:
This guide to win, place, and show bets has outlined the top tips for achieving success in horse racing betting. Understanding the differences in the types of horse race bets, from simpler WPS bets to more complicated exotic bets will add variety to your betting experience. Taking the time to research your favorite horse will also help you place informed bets.
We recommend BetOnline as the best horse racing sites for beginners, with its easy-to-use platform and wide range of bet types. Good luck! We’re rooting for you.
About the Author
Joe Short
Content Writer
Joe is a UK-based journalist working primarily in sports. He splits his time between Belfast and Liverpool, and has a passion for horse racing. He is also an experienced gaming writer and always has one eye on his favorite baseball team, Baltimore Orioles. His dream is to attend the Kentucky Derby one year and pick a winner at Churchill Downs.
