Ever wondered how to bet on horses? Horse racing is steeped in a rich history of annual racing events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup. Smaller races take place almost daily around the country during peak season.
Horse racing betting can seem confusing to the first time bettor. There are many different types of bets, strategies, and ways to win. Without a doubt, it’s best to start simple and progress slowly. The following is a brief guide to different types of horse bets.
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How to Bet on Horses
Horse Betting Futures Odds
|
Horse |  TwinSpires |
|---|---|
| Journalism | 7/2 Bet |
| Sovereignty | 6/1 Bet |
| Luxor Cafe | 10/1 Bet |
| Sandman | 10/1 Bet |
| Citizen Bull | 12/1 Bet |
| Burnham Square | 14/1 Bet |
| Rodriguez | 14/1 Bet |
| Tappan Street | 14/1 Bet |
| American Promise | 15/1 Bet |
| Grande | 16/1 Bet |
| Tiztastic | 18/1 Bet |
| Coal Battle | 20/1 Bet |
| East Avenue | 20/1 Bet |
| Publisher | 25/1 Bet |
| Admire Daytona | 30/1 Bet |
| Chunk Of Gold | 30/1 Bet |
| Final Gambit | 30/1 Bet |
| Built | 40/1 Bet |
| Flying Mohawk | 40/1 Bet |
| Owen Almighty | 40/1 Bet |
| Neoequos | 50/1 Bet |
How to Bet on Horses
Time needed: 1 minute
How to Bet on Horses
- Select a licensed and regulated US horse betting site
SportsBetting3.com has reviewed and ranked the top US legal horse betting sites operating in most US states.
- Open a new betting account using a bonus code
Open a new betting account with one of our promo codes. Be sure to enter your personal details correctly, including your cell phone number and last 4 of your social security number for identity verification purposes.
- Fund your online horse betting account
Choose from Visa, MasterCard, or Discover where available, or use bank transfer, EZMoney ACH, PayNearMe, PayPal, or other popular deposit methods.
- Choose a race track and upcoming race
Review the horse betting site’s list of horse tracks and upcoming races. Morning line odds are typically available about 3-5 hours before wagering begins.
- Place a wager on one or more horses
Bet Win, Place, or Show on one or more horses, or try an exotic horse wager like an exacta, quinella, trifecta, superfecta, or daily double.
The most basic horse bets are the Win, Place and Show bets. Others include the Trifecta, Superfecta, Exacta, Quinella, Daily Double and Pick bets.
Win Bet
The Win bet is picking a horse to finish first. The payout depends on the horse’s odds before the race. Win bets on longshot horses will pay more than heavy favorites.
Cost: $2
Place Bet
The Place bet is picking a horse to finish second. The bet also pays if your horse finishes first.
Place bets usually pay less than a successful win bet unless a longshot horse finishes in the top two.
Cost: $2
Show Bet
The Show bet is picking a horse to finish third. The bet also pays if your horse finishes first or second.
Cost: $2
Win Place Show or “Across the Board”
Add a win, place and show bet on the same horse into one combination bet.
Some horse bettors place Across the Board bets on multiple horses.
Race results determine your payout. The bet pays the most if your horse finishes first. You would collect on all 3 bets. The bet pays the least if your horse finishes third. You would only collect on your show bet and lose your win and place bets.
Cost: $6 (3 bets x $2)
| Horse Finishes | Winning Bets | Losing Bets |
|---|---|---|
| First | Win,Place,Show | None |
| Second | Place,Show | Win |
| Third | Show | Win,Place |
| Fourth or worse | None | All |
How to Place a Win Place Show Bet
- Horses will be listed on the left. The next “ML” column contains the odds.
- Click each checkbox in the bet column that corresponds to your horse. In this example, the bettor has chosen Atiello with 6/1 odds to Win. Make sure to click Atiello’s boxes for Place and Show to complete the wager.
- Follow this procedure for other horses. Click the checkbox corresponding to each horse and wager.
- Notes: You can pick multiple horses for each bet type. These additional wagers cost more money.
Win-Place and Place-Show Bets
Win-Place
Add a win and place bet on the same horse into one combination bet.
Place-Show
Add a place and show bet on the same horse into one combination bet.
Some horse bettors place these bets on multiple horses. Race results determine your payout.
Win-Place bets can be a good substitute for exactas and quinellas. Use this bet when you’re confident there are only 1 or 2 horses that can win.
Cost: $4 (2 bets x $2)
More Info
Read more about Win Place Show betting.
Trifecta Bet
Select three horses to finish first, second and third. Final order matters.
Your trifecta wins if the horses finish in the exact order you specified.
Cost: $1
How to Place a Trifecta Bet
- Select “Trifecta Bet”.
- Horses will be listed on the left. The next “ML” column contains the odds.
- Select the first, second and third horses. Final order matters. In this diagram, the first horse has 2/1 odds, the second horse has 10/1 odds, the third horse has 12/1 odds.
- Notes: Your 3 horses must finish in the order you specified. Advanced bettors should consider a Trifecta Wheel bet. This bet allows multiple horses to be added to each finishing key.
More Info
Read more about Trifecta betting.
Superfecta Bet
Select four horses to finish first, second, third and fourth. Final order matters.
Your superfecta wins if the horses finish in the exact order you specified.
Cost: $1 or 10 cents
How to Place a Superfecta Bet
- Select “Superfecta Bet”.
- Horses will be listed on the left. The next “ML” column contains the odds.
- Select the first, second, third and fourth horses. Final order matters. In this diagram, the first horse has 4/1 odds, the second horse has 5/1 odds, the third horse has 6/1 odds, and the fourth horse has 12/1 odds.
- Notes: Your 4 horses must finish in the order you specified. Advanced bettors should consider a Superfecta Wheel bet. This bet allows multiple horses to be added to each finishing key.
More Info
Read more about Superfecta betting.
Exacta Bet
Select two horses to finish first and second. Final order matters.
Your exacta wins if the horses finish in the exact order you specified.
Cost: $2
How to Place an Exacta Bet
- Select “Exacta Bet”.
- Horses will be listed on the left. The next “ML” column contains the odds.
- Select the first and second horses. Final order matters. In this diagram, the first horse has 2/1 odds. The second horse has 5/2 odds.
- Notes: Your 2 horses must finish in the order you specified. Advanced bettors should consider an Exacta Wheel bet. This bet allows multiple horses to be added to each finishing key.
More Info
Read more about Exacta betting.
Quinella Bet
Select two horses to finish first and second. Final order does not matter.
Your quinella wins if both horses finish in the top two.
Cost: $2
How to Place a Quinella Bet
- Select “Quinella Bet”.
- Note the horses in the race, listed on the left. The next “ML” column lists the odds.
- Select two horses to finish first and second. Final order does not matter. In this diagram, the two horses have 5/2 and 8/5 odds, respectively.
- Notes: Your 2 horses must finish in the top two. Order does not matter. Advanced bettors should consider a Quinella Box bet. This bet allows multiple horses to be included in one wager.
More Info
Read more about Quinella betting.
Daily Double Bet
Select the winners of two different races.
Your Daily Double wins if both horses win their races.
Cost: $2
How to Place a Daily Double Bet
- Select “Daily Double Bet”.
- Note the horses in each race, listed on the left. The next “ML” column lists the odds.
- Select a horse to win each race. In this diagram, our two horses have 5/1 and 6/1 odds.
- Notes: Your 2 horses must win their races. Advanced bettors should consider a Daily Double bet. This bet allows multiple horses to be added to each finishing key.
More Info
Read more about Daily Double betting.
Pick 3, 4, 5, 6 or More Bets
Pick bets are similar to the Daily Double Bet. Choose the winners of 3, 4, 5, 6 or more races. All selections must be correct to win.
The odds of picking 3 or more race winners is remote. Successful bettors will receive substantial payouts.
More Info
Read more about Pick 3, 4 or 6 betting.
FAQs on How to Bet On Horses
The Win bet is picking a horse to finish first. The final payout depends on size of the win betting pool less the track’s commission and your horse’s odds on your ticket.
The Place bet is picking a horse to finish second. The bet also pays if your horse finishes first. The final payout depends on size of the place betting pool less the track’s commission and your horse’s odds on your ticket.
The Show bet is picking a horse to finish third. The bet also pays if your horse finishes first or second. The final payout depends on size of the show betting pool less the track’s commission and your horse’s odds on your ticket.
Combine a win, place, and show bet on one or more horses into one bet. Each bet costs $2 or $6 total per horse. All 3 bets win if your horse finishes first. You win less if your horse winds up second or third. All 3 bets lose if you horse finishes fourth or worse.
Combine a win and place bet on one or more horses into one bet. Each bet costs $2 or $4 total per horse. Both bets win if your horse finishes first. You win less if your horses finishes second. Both bets lose if your horse finishes third or worse.
Combine a place and show bet on one or more horses into one bet. Each bet costs $2 or $4 total per horse. Both bets if your horse finishes second or better. You win less if your horse finishes third. Both bets lose if your horse finishes fourth or worse.
Choose three horses to finish first, second, and third in the order you specified. Final race order matters. Trifectas cost $1 each.
Choose four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in the order you specified. Final race order matters. Superfectas cost $1 each or as little as 10 cents.
Choose two horses to finish first and second in the order you specified. Final race order matters. Exactas cost $2 each.
Choose two horses to finish either first or second in any order. Final race order does not matter. Quinellas cost $2 each.
Choose the winners of two different horse races. Both horses must win their races for your bet to win. Daily doubles cost $1-$2 each.
There are three types of trifecta bets: straight trifecta, trifecta box, and trifecta wheel. The wheel bet can be wagered as a full wheel or part wheel.
There are three types of superfecta bets: straight superfecta, superfecta box, and superfecta wheel. The wheel bet can wagered as a full wheel or part wheel.
Horse Betting Resources
- Horse Racing Betting Tracks – Complete list of today’s thoroughbred horse races and harness races from major United States tracks and raceways, plus a select list of Canadian and Latin American tracks.
- Horse Betting Sites – We’ve reviewed the finest legal US horse racing betting sites, offering our own insights and guidance on where to place a bet. Don’t forget to claim your bonus code.
- How to bet on Horses – We’ve made horse racing betting easy, giving you a basic rundown of the win, place, show, and win-place-show bet. You’ll also learn how place a trifecta, superfecta, exacta, or quinella bet.
Exotic Horse Bets
- Exacta Bet – Bet on two horses to finish first and second in the order you specify. Like other exotic bets, you can box or wheel an exacta bet.
- Quinella Bet – This bet is similar to the exacta, except you’re picking two horses to finish first and second in any order. That means they could finish A-B, or B-A, and your quinella would still win. You can also box or wheel a quinella.
- Trifecta Bet – Bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third in the order you specify, or try a trifecta box or trifecta wheel bet.
- Superfecta Bet – It’s hard to win a superfecta, which is a bet on four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in the order you specify. Hitting a superfecta box or superfecta wheel bet might be easier.
- Daily Double Bet – Pick the winners of two consecutive horse races from the horse track’s list of eligible races. For more flexibility, you can try a daily double wheel bet. You can’t box a daily double bet.
- Pick 3, 4, 5, or 6 Bets – Pick the winners of 3, 4, 5, or 6 consecutive horse races. Like the Pick 3, you’ll need to review the horse track’s list of eligible races before placing this longshot wager. You can also wheel a Pick bet.
Kentucky Derby Resources
- Kentucky Derby Betting Odds – Odds to win this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Learn how to bet on the Kentucky Derby.
- Kentucky Derby Trifecta Picks – See our trifecta picks for this year’s Kentucky Derby, with prerace commentary and updates before the Derby.
- Kentucky Derby Betting Sites – Best legal online horse betting sites that accept Kentucky Derby wagers, plus last minute race picks.
Preakness Stakes Resources
- Preakness Betting Odds – Odds to win this year’s Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan, with a quick guide to how to bet on these two exciting annual horse racing events.
- Preakness Trifecta Picks – We’ve got a trifecta picks for this year’s Preakness Stakes, offering you the chance to improve your odds with an efficient trifecta wheel bet.
- Preakness Superfecta Picks – If you’re feeling lucky, try our Preakness superfecta part wheel bet, where you’ll key in sets of horses and try to nail the right finish. Though it’s notoriously an elusive bet to win, the potential payout is extremely lucrative.
- Preakness Betting Sites – Last minute picks and the best places to place an online wager for the Preakness Stakes this year.
Belmont Stakes Resources
- Belmont Stakes Betting Odds – See odds to win this year’s Belmont Stakes. If a horse has won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, a Triple Crown will be on the line.
- Belmont Stakes Trifecta Picks – Check out our trifecta part wheel picks for the Belmont Stakes. A part wheel is easier to win than a straight trifecta bet.
- Belmont Stakes Superfecta Picks – Picks for a winning Superfecta Part Wheel at this year’s Belmont Stakes.
- Belmont Stakes Betting Sites – Legally bet on this year’s Belmont Stakes from the comfort of your home with our highly regarded online horse betting sites, then have a look at our last minute race picks.
- Belmont Stakes Trends – Review Belmont Stakes trends before placing a bet. Find out which post position is the most likely to produce a winner.
Breeders’ Cup Resources
- Breeders’ Cup Betting Odds – Odds to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic and other top-tier events from this seminal horse racing event that serves as the capstone for each racing season, with juvenile race winners likely to be Triple Crown contenders the following year.
- Breeders’ Cup Distaff Betting Odds – See the latest odds to win the Breeders’ Cup Distaff race, held on the Saturday afternoon just before the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
- Breeders’ Cup Mile Betting Odds – Enjoy the thrill of the often underrated Breeders’ Cup Mile, a stunning race held early Saturday afternoon before the main event.
- Breeders’ Cup Turf Betting Odds – Another great race on the undercard, the Breeders’ Cup Turf showcases the world’s top horses on grass. Get the latest odds before the race goes off Saturday afternoon.