The Preakness Stakes, hosted annually at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the world’s most renowned and important horse racing events. The event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions of dollars in betting action each year, drawing global attention and making it one of the most coveted horse races in the world. As the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness is no small event – so the question remains: can I still bet on the Preakness?
Preakness Betting History
Betting on the Preakness has been popular since its inception in 1873. In the early days, the majority of bets were placed on the track, with people placing bets on certain horses and jockeys they felt would win the race. In the early 20th century, off-track betting became popular, allowing people to place bets remotely and increasing the popularity of the event. As the years passed, the internet revolutionized the betting landscape, allowing people to place bets online and making betting on the Preakness even easier.
Types of Preakness Bets
There are a variety of different types of bets that can be placed on the Preakness. The most common is the win bet, in which you pick the horse that will finish first in the race. You can also place place bets, which are bets on a horse finishing first or second, or show bets, which are bets on a horse finishing first, second, or third. Additionally, you can place exotic bets, which are bets on multiple horses or combinations of horses finishing in a specific order.
Where to Place Preakness Bets
There are a variety of ways to place bets on the Preakness. If you are physically at the race track, you can place bets at the track’s betting windows. Additionally, you can place bets remotely at a variety of online sportsbooks. There are a few popular online sportsbooks, such as Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie, that offer betting on the Preakness.
How to Place Preakness Bets Online
Placing bets on the Preakness online is relatively simple. First, you will need to sign up for an account with an online sportsbook. Most online sportsbooks will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. Once you have signed up for an account, you can deposit money into your account and start placing bets.
Types of Preakness Wagers
Once you have money in your account, you can start placing bets. There are a few different types of wagers you can place on the Preakness.
Straight Bets
Straight bets are the most common type of wager. These are bets on a single horse winning the race. You can bet on a horse to win, place, or show.
Exotic Bets
Exotic bets are more complicated wagers that involve multiple horses. These bets are more difficult to win, but they can offer bigger payouts. Some of the most popular exotic bets on the Preakness include:
- Exacta: This is a bet on two horses finishing in first and second place, in the exact order.
- Trifecta: This is a bet on three horses finishing in first, second, and third place, in the exact order.
- Superfecta: This is a bet on four horses finishing in first, second, third, and fourth place, in the exact order.
- Pick 3: This is a bet on three different horses winning three consecutive races.
Preakness Betting Tips
Betting on the Preakness can be a lucrative endeavor if done correctly. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Preakness betting:
Do Your Research
Before you place any bets, it is important to do your research. Look into the history of the horses, jockeys, and trainers, and read up on recent news and form guides. This will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Know the Odds
Odds can vary greatly from one sportsbook to the next, so it is important to shop around and find the best odds for the bets you are interested in placing. This will help you maximize your potential winnings.
Don’t Chase Your Losses
If you start losing, it can be tempting to try to win your money back by placing bigger and bigger bets. However, this is a surefire way to lose more money in the long run. If you find yourself losing, take a break and come back to the betting table when you are feeling more level-headed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Preakness Stakes is one of the world’s most important horse racing events, and betting on the Preakness is a popular activity for both novice and experienced bettors. There are a variety of different types of bets that can be placed on the Preakness, and there are a few different ways to place bets, including at the track and online. It is important to do your research, know the odds, and never chase your losses if you want to make the most of your Preakness betting.