Horse racing is an exciting sport and one of the oldest forms of gambling. Betfair is one of the world’s leading online betting exchanges. It allows players to bet on horse racing and other sporting events. In this article, we’ll explain how Betfair works for horse racing and how you can get started.
What is Betfair?
Betfair is an online betting exchange, which means that it allows players to bet against each other. It doesn’t function like a traditional bookmaker in that it doesn’t take any commission or take any risk on any of the bets. Instead, it takes a small commission on winning bets. This makes it attractive to many players, as they can get better odds than they would with a traditional bookmaker.
Betting Exchange vs. Traditional Bookmaker
The main difference between a betting exchange and a traditional bookmaker is the way the bets are settled. With a traditional bookmaker, they take the risk of losing the bet. This means they set the odds to ensure they make a profit regardless of the outcome of the race. On the other hand, with a betting exchange, the player sets their own odds and the other players can either accept the bet or offer their own odds. This means that the odds are often more favourable for players.
Getting Started with Betfair
Getting started with Betfair is easy. All you have to do is create an account, make a deposit and you’re ready to go. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to search for the horse race you want to bet on and choose your bet type. You can bet on the horse to win, place or show, or you can choose a forecast or tricast.
Understanding the Odds
When you place a bet on a horse race, you’ll be given odds. These are expressed as fractions, such as 2/1 or 5/2. The first number is the amount you’ll win if your horse comes in first, while the second number is the amount you’ll bet. For example, a bet of 2/1 means that if your horse wins, you’ll get back double your stake plus the original stake.
Betting Strategies
When betting on horse racing, it’s important to have a strategy. This could include researching the form of the horses, the track conditions and the jockeys. You might also want to consider betting on multiple horses in a race, rather than just one. This way, you’ll give yourself a better chance of winning.
Placing a Bet
Once you’ve chosen your bet type and odds, you can place your bet. You’ll need to enter the amount you want to bet and confirm the bet. Once the race is over, you’ll be able to see if you’ve won or lost.
Conclusion
Betfair is a great way to bet on horse racing. It’s easy to get started and you can get better odds than you would with a traditional bookmaker. Just remember to research the form of the horses, the track conditions and the jockeys before you place your bet. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to turn a profit.