Across the board betting is a type of wagering in the world of horse racing, where the bettor puts one bet on a horse to win, place, and show. If the horse wins, the bettor collects three separate payouts; one for the win, one for the place and one for the show. If the horse only places or shows, the bettor will still be paid for those respective positions. Across the board betting is a popular way of wagering on the outcome of a horse race and can provide the bettor with some value in their wagers.
What Does Across the Board Mean?
The term “across the board” refers to a bet that covers all three of the possible outcomes in a horse race – win, place, and show. This type of wager is quite different from a straight bet, which only covers a single outcome.
With an across the board bet, the bettor is essentially making three separate bets at the same time. For example, if a bettor puts an across the board bet on a horse at 8/1, they would be placing three separate bets at 8/1 – one to win, one to place, and one to show.
The payout for each of the three bets will depend on the odds of the horse. If the horse wins, the bettor will receive the win portion of the payout. If the horse only places or shows, the bettor will still receive a payout, but it will be reduced due to the lower odds.
Benefits of Across the Board Betting
Across the board betting can be a great way to increase the value of your wagers. This type of bet covers all three possible outcomes of a race, so if your horse does well, you will be paid out for all three bets.
This type of wager is also popular because it can provide some insurance against a horse not performing well. If your horse only places or shows, you will still receive a payout, albeit a reduced one. This can help to limit your losses if the horse does not perform as expected.
Drawbacks of Across the Board Betting
While across the board betting can provide some value to your wagers, it is important to note that it can also be a costly type of bet. This is because you are essentially making three separate bets at the same time. The total cost of the bet will depend on the odds of the horse, so it can be more expensive than a straight bet.
It is also important to note that the payouts for across the board bets can be lower than what you would get with a straight bet. This is because the payouts are reduced when the horse only places or shows.
How to Calculate Payouts for Across the Board Bets
Calculating the payout for an across the board bet can be a bit tricky. The total cost of the bet will depend on the odds of the horse, but the payouts can also vary depending on the order of the horses in the race.
To calculate the payout for an across the board bet, you will need to multiply the odds of the horse by the following amounts:
- Win: The odds multiplied by $2
- Place: The odds multiplied by $2.10
- Show: The odds multiplied by $2.20
For example, if the odds of the horse are 8/1, the total cost of the bet would be $24 (8 x $3). The payout for the win portion would be $16 (8 x $2), the payout for the place portion would be $17.20 (8 x $2.10), and the payout for the show portion would be $18.40 (8 x $2.20).
Tips for Across the Board Betting
Across the board betting can be a great way to get some value out of your wagers, but it is important to remember that it can also be a costly type of bet. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your across the board bets:
Do Your Research
Before making any wagers, it is important to do your research. Make sure you understand the odds of the horse and the payout structure for across the board bets. This will help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Set a Budget
It is important to set a budget when making across the board bets. This will help you to manage your bankroll and ensure that you do not overspend.
Check the Odds
It is also a good idea to check the odds before making your bet. This will help you to determine if the bet is worth the cost.
Take Advantage of Offers
Many online sportsbooks offer special bonuses and offers for across the board bets. Make sure to take advantage of these offers when available.
Conclusion
Across the board betting can be a great way to get some value out of your wagers. This type of bet covers all three possible outcomes of a race, so if your horse does well, you will be paid out for all three bets. However, it is important to understand the costs and payouts associated with this type of bet before making any wagers. By following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of success when making across the board bets.