How to in play horse betting
Better known as in running betting, because you place bets on the horses while they are racing rather than beforehand, in play horse race betting has very exciting potential. Speed is of the essence, both in your reading of a horse race and how it may unfold and when trying to get a bet. Let’s first review the key points:
- You won’t find in play betting on horse racing through a fixed odds sportsbook.
- Instead, it is available on betting exchanges where you take on other bettors instead of a bookmaker.
- Be aware that the exchange will charge you a commission on any winnings you receive.
- You could win bigger by betting on the exchanges, but also lose more than on a standard bet.
- Weighing up those pros and cons is a matter of individual choice, and exchange betting isn’t for everyone.
- You can back horses to win and lay them to lose through the exchanges.
You may have to make mistakes along the way, just like you did when learning the ropes of fixed odds betting. We are now going to assess some of the factors that are important to in play horse race betting and making it work for you.
What you need to know before starting in play horse race betting
In order for in play betting on horse racing to be worthwhile, you have to know your stuff. No other sport in the world is so entwined with gambling like horse racing. Many of the usual betting strategies and even the
best horse racing system
applies here, but with some additional extras. You still have to do your homework if you want to make informed choices and stand a greater chance of finding winners - even with the best
horse racing sign up bonus.
With the knowledge from your research, you can avoid betting on a horse that often takes an early lead but usually fades before the end. On the other hand, your pre-race research can help you bet on a horse known for maintaining its lead until the finish line. When you see such a horse take the lead, you can confidently place your live bet, knowing this strong contender is likely to keep up the pace all the way to the finish.
Be aware of the horses’ previous performance on a track
There is more to in play betting than just knowing the form. Being aware of what horses did last time out or when they previously raced at this particular track is a start. There is merit in the old saying: horses for courses. Knowing whether a certain venue plays to a racehorse’s strengths takes on even greater importance with in-play betting.
Understand the terrain of the racing course
Well, different tracks - as well as the conditions in which a race is being run - can ask very different questions of horses. If the course is a tight and narrow one, then the race will always be on the turn, and the home stretch is going to be short. These tracks are all about speed normally, but what if there is lots of rain in the hours before a race? All of a sudden, there is a greater emphasis on stamina as the dirt or turf track turns sloppier or muddier.
Courses with long home stretches or hills to climb up the finish test horses in a different way. These are often battles of endurance, especially if the race develops approaching or round the turn for home. Frontrunning types can get caught as they tire by horses that stay further than the race distance. That is where in play betting comes into its own.
If you’re an experienced bettor, you probably already understand the importance of having an in-play horse racing strategy. However, for a newcomer to live horse racing betting, who wants to increase the chances of success, you need to develop a strategy. Always start by knowing which horses are favorites to win before placing any bets. Check the latest odds before the race begins. This allows you to make informed decisions as the race progresses, rather than reacting impulsively to every development during the live horse race.
Though in-play horse race betting is dynamic, having a solid strategy, and an understanding of the horses' chances helps you avoid unexpected outcomes.
Watch out for horses coming from off the pace
It is sound in play horse racing strategy to watch those running in behind the leader(s) who may be waiting to pick them off. This scenario doesn’t always play out. Sometimes, a frontrunner has the grit and determination to grind things out and set their own sectionals perfectly. That takes great skill and confidence from the jockey on board who must have total faith in the horse and its reserves of stamina.
Just as often, however, their judgment can be wrong. It follows that horses racing behind leaders have to trade at a bigger price in the run. Even if it is customary for them to come from off the pace or be ridden under hold-up tactics at the rear of the field, the jockey is giving the horse plenty to do when letting others dictate the race.
Identifying opportunities
Knowing when conditions suit and these tactics pay off is exactly the time to be engaging with in play betting on horse racing because you may have seen this happen before. If other bettors are ignorant of that and agree to take your bet, then that is up to them. You aren’t exploiting anybody, just using your superior knowledge of a horse and its run style in the pursuit of a reward.
Using the exchanges to bet in running can supplement any regular fixed odds sportsbook, or exchange lay wagers you have made before the race got underway. That too is sensible in play horse racing strategy because you are getting more bases and potential outcomes covered. You just need to keep track of what bets you have had via which channels. This can get confusing when you have backed a horse to win on a sportsbook, then laid another you don’t fancy to lose before spotting something in running.
Best horse betting sites with In Play Racing
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The value in horse racing betting in play
Why bother with something that requires you to act so quickly? That is a good question. The answer lies in the fact that in play horse race betting will probably get you better odds than ordinary pre-race exchange wagers or regular fixed odds on the sportsbook. Yes, betting is supposed to be a bit of fun and you should always gamble responsibly, but who doesn’t want to receive a bigger return on their investment?
Horse racing betting strategies
Speed is of the essence
Timing is everything
If you can place a bet in running at the right time, namely when it looks like the horse in question is in trouble or has no chance of winning, then you could earn a reward. You need to know the horses a lot better than your standard, everyday bettor, and also have past evidence that it can rally from hitting a flat spot in order to come through the field and be in front at the line.
There is a subtle difference between that scenario and one where a horse just isn’t at the races that day. The jockey is already low in the saddle, maybe even bumping or riding them along already when the race is still developing. That is absolutely not the right time to be betting in play on the horses.
You are also relying on another bettor thinking your bet is worth taking on. Maybe they haven’t seen what you have from the horse in question in the past. You have the advantage of them though because you understand and appreciate value better than they might.
What about other horse racing betting strategies?
Away from the somewhat unique area of in play betting, horse racing has many other systems that are key to success for bettors around the world. We have taken a detailed look at some of these strategies elsewhere on the site and can give you guidance on
pick 6 horse racing
multiples offered for a day’s action at a particular track.
Elsewhere, we highlight the value of finding an each way bet so that you don’t lose out in the event your chosen horse finishes second or third in a race. There is also no shame in knowing
how to hedge bets
or use
no risk matched betting
at times, particularly if you are gambling on a big field handicap with many runners in with chances. Take a look at some sound strategic advice about those subjects too!
Our final thoughts on in play betting for the horses
We hope this in play horse racing strategy guide has proven useful for you. The key lesson to learn about this particular form of gambling is you cannot treat it like you would a fixed odds wager on a sportsbook and never has the phrase knowledge is power been more appropriate in a betting context.
Many smart bettors use in play betting on horse racing as it gives them greater returns than ordinary wagers and can be even more thrilling. There is still a margin for error of course. Just because a racehorse has come from off the pace or hit a flat spot at a key point in a race only to recover and win before, that doesn’t mean it will repeat that when you bet on it.
Horses are not machines. There is always the risk - regardless of whether you’re dealing with backing, laying or in play horse race betting - that they do not give their best on the day. You are still taking a chance when gambling in the run, but it is a pretty sweet feeling when you get it right at horse race betting sites. Don’t be surprised if in play betting on the horses develops and becomes more popular in the coming years!
Check out these Horse Betting bonuses
1.
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SEO FAQs for In-Play Horse Betting
1.🐎What is in-play horse betting?
In-play horse betting, also known as in-running betting, involves placing bets on horse races during a live game. This betting strategy is only available on betting exchanges, not through fixed odds sportsbooks.
2. 🤷🏾♂️How can I start with in-play horse betting?
To start with in-play horse betting, you must know the basics of horse racing and betting exchanges. Learn all about the horses, their form, and previous performances on specific tracks. Develop a strategy, keep track of market movements, and be prepared to act swiftly during the race.
3.🤷🏾♀️What strategies are effective for in-play horse betting?
Effective strategies for in-play horse betting include researching the horses, their past performances, and track conditions. There’s also close observation and timing to place bets at the right moments. Further, players must know how to adapt to real time developments.
4.🙎🏾♂️What are the pros and cons of in-play horse betting?
In-play betting can offer better odds compared to pre-race bets. It also provides the thrill of adjusting bets in real time based on the race's progress. However, it poses a risk of higher losses if not managed carefully. Betting exchanges also charge a commission on winnings.
