If you are new to horse racing, win, place and show bets are the simplest ways to start.
Win bets, place bets and show bets are just other names for the traditional straight bets on horse races. They are the bets people make most often since they are easy to understand.
A win, place or show bet does not usually give a big win like the more special bets do.
On the other hand, just making traditional bets lets new horse race bettors keep it simple and may be safer.
Here’s a breakdown of each:
Win Bet
There isn’t much to explain about this bet since it’s very simple to follow. You just need to back the horse in the race that you think will win it all with this type of bet.
Your selection has to be first across the finish to receive their prize. But if your horse does not win, you will not win the bet.
Place Bet
With this bet you can choose a horse that needs to place in the top two which gives you more flexibility than a win bet that expects your horse to win the entire race.
You need your chosen horse to place first or second to have your bet win. Keep in mind, only bets on place are offered in races where over five horses are participating.
Show Bet
It has a lot in common with the popular place bet. Show bets stand out because they add a chance to win for the third-place finisher in addition to the top two winners.
You are paid out if your horse secumes to be among the first three finishers. It follows that show bets give you the lowest odds, as it is more likely that you’ll win.
When all is said and done, the best bet is the one that fits the way you bet and your goals for your wager.
