Horse Race Betting 101

Compiled By: Jack Erwin

There are a variety of reasons to get into horse racing: it’s “the sport of kings,” all the horsies are pretty, the jockeys look funny. But really, horse racing is best for two things: drinking and gambling. The drinking is self-explanatory—everybody likes a few pops on Saturday afternoons (and Thursday, Friday, and Sunday as well), right? And as for the gambling, betting on the ponies takes the best part of slots (the ability to win a bunch of money on a small bet), minus the worst part of slots (there’s actually some skill involved), plus the best part of roulette (jumping around like a methed-up cheerleader as the object of your wagering affection goes around in circles) to create an experience that’s better than any casino. What’s not to like? Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to get started.

What are the Odds?

How the Bets Work

What the scene is like