1. General Rules
1.1 Bet Placement
Bets can be placed up to the post time of the race. Once the horses are off, all betting is closed.
1.2 Post Time
The scheduled start time of the race when horses arrive at the starting gate. Bets are accepted until the horses leave the gate.
1.3 Post Positions and Entry Numbers
Horses are identified by their entry numbers, which usually correspond to their post positions. Each horse's number is listed in the racing program.
1.4 Minimum Bet Amounts
The minimum bet amount varies by bet type and is specified on the betting platform.
1.5 Dead Heat Rules
In the event of a dead heat (tie), the payout will be divided by the number of horses involved in the dead heat.
2. Types of Bets
2.1 Straight Bets
Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.
Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
2.2 Across the Board
A combination of Win, Place, and Show bets on a single horse.
2.3 Exotic Bets
Exacta: Bet on two horses to finish first and second in exact order.
Quinella: Bet on two horses to finish first and second in any order.
Trifecta: Bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third in exact order.
Superfecta: Bet on four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in exact order.
Daily Double: Bet on the winners of two consecutive races.
Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Pick 6: Bet on the winners of three, four, five, or six consecutive races.
3. Types of Horse Racing
3.1 Flat Racing
Races on a level track without obstacles. These races are usually short distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 2 miles and are the most common type of horse racing.
3.2 Jump Racing (National Hunt)
Races that involve hurdles or fences. These races are typically longer than flat races and include hurdles, steeplechases, and point-to-point races.
3.3 Harness Racing
Races where horses trot or pace while pulling a driver in a sulky (a lightweight cart). This type of racing is popular in North America and Europe.
3.4 Endurance Racing
Long-distance races that can span 50 to 100 miles or more. These races test the stamina and endurance of both horse and rider.
3.5 Quarter Horse Racing
Short-distance races, typically around a quarter mile, where speed is the primary focus. These races are popular in the United States.
4. Special Markets
4.1 Matchup Bets
Bet on a horse to finish ahead of another specific horse in the race.
4.2 Futures Bets
Bet placed on the outcome of a future event, such as the winner of the Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes).
4.3 Propositional Bets
Special bets on specific outcomes within a race, such as the margin of victory.
5. Payouts and Limits
5.1 Full Track Odds
Payouts are based on the odds offered at the host track, subject to the sportsbook’s maximum payout limits.
5.2 Maximum Payout Limits
Payout limits vary by track category (A, B, C, D, E). For example, Category A tracks have a maximum payout of $15,000 per race, while Category E tracks have a maximum payout of $2,000 per race.
6. Scratches and Refunds
6.1 Scratches
If a horse is scratched (withdrawn) before the race, bets on that horse are refunded. In multi-race bets (Pick 3, Pick 4), scratched horses are usually replaced by the post-time favorite.
6.2 Refunds
Bets on horses scratched from the race will be refunded automatically. If part of a coupled entry is scratched and the other part runs, all bets stand unless the track rules otherwise.