Figure Out To Calculate Horse Racing Odds Articles | Horse Betting

By: Richard Bleuze

 Figure out to calculate horse racing odds

Around the world, horse racing is a popular sport. Especially in English speaking countries.  Calculating winning horse odds is not really that difficult.  To find the odds on your horse race bet, just use a simple formula.  Below is such a formula to calculate the horse odds.

First, learn how to read the tote board.  A tote board provides the odds for upcoming horse races.  The tote board is a large board displayed at the race track.  The tote board will display the number of the horse, the race, and the current odds.  Just remember, the odds on a horse can change in minutes as money is placed on the various horses prior to the horse race.  For example, if you see a horse with odds of 2:1 it means that for every dollar you bet on that horse to win the race, you win two dollars.  If a horse has a large odd, say 30:1, the less likely the horse will win.  If this happens, the horse with long odds is called a long shot.  When the horse you bet on wins, you also win back your stake.  So, if you bet $1 on a 2:1 shot you get back your $1, plus your win of $2.

Secondly, work out the betting pool and know what the betting pool is prior to your bet.  Remember, the betting pool affects the odds and how much money is actually paid out to those who bet on the winning horse.

You should know and calculate the track's cut.  Horse racing tracks take a cut from the betting pool.  It can range from a low of 10% to a high of 30%. The track's cut goes towards the profits of the track such as paying the prize money to the race winners and the running of the track.  If the track you are at has a take of 10 percent, then the prize pool of $1,000 is actually $900. To work this out multiply 1,000 by 10 percent to get 100. Then subtract 100 from 1,000 to get 900.

You can use the odds to make a simple calculation in your head to determine the amount that you will receive if the horse you selected wins.  Say for example, that your horse has odds of 4:1.  Thus, with a $2 bet, you will receive $10.  Calculating the odds is simple: the odds multiplied by the bet added to the original amount that you put up for the bet.

Once you know how to calculate the odds, try betting using exacta and trifecta wagers.  Exacta bets require that you pick the first and second-place winners of a race.  In a trifecta you pick the first, second, and third place horses. In most cases, the odds can work in your favor in bring home the bacon.  If one of the horses that you choose has greater odds, but the other two are favorites, you will still win a decent amount.

Calculate the odds always to make the most money at the racetrack.  In most cases, taking a chance on a few horses with greater odds can offer big payouts.

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