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BETTING GUIDE FOR A FIRST TIME GAMBLER

Coming to the race track first time can be quite confusing with so much going on and the regulars just minding their own business and rattling to all type of number combinations to the teller.

Your first step should be to buy the racing program. These are usually available right at the entrance. On the program there is often a short betting guide included, you should read it. Some racetracks even have a booth with someone helping first time gamblers to navigate. If you will see one, don't be scared to take advantage of it!

In top of the page in each race in your program the classification of the race is written. There is also a line telling what type of bets you can make for the race. In every race you can bet a horse to win. Smallest amount you can bet is $2. Winning odds for each horse in the upcoming race are flashed in a monitors around the track and in the big tote board inside the track. The bigger the odds less likely it is for the horse to win. But if he DOES you will profit nicely..

Other bet in almost every race is called exacta. You need to pick two horses who are going to be 1-2 in the race. Exacta pools are always popular and will return the gamblers nice profit if you get the right combination! Most races also have a bet called triple, now you need to choose 3 horses most likely to finish in right order. Payouts for the triples are often huge!

The safest bet you can make is called show bet. In show betting you will pick a horse who will be on the top 3 finishing no matter where. If you play $2 to show for a favorite and the horse will be on top 3 you will be lucky to make a dime profit!

Some races also have a so called quiniela bet, now you need to pick 4 horses in order. Yes you guessed it, not so easy but if you do, the payout will make you smile!

In addition to these bets there pick 2, pick 3 all the way to pick 6 and in those you need to pick winners in consecutive races.

Every horse will have so called "morning line" odds in the race program. These odds are put together by a professional handicapper and will show how much you would make with $2 bet. Those odds are just a guide line but if the horse is 15-1 or higher he is considered as a long shot and not very likely to win.

Odds will change until the betting windows will close for the race and final calculations are done. Sometimes final odds can change significantly after all the simulcast money from other locations was counted in!

Handy tools while picking winning combinations can be the expert picks and you can purchase some selections on the track or even in the internet today.

But remember to still look at the horses and pick the one you like! Some times that is the best (and easiest!) way to go and it has been said that beginner's have the best luck doing it!

Have fun at the track!

Learn more about this author, K Bert.
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