Betting 101.
Up close and personal.
Experience the excitement of every race as you take a deeper dive into the sport's ins and outs from the people who know it best - the Railbirds.
The minimum basic bet is $2. Feel free to bet more if you wish. It’s entirely your choice.
Choose a horse based on its name, number, or color for a fun approach. Alternatively, select a horse by considering the jockey’s or driver’s record, or the horse’s past performance. A race program, available for a small fee, provides this information for every horse and race. While it’s not essential, it can be very helpful!
• : Your horse must finish first.
• : Your horse must finish first or second.
• : Your horse must finish first, second, or third. Once you’ve mastered the basic bets, you’re ready to explore other bet types like the Daily Double, Exactor, Triactor, Superfecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, or Pick 6. These bets add more excitement and the potential for higher winnings.
Once you’ve decided on the dollar amount, horse, and bet type, head to the betting window and say:
: Woodbine
: Race #1
: $2
: #7
: Win Put it all together and say: “Woodbine, race 1, two dollars on number 7 to win.” The teller will collect your money and print your ticket. Check your ticket to ensure it’s the bet you wanted.
When using a Self-Serve Terminal, follow these steps:
1. Deposit money via dollar bills, voucher, or Cash Card.
2. Select the track you wish to bet on: Woodbine.
3. Choose the Race Number: Race #1.
4. Enter the Bet Amount: $2.
5. Select the Horse Number: #7.
6. Choose the Bet Type: Win.
7. Tap the “Finish With Receipt” button.
8. Verify your ticket to ensure it’s the correct bet. This process ensures you have placed your bet accurately and are ready to enjoy the race.
How to play
the Odds
HOW TO PLAY THE ODDS
Understanding how betting odds work can help you make more informed bets. Here are some examples of how a $2 bet pays out at various odds:
| ODDS: | 1/2 | 8/5 | 2/1 | 7/2 | 5/1 | 10/1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAYS: | $3 | $5.20 | $6 | $9 | $12 | $22 |
Example:
A 10/1 bet pays out $22. Here’s how it works:
• A $2 bet x 10 equals $20.
• Plus, you get your original $2 bet back.
• Total payout: $22.
Where to Find the Odds:
Odds are displayed beside the horse’s number on TV monitors around the track, on the in-field board, or within the racing browser on the website.
Understanding the Odds
• Favoured Horses: The more favored a horse is by bettors, the lower the odds and the lower the payout.
• Less Popular Horses: Less popular horses have higher odds and offer a higher payout.
By understanding these odds, you can better gauge the potential return on your bets and make choices that align with your betting strategy.
Exotic Bets.
These exotic bets add an extra layer of excitement compared to basic bets. The potential payouts are higher, making them even more thrilling!
Bigger Payouts for Exotics
Payouts for exotic bets are determined by the amount wagered in each pool. Keep an eye on the TV screens for payout information once the races are official.
Pick the top 2 finishers in a race in the exact finish order. $2 Exacta – horse numbers 1,2 = Cost $2
Pick the top 3 finishers in a race in the exact finish order. $2 Trifecta – horse numbers 1, 2, 3 = Cost $2
Pick the top 4 finishers in a race in the exact finish order. $1 Superfecta – horse numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 = Cost $1
Pick the winners of 2 consecutive races. $2 Daily Double – horse numbers 1,1 = Cost $2
Pick the winners of 3 consecutive races. $1 Pick 3 – horse numbers 1, 1, 1 = Cost $1
Pick the winners of 4 consecutive races. $1 Pick 4 – horse numbers 1, 1, 1, 1 = Cost $1
A few things to keep in mind...
When betting on horse racing, always consider the following statistics:
• Favourites “WIN”: only 32% of the time.
• Favourites “PLACE”: (come in first or second) only 53% of the time.
• Favourites “SHOW”: (come in first, second, or third) only 67% of the time.
Smart bettors, whether beginners or experts, always read the fine print. Our lawyers wanted us to remind you that these tips are intended as a guide only. These tips are based on historical results and do not represent actual or implied future performance.
Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to place a bet.
Boxed Exotic Bets.
When you “box” an exotic bet, your selected finishers can finish in any order. Unlike a typical exotic bet where the exact order is required, a boxed bet offers more flexibility.
Exacta Box
Pick the top 2 finishers in a race. They can finish in any order within the top two positions. $1 Exacta Box – horse numbers 1, 2 = Cost $2
Trifecta Box
Pick the top 3 finishers in a race. They can finish in any order within the top three positions. $1 Trifecta Box – horse numbers 1, 2, 3 = Cost $6
Superfecta Box
Pick the top 4 finishers in a race. They can finish in any order within the top four positions. $1 Superfecta Box – horse numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 = Cost $24
