Racing Bookmaker - Horse, Harness and Greyhound
Harness, Horse and Greyhound racing are all on offer for betting enthusiasts if they select the right racing bookmaker. Selecting the right racing bookmaker comes down to whether or not they offer the races you are interested in and the odds on offer. However it is also important to know that racing bookmakers are subject to regulations which they must abide by. This includes all bookmakers must be over the age of 21 and it is compulsory that they have a minimum of six months experience as a bookmaker's clerk. They must also have a gambling license.
From those interested in only placing a $1 bet to the high rollers staking thousands, racing bookmakers are able to offer the standard racing bets including the Win/Place, Quinella, Trifecta, Exacta and Multiples. Majority of bookmakers will also offer a variety of exclusive betting options limited to their website. Particularly with racing, these exclusive bets often offer punters great odds. However some bookmakers will only offer bets on domestic races while others will provide betting options for both national and international races. So before deciding on which bookmaker to choose, take a look at the different races on offer to see if your particular race or track is included in their options. To avoid being scammed by a bookmaker, check whether any previous punters have had their accounts restricted due to their betting success. Stay away from these bookmakers, as they are more focused on their earnings rather than providing a service to serious punters.
Horse races offered by bookmakers:
- Maiden - For horses who have not yet won a race, the top races being the Maiden Special Weight races.
- Claiming races - A race in which every horse can be bought or "claimed" out of the race. The punter must put in a request prior to the race and afterwards they are the new owner. This is risky as the previous owner will claim the prize money and pass the horse on even if the horse gets injured in the race or even if it dies.
- Allowance races - Horses in these races are not for sale however the payouts are normally much higher. There are set conditions and specific weights the horses must carry. This type of race is typically held for horses who are non-winners in majority of their races.
- Stakes races - The best of all horse races which is restricted only for the top horses. These races produce the largest pay outs and can be either local or major races. The top stake races are graded from 1 to 3 with 1 being the best races e.g. Melbourne Cup. There are no restrictions on these races apart from age and sex.
- Oaks - A race specifically held for 3 year old fillies.
- Derby - Only 3 year old colts may race in a Derby.
- Sprint race - A race under one mile with normally only one turn.
Greyhound races offered by bookmakers:
- Group Races (1 & 2) - Top grade dogs which compete at major race events with average race speeds around the track of 38-39 miles per hour.
- Group Races (3 & 4) - Middle graded dogs, which run regularly at some of the best tracks with average race speed of 37-38 miles per hour.
- Group Races (5 & Maidens) - Most dogs begin and finish their racing careers at this level with an average race speed of 35-37 miles per hour.