How do you bet?
First things first: you don’t have to bet to have a good time at The Trots.
But if you do want to have a go, you can keep it simple. Even a small bet on a horse you’ve picked can give you another reason to follow the race closely.
Where can you bet?
If you’re at the track, there are usually a few ways to place a bet.
You can bet on your phone using a betting app, place a bet with a tote operator, or use a self-service betting terminal where they’re available.
If you’re new to betting and want some help, a tote operator can talk you through the process.
Keep it simple
You don’t need to understand every betting option before you start. The simplest choices are usually to back a horse to win or to place.
A win bet means your horse needs to win the race.
A place bet means your horse needs to finish in one of the designated placing positions.
There are plenty of other options if you want to explore them later, but you don’t need them to get started.
What happens if you win?
If your bet wins, how you collect depends on how you placed it.
Bets made through an app are paid back into your account. If you placed a bet in person, keep your betting ticket - you’ll need it to collect any winnings.
And that’s really all you need to know to have a go. Start small, pick something you’re happy to spend, and keep it fun
The bits worth remembering
Betting is completely optional. If you do want to have a go, you can make it as simple as picking a horse you like and placing a small bet.
You don’t need to understand every betting option or spend much money to take part. If you’re unsure, ask for help rather than guessing.
Most importantly, decide what you’re comfortable spending before you start and treat betting as part of the entertainment, not the reason you’re there.
See it in action
See the basic ways to place a bet and what you need to know before having a go.