By Jessica Kelly


Racing horses have been the very first form of gambling dating back to the ancient times. Gambling is fun not only for winning, but for the act of taking a chance at winning. This is why people go back to casinos and other platforms of gambling when they can even after a huge loss. The best part about handicapping is how it has been turned into more of a science than an art.

Essentially handicapping is the act of trying to predict which horse is going to win. This is regardless of whether you are betting or not. Those who frequent the paddock room are either watching a race or observing one and seeing how the games go. While this may be confusing for beginners there is an addicting factor that handicapping gives race enthusiasts.

For beginners bets can go as low as two dollars. These are called straight wagers and are simple and very cheap. All you need to do is pick one to go first, second, then third. When you have one that makes the cut, you get a 6 dollar reward per horse. Place bet types and payoffs slightly better than what was mentioned previously since you only need to choose the one who goes first or second.

Other betting types are for those who have grown accustomed to this form of gambling. These are characterized as riskier bets since an exact order is required. For and Exacta, you have the option of keying three horses for a certain position. A Trifecta, which is supposedly really difficult and expensive but if you do get the right ones, then you are one lucky person.

The hardest types to bet on are those that work on almost pure luck. The rewards, if you do get it right, are massive. These are the types that people who have been gambling on horse races for a long time join. Pick 6 needs you to be really smart, really lucky and probably psychic since it requires your horse to win 6 consecutive races.

Betting on the more complicated types require you to read some sort of publication to keep track of winnings and losses. The DRF or the Daily Racing Form has all the past information about the performances of all horses running for that days program. These can cost four dollars a copy and includes informative horse racing articles.

Handicapping and choosing which horse is most likely to win is a science that takes in so many factors to consider. The jockey and trainers are one of these factors. In fact, many gamblers would bet based on who is riding the horse and if there were any changes regarding this. Some say that it is very likely that the best riders get the best horses. Take that with a grain of salt.

Yes, the race can be ruined entirely by a bad ride on the wrong mount. Another factor to consider is the race track and what it is made of. It can be turf, grass or dirt which affects how the horses run. Some are best at one track and bad at another. Knowing details like these are exactly what the charts from the DRF is for.

handicapping is a very fun hobby and has a great history. The traditional quality of this form of gambling has its own novelty. There have been many movies that chronicle life in the race tracks from back in very retro years. This is nothing like gambling in the casino since it can be enjoyed by anyone and may even pass for a family activity.




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