New to horse racing betting? Discover the best horse racing bets for beginners. Gain experience with easy-to-understand bet types like win, place and each-way bets.
Simple Bets That Make Sense
Getting into horse racing betting can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s no need to jump into complicated bet types or longshot strategies when you’re just starting out.
Instead, begin with simple, beginner-friendly bets that help you build confidence while still enjoying the thrill of the race.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best horse racing bets for beginners, explain how they work, and show you how to get started with a smarter, simpler approach.
What Makes a Good Beginner Bet?
As a beginner, the best bets are those that are:
- Simple to understand
- Low risk (or at least, not high risk)
- Widely available across all races
- Easy to settle—you either win or you don’t, without confusing terms
The goal isn’t to get lucky on a huge payout your first time around. It’s to understand the basics, learn how races unfold, and develop a feel for what works.
Top 4 Horse Racing Bets for Beginners
Here are four bet types that offer a great starting point.
1. Win Bet
This is the most straightforward bet in horse racing. You simply pick a horse, and if it wins the race, you get paid.
- Example: You bet £5 on Horse A at odds of 4/1. If it wins, you earn £20 profit plus your £5 stake = £25 return.
- Why it’s good for beginners: You only need one thing to happen > your horse finishes first.
2. Each-Way Bet
An each-way bet is two bets in one:
- One bet on the horse to win
- One bet on the horse to finish in a “place” (e.g. top 2, 3 or 4, depending on the race)
If your horse wins, both parts of the bet pay out. If it just places, you still get a return. Usually at reduced odds (like 1/4 or 1/5 of the win price).
- Example: £5 each-way = £10 total bet
- Horse wins at 10/1 = full win and place payout
- Horse finishes 2nd or 3rd = place part only pays
📚 Want more detail? Read Each-Way Betting Explained
3. Place Bet (Where Available)
With a place bet, you’re only betting on your horse to finish in the top few positions, not to win outright.
- Usually available at online bookmakers or betting exchanges
- Lower risk, lower reward, but a great way to build early success
- Particularly helpful in large-field races with lots of unpredictability
4. Forecast / Tricast (Optional, for Fun)
Once you’re feeling confident, you might want to try a forecast (picking the first and second horses in the exact order) or a tricast (first, second and third). These offer much bigger returns but are much harder to win.
- Best saved for races where a few horses clearly stand out
- Often played with small stakes for fun
Tips for First-Time Punters
- Start small. Don’t stake more than you’re willing to lose.
- Keep a record of your bets and outcomes
- Watch a few races before jumping in
- Stick to well-known racecourses and events as a starting point
- Never bet just because of hype. Look for horses with form or course history.
Where to Place Your First Bet
Placing your first horse racing bet is easier than ever online. At Mobile Wins Sports, our racecards show you every runner, the latest odds, and clear betting options like “Win” or “Each-Way.”
Once you’ve picked your horse and stake, the bet slip does the rest—showing you exactly what your potential return would be.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a deep knowledge of racing or years of experience to enjoy betting on horses. Start with simple bets, learn how odds work, and build your confidence one race at a time.
👉 Explore our full Horse Racing Betting Guide to understand odds, strategies, and how to place smarter bets.
