How to Place a Win, Place or Show Bet for a Horse Race

It is exciting spending a day at the track. As the horses are making that final turn, the entire crowd comes alive as they cheer on their horses and jockeys. But if you don't know how to bet, it can be a bit intimidating. Here is how to make a "win, place, or show bet" on a horse.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach a betting window or computer betting interface at the track. If this is your first time betting, it's probably better to place the bet with someone behind the betting window as they will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. You also may go to a computer, which is usually situated near the betting windows.

    • 2

      Tell the teller which race you would like to bet on.

    • 3

      Inform them of the amount of money you would like to bet. When you bet a horse to "win, place or show," you are actually placing three bets on your horse. This is also called "across the board." So if you say $2, know that the actual cost of the bet is $6 because you are giving yourself 3 chances to win money and thus placing three bets.

    • 4

      Select the horse that you are betting on and inform the teller at the window. Your dialog would be something like "In race 1, I want $2 on the 4 horse to win, place or show."

    • 5

      Pay the window teller your money and collect your ticket. Check that your ticket is correct before leaving the window.

    • 6

      Watch the race and see if your horse finishes first, second or third. If it does, return to the ticket window and collect your winnings.