Betting systems

Almost every amateur gambler (and many professional ones too) try their hand at betting systems at one point or another. There are four basic types of system as far as horse racing is concerned, none of which is scientifically proven to work one bit in the long term.

The first style of system involves consistently making the same type of bet, regardless of form or other factors. This may be always backing favourites or second favourites, always backing certain jockeys or trainers, betting against the favourite and so on.

The second style of system takes this a step further by adding another factor which must be favourable for the bet to take place – only on heavy going, or only when one of the top 10 jockeys is riding, for instance.

The third style of system is similar to the chameleon approach to casino betting – following trends that seem to be working. This may mean going with the market, in-form jockeys or horses carrying penalties following easy wins in their last outing.

The fourth and final ‘system’ is not really a system as there is no pattern to the betting, but it is the only real sensible way to approach the game (apart from taking tips from people who have a proven track record for backing winners!). It involves closely looking a the form, the runners, the riders, the trainer, the owner, the conditions, the odds, the betting and any other factors to come to a judgement about which horse or horses represent good value for money for a certain bet.

Whilst many claim to have perfected gambling systems that are guaranteed to make the punter money every time, do not be fooled. These are nothing more than traps for mugs and gambling addicts and will cause only misery in the long run. Wherever you see the term ‘guaranteed’ your first reaction should be one of suspicion. Horse racing is a very inexact science. There are far to many outside influences at work to ever be able to predict winners with more than a limited degree of surety.

Trial based research has however shown that certain systems do operate with a greater degree of profitability than others.

Second favourite each way in fields of eight runners: This is one of the most popular systems and involves betting on the second favourite each way in a field of eight runners. It gives the punter three chances of success to five chances of failure.

Odds on favourites: These won’t bring you massive returns and are not really worth it for financial gain unless you are betting huge sums of money. However, betting on an odds on favourite is a about as safe a way as there is of enjoying watching a race.

Staking plans: Any staking plan is fraught with financial risk, since no plan can turn an unprofitable approach to betting into a profitable one. Staking plans should therefore be avoided, unless they involve stopping betting to cut your losses when on a losing streak.

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