Punters Guide

One of the greatest advantages of attending a racecourse is that it’s the only place where you can play a part in the busy hub which is the betting ring.

By being on course, you have the opportunity to compare the different forms of betting and select which you consider is best – whether it be a bookmaker or the TAB (tote). TAB also offers a range of “exotic bets” which include trifecta, first 4, quinella and exactas. Quaddie and Big 6 betting is also available which offer the chance of winning big for a small outlay. Keep an eye out for Jackpots on the Quaddies and Big 6 which will increase the size of your dividend.

You will find plenty of bookmakers and TAB outlets in the main betting enclosures and on each level of the Members’ and public grandstands at both Rosehill Gardens and Canterbury Park

For first time punters, the basic difference between placing a bet with the tote and placing a bet with a bookmaker is:

Bookmaker

The dividend (the amount you win per dollar for a particular horse) with a bookmaker is fixed at the time of placing your bet and you will be paid this price regardless of market fluctuations before the race.

• Scenario 1
  You place $10 on “Phar Lap” at $4 for the win, 15 minutes before the race. By the time of the race starts, the bookmaker is offering only $3.50 for “Phar Lap” to win but you still collect $40 for your $10 if he wins because that was the price at the time you placed your bet.
• Scenario 2
  You place $10 on “Phar Lap” at $4 for the win, 15 minutes before the race. By the time of the race starts, the bookmaker is offering $4.50 for “Phar Lap” to win. In this case you would only collect $40 if he wins because ($4 for the win) was the price at the time you placed your bet.
   

Tote (TAB)

Tote (TAB) dividends are calculated based on the amount of money that is invested into a pool. Betting on the race closes when the race starts and final dividends are available when correct weight is declared after the race.

• Scenario 1
  You place $10 on “Pharlap” at $4 for the win, 15 minutes before the race. A lot of people fancy “Pharlap” so by the time of the race; his price has dropped to $3.10 where the less-fancied horses have drifted out in price. You would collect $31 for your $10 if “Pharlap” wins based on the price offered by the tote at the time the race jumps.
• Scenario 2
  You place $10 on “Pharlap” at $4 for the win, 15 minutes before the race. Not many people have supported “Pharlap” so by the time of the race; his price has blown out to $5.10 where the more-fancied horses have shortened in price. You would collect $51 for your $10 if “Pharlap” wins based on the price offered by the tote at the time the race jumps.

Is gambling a problem for you?  Call G-line on 1800 633 635.