Tote Betting in South Africa, Explained
Here is every tote bet in plain words, so you can pick the right one in seconds.
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All bets go into one pool. After the operator’s cut, the winners share the pool. Therefore, you only know the payout when the race is run.
Best for outsiders and exotic betsInstead, you take the bookmaker’s price when you bet. If it wins at 5/1, you get paid at 5/1. In other words, the market makes no difference.
Best for a well fancied horse
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Every Tote Bet at a Glance
Next, swipe through the bets, from the simplest to the biggest pools in SA racing.
Simply, your horse wins the race.
Your horse finishes in the places, which is usually the first three.
Two horses both finish in the first three, in any order, so it is forgiving.
First and second home, but in the right order.
The top three, in exact order. Consequently, small stakes can return a lot.
All four placings, in exact order. Also, it works best in big fields.
A placed horse in each of six legs. Thus, one ticket covers a full afternoon.
Simply pick the winners of four legs in a row.
Every winner across six legs. In fact, these are the biggest pools in SA racing.
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Start with a Swinger or a PA
Both forgive you a little, which is why they suit beginners. Because a placed horse is enough, you can therefore stay in the game all afternoon for a small stake. Besides, you can move on to the harder bets later.
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Tote Betting FAQ
What does tote betting mean?
Tote betting is pool betting. In short, everyone’s stakes on a race go into one pool, and after the operator’s cut the winning tickets share the pool.
What is a Swinger bet?
Specifically, a Swinger pays if your two horses both finish in the first three, in any order. Overall, it is one of the friendliest tote bets for beginners.
How does the Place Accumulator work?
Basically, you need a horse to finish in the places in each of six legs. As a result, every leg you get right keeps your ticket alive until the last race.
If you are new, these three answers cover the basics. Also, the tote and fixed odds can both win on the same race. For instance, a short priced favourite often pays better at fixed odds. Likewise, an outsider can pay far more on the tote. So, try both before you settle on one.
div>Only bet what you can afford to lose. Free, confidential help: South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, 0800 006 008. More help.