All greyhound tracks in the UK and Ireland offer you the opportunity to endorse your selected dog with a bookmaker in the field. The process of accompanying a greyhound to a sportsbook is very straightforward, but it can be intimidating for someone unfamiliar with the procedure. To help the novice bettor, I have broken this process down into 5 easy steps outlined below.
1) Locate the betting ring
In the betting ring you will find the bookmakers. The betting ring is usually located along the rails in front of the main stage. Bookies will generally operate on an elevated platform with a board listing the odds of the dogs in the next race. Dogs will be numbered from 1 to 6, depending on the trap into which they have been lured. Your breed card will tell you which trap your chosen dog has been lured into.
2) Find the best price
The odds that are offered for each greyhound will differ between each bookmaker, so it is worth comparing prices to find the best price available for your selection. Odds are displayed on the board in fractional format (for example 2/1) and prices will vary according to the amount of money that is wagered.
3) How to place your bet
To place a bet, go to the bookmaker that shows the best price and indicate the amount of your bet, the type of bet (usually a winning bet) and the dog trap number. For example, you have studied the race card and decided that you would like to place a € 20 bet on the dog in Trap 5 to win the race. Once you have made your selection, you will approach your chosen bookmaker and clearly state “€ 20 Win Trap 5”. Then you give him your € 20 and he will give you a ticket with the details of your bet in exchange. Please keep this ticket in a safe place as it is your proof that the bookmaker accepted the bet and you will need to present it to claim your winnings.
4) When to place the bet
You can place your bet at any time before the race starts. More experienced bettors wait until the last seconds before the race starts to place their bets, things can get very hectic in the betting ring at this time, so if you want to avoid getting caught in the rush, it would be recommended that get your bet early and get a good position on the grandstand to watch the race. The reason experienced players leave late to place their bets is that you will often get better prices from the bookmakers the closer you get to the start of the race, once you are more familiar with placing bets, so will you. You can join in the excitement of the last minute rush.
5) Collecting your winnings
If the dog you backed to win crosses the line first, your bet is a winner! Once the stadium announcer has confirmed the result of the race, you can collect your winnings. To do this, you must return to the bookmaker with which you made your bet, give him the ticket you received at the time you made your bet and he will give you your winnings in exchange. Make sure you count your money and make sure you have been given the correct amount before you leave the bookmaker. Once you are satisfied that you have been paid the correct amount, you can leave the betting ring and go spend your winnings.
I hope you find this guide useful and that you enjoy a lot of success on the track.
