What are the odds? What do they mean?

There are many people who only bet the horses once a year, but have never mastered exactly how much a horse will pay by checking the odds.  It's explained in the front of programs at the track, but even then, it's hard to know.  And, I have to agree, thay make it as complicated as possible.  Odds are calculated to ONE dollar, and the payoffs are calculated at TWO dollars.

So, Bookie Bob will take this time to try to enlighten you on what you can expect your horse to pay.  There are THREE main things to keep in mind:

1.  5 to 1 odds means you will win $5 for every $1 you bet.

2.  The payouts listed after the race are for $2 bets.

3.  When you win, you get YOUR money back.

So, keeping those 3 things in mind. let's bet $2 on a horse that went off at 5 to 1.  The money we get back will be $12.  $5 for each $1 we bet, then our original $2 back that we bet, for a total of $12.  Simple?  If not, go back over the 3 steps again.    If you're still not clear on what you should get back when you bet, make sure all your bets go through Bookie Bob!