How to Make a Bet

For those who have never been to a bookmakers, putting a bet on can be a daunting experience. However, even if you're not much of a gambler, there will always be occasions when you might feel like a flutter, such as for the Grand National or other major sporting events.

Here's our handy step by step guide to placing a bet at a bookmakers, with additional advice for online betting. As the majority of first time bettors are taking a gamble on the Grand National, we have used placing a bet on for a horse race as our example; however bets for other sports and events will follow the same rules.

Making a Bet at the Bookmakers

1. When you go into the bookies, you should see some betting slip holders or dispensers around the walls of the shop. Pick one of these blank forms up.
2. Decide whether you want an each way bet (meaning the horse must be placed - coming in the first 2, 3 or 4 horses, depending on the size of the field) or a bet to win (meaning the horse has to finish first). An each-way bet is twice the cost as a win bet, as the stake goes on the horse both to win, and to be placed.
3. Write your stake, the type of bet, the name of the horse, and the race on your blank betting slip. For example:
   "£10 win, Royal Auclair, 3.45 Aintree"
   or
   "£5 each-way, Royal Auclair, 3.45 Aintree (total stake £10)".
4. Go to the counter to pay for your bet. The odds you get will be the official starting price, declared after the race. However, you can choose to back the horse at the price currently offered by the bookmaker, by saying that you wish to 'take the price'. This will guarantee you the odds that are on offer at the time, so even if the horse's price drops later on, you will still collect at the larger price. Of course, the converse is also true, and you will lose out if the odds subsequently lengthen before the race starts.
5. After paying for your bet, you'll be given a copy of your betting slip which you should keep, to allow you to collect your winnings.
6. If you win (or are placed in a each-way bet), go back to the bookmakers and present your betting slip to collect your winnings. However, if you lose, simply tear up your ticket - there's always next time!