Horse racing is a sport that holds a significant place in the national psyche of the UK. In terms of attendance figures, it is second only to football.
With such a huge number of races taking place throughout the year, it is hardly surprising that a majority of us like to indulge in a flutter every now and again.
But how exactly do bookmakers arrive at the odds they offer for each race?
Let us start at the very beginning. Choose any horse race, and you will find that the actual number of runners participating is considerably less than the number initially entered.
As the race day draws nearer, there is a greater likelihood of horses being withdrawn or declared.
Final declarations, for the most part, are made at 10 am on the day before the race, and it is then that the official list of runners is compiled.
Each runner is then assigned odds by the bookmaker, either on the day of the race or earlier.
These odds represent the likelihood of your chosen horse winning, and they can fluctuate until mere seconds before the start of the race.
But what factors contribute to this ever-changing calculation of odds?
Odds Calculation: An Explanation
When it comes to determining the odds for any horse in any race, the bookmaker must take a variety of factors into consideration.
To start with, there is a team of individuals who work behind the scenes known as Odds Compilers. Their job is to set the most appropriate price for each runner.
The process looks like this…
- Bookmakers evaluate each horse’s past performance, considering factors like speed, form, class, distance, track conditions, and jockey/trainer combinations.
- The current conditions of the race are assessed. This includes the course condition, weather, and any other factors that could influence the race outcome.
- Each horse is assigned a handicap based on its past performance and current conditions. A handicap is essentially a numerical representation of the horse’s chance of winning.
- The bookmaker converts the handicaps into probabilities. These probabilities reflect the bookmaker’s estimation of each horse’s chance of winning the race.
- The probabilities are then converted into odds.
The formula: Odds = (1 / Probability) – 1.
For example, if a horse has a 25% chance of winning (0.25 probability), the odds would be (1 / 0.25) – 1 = 3. This then appears as 3/1 in fractional odds.
Bookmakers then add an overround to the odds. This is a margin to ensure they make a profit regardless of the race outcome.
This is done by adjusting the odds slightly in the bookmaker’s favour.
Once the initial odds are set, they can be adjusted based on market movements. If a lot of people are betting on a particular horse, the bookmaker may reduce the odds on that horse to limit potential losses.
Bookmakers may also adjust odds based on expert opinions or insider knowledge that may not be reflected in the statistical analysis.
The final odds are presented to the bettors. These odds represent the bookmaker’s best estimate of each horse’s chance of winning, adjusted for profit margin and market movements.
All odds are calculated to ensure that bookmakers make a profit through databases, statistics, and mathematical models. In essence, a computer determines the odds.
However, bookmakers aim to set the odds in a way that attracts bets on all possible outcomes, ensuring they make a profit regardless of the race result.
Other Factors to Consider
Bookmakers cannot assign odds arbitrarily. Competition from others in the industry means that they also have to provide value.
If their odds are too short, punters will seek better odds elsewhere. Conversely, if their odds are too long, their profit margins are reduced, and they cannot remain in business.
It is noteworthy that the larger races have the most accurate odds since there is significantly more information available.
Gold Cup runners are easier to price up than runners in smaller mid-week races, particularly those that are unknown.
Additionally, the amount of information available means that bookmakers know which horses are more likely to attract bets. The more money placed on a horse, the shorter its odds become.
Bookmakers must ensure they can still make a profit regardless of who wins, even if there are a few exceptionally high bets.
However, it is undoubtedly better for them if the favourite does not perform well.
Calculating Your Odds
The rule of thumb is that if a horse has odds of 6/1 or lower, there is no point in backing it each way. Even if it places, you will not win back more than you bet.
Bookmakers pay out each-way wins at a quarter or a fifth of the odds.
For instance, a horse is on odds of 4/1. You place £1 each way on it. If it does not win but comes in second, your £2 bet (£1 each way) will now only be worth £1 since you lost the win part. The quarter odds for the place will only return 25p.
Therefore, although you spent £2, you will only walk away with £1.25, which is marginally better than placing a £1 bet on the horse to win and receiving no returns.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to check our Odds Calculator to determine how much you could potentially win before placing a bet.
It is also recommended to shop around for the best odds since bookmakers compete with each other, and some may offer more attractive odds than others.
BETFRED OFFER
GET £40 IN BONUSES WHEN YOU STAKE £10
Always Do Your Homework
Moreover, it is important to note that betting on horse racing involves a degree of risk.
The odds may be calculated based on various factors, but there is no guarantee that the favourite will always win.
Many unexpected outcomes occur in horse racing, which is what makes it so thrilling and unpredictable.
In conclusion, horse racing is a popular sport in the UK, with a considerable number of people placing bets on races.
BETFRED OFFER
GET £40 IN BONUSES WHEN YOU STAKE £10
The bookmakers determine the odds based on a range of factors and employ sophisticated computer models to calculate them.
However, betting always involves a degree of risk, and you must exercise caution when placing bets.
By understanding the factors that influence odds, you can make informed decisions and potentially increase your chances of winning.
