How to Choose a Bookmaker
Complete guide to racing markets, bet types, and Australia's biggest race days
Horse racing is one of the most popular betting markets in Australia, with major events attracting millions of bets each year. From metropolitan meetings in Sydney and Melbourne to regional tracks across the country, racing runs almost every day of the week and offers a wide variety of betting options for punters.
Australia's racing industry is built around three main codes: thoroughbred racing, harness racing, and greyhound racing, with thoroughbred racing attracting the largest number of Aussie punters.
- Australia's Biggest Race Events
The races that attract millions of bets
Melbourne Cup
November
Australia's most famous race, often called 'the race that stops a nation'
The Everest
October
One of the richest turf races in the world
Cox Plate
October
A prestigious weight-for-age championship race
Golden Slipper Stakes
March
The world's richest race for two-year-olds
Pro Tip: Major race days often come with enhanced promotions from bookmakers, including bonus bets, boosted odds, and money-back specials. Check our site for the latest offers.
- Racing Bet Types
Australian bookmakers offer a wide range of betting options on races
Simple Bets (Great for Beginners)
Win Bet
A bet on a horse to finish first
Example: Bet $50 on Horse #5 to win at odds 3.50 = $175 return if it wins
Place Bet
Your horse must finish in the top 2 or 3 positions depending on the field size
Example: In an 8-horse field, top 2 pays. In 12+ horses, top 3 pays
Exotic Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)
Each-Way Bet
Two bets combined: half on the win, half on the place
Example: $50 each-way = $25 on win + $25 on place. You get a return if horse places even if it doesn't win
Exacta
Pick the first and second horse in exact order
Example: Horse #3 first, Horse #7 second - both must finish in that order
Quinella
Pick the first and second horse in any order
Example: Horse #3 and #7 in top 2 - order doesn't matter
Trifecta
Predict the first three horses in exact order
Example: Horse #3 first, #7 second, #12 third - all must be in exact order
First Four
Pick the first four horses in correct order. This can produce very large payouts
Example: All four horses must finish in the exact order predicted. Difficult but very rewarding
Special Note: First Four
The First Four bet can produce very large payouts because getting all four horses in the correct order is extremely difficult. It's not uncommon to see First Four dividends of $10,000+ on major race days. Start with simpler bets while learning the form.
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