Virtual horse racing betting: A complete guide to odds, strategies and winning tips

Virtual horse racing has emerged as one of the most accessible forms of gambling for bettors worldwide.

While traditional afternoon and evening horse racing has been merrily ticking along for hundreds of years, virtual horse racing offers 24/7 action with competitive odds, without the risk of your selection having a meltdown in the stalls.

However, many punters still don’t trust virtual horse racing. They believe there’s too much ‘new-fangled technology’ going on in the background to feel comfortable about putting a large chunk of cash on something that isn’t flesh and blood.

Well, Grandad, it’s time to put those fears to one side, as Sports News Blitz’s Scott Allen walks you through the world of virtual horse racing and answers some questions you may have.

What is virtual horse racing, and how does it work?

Virtual horse racing uses computer-generated simulations featuring fictional horses and jockeys, but the fundamental objective remains unchanged: you need to find a winner.

Virtual horse racing’s sophisticated computer algorithms simulate realistic race conditions continuously throughout the day.

This provides the bettor with constant betting opportunities, without having to leave the comfort of their sofa or toilet seat. Yes, we all know you place bets while on the crapper.

As with traditional racing, each virtual horse receives odds that reflect its probability of winning. A Random Number Generator (RNG) determines race outcomes, ensuring fairness and unpredictability.

This RNG-based system eliminates variables that you find in real racing, such as track conditions, weather interference, horse health issues, or the jockey having a bad day.

For many bettors, it’s the removal of these more complex and intangible parts of the horse racing puzzle that makes it more accessible.

The trainer dishing some old waffle out about the horse having a slight injury before they went to the line, or that the jockey has a dicky tummy after a bad prawn bhuna the night before, are not things to worry about.

Not that jockeys really eat prawn bhunas, but you get my drift.

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What are the best strategies for betting on virtual horse races?

Being successful in virtual horse racing is pretty much the same as traditional racing.

It requires strategic thinking and disciplined bankroll management. Granted, you can’t study how much they are sweating up in the parade ring.

Here are some proven strategies that can improve your betting results:

Should you bet against a favourite?

Betting against favourites often provides better value. When you back a favourite, odds typically offer returns around one-third of your stake.

However, betting against favourites can yield returns closer to two-thirds, creating potentially more profitable opportunities despite the increased risk.

What is Dutching in virtual horse racing?

Dutching is a form of hedge betting and represents one of the most popular strategies in virtual horse racing betting.

Despite being named after New York mobster Dutch Schultz, it’s a legal way of making a profit from sports betting, not just in horse racing.

This approach involves identifying gaps in the odds and placing bets across multiple horses in a single race. You need to narrow down a number of likely outcomes in a race and then bet on several of these.

By spreading your stake strategically, you can guarantee profit regardless of which covered horse wins.

How much money should you budget for virtual racing?

Establishing a dedicated bankroll is essential for responsible gambling across all sports.

Set aside a specific amount exclusively for betting purposes, ensuring you never wager money needed for essential expenses.

This disciplined approach will protect your finances and hopefully keep you entertained through the day. Although your entertainment level will always depend on your success.

Does virtual horse history matter when betting?

Even in virtual racing, studying past performance patterns can reveal insights.

Analysing a virtual horse's historical behaviour and performance trends can help you identify optimal betting opportunities.

It may even highlight patterns that may influence future race outcomes.

Is betting on multiple races a winning strategy?

Diversifying your bets across several races and horses increases your overall winning probability.

Rather than placing large stakes on single races, spreading your budget across multiple betting opportunities reduces risk while maintaining profit potential.

Doubles, trebles, accas, and placepots are all examples of multiple bets in horse racing.

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What betting markets and odds are available in virtual horse racing?

Virtual horse racing offers various betting markets, including:

• Winner: Selecting the first-place finisher

• Place: Backing a horse to finish in top positions

• Even/Odd: Wagering on numerical outcomes

• Show: Betting on top-three finishes

• Quinella: Selecting two horses to finish first and second in any order

• Forecast: Predicting the exact first and second place finishers

• Doubles and trebles: Combination bets across multiple races

• Tricast: Predicting the exact first three finishers in order

Why do bettors prefer virtual horse racing over traditional racing?

Despite the stuffy traditionalists turning their noses up at virtual horse racing, it is leading the evolution of sports betting and is becoming increasingly popular across the world.

Consistent reliability: Virtual races eliminate unpredictable physical factors such as weather conditions, track quality or jockey illness that can affect traditional horse races.

24/7 availability: Bettors can place wagers at any time, day or night, without waiting for scheduled race times or dealing with seasonal racing calendars.

Simplified betting process: Virtual racing requires minimal prior knowledge, making it accessible to beginners. Complex odds calculations and form study become less critical compared to live racing.

Instant results: Virtual races are complete within minutes, providing immediate gratification and allowing multiple betting opportunities within short timeframes.

Authentic racing experience: High-quality graphics and realistic simulations deliver an immersive experience that closely mimics live horse racing, all accessible from any device. Plus, there is no danger of standing in some horse shit.

Lower barrier to entry: Without needing extensive racing knowledge or form-reading skills, newcomers can participate without feeling like a fish out of water.

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