WAGERING

Spring Meet Notable Wagers

Odd vs Even Wager

Bet on whether the winning horse's number will be Odd or Even. (Min: $2)

Matchups Wager

Bet on which of two specific horses or groups of horses (these will be referred to as options) will have the highest finisher. The horse is not required to win the race. You win if your option finishes higher than the other option. (Min: $2)

Jackpot 8

You win if you pick the first eight horses in exact order. (Min: $1)

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New to betting at Churchill Downs?

Consider these tips for cashing in your first bet while at the races and remember you can always bet online with the Churchill Downs App or TwinSpires App!

• Start with simple bet types
  • What are considered simple bets? Straight bets with low investment, thus less risk.
    • Win, Place, Show
      • Place will cover your horse if they cross the line first or second.
      • Show will cover your horse if finishing first, second or third.
• Keep bet minimums low
  • $2 is the typical minimum for straight bets like Win, Place, and Show.
  • Exotic bets such as the Exacta and Trifecta can be as low as $.10 cents or $.50 cents.
• Know that you need to place the bet BEFORE the race starts
  • Once the gates open, all pari-mutuel betting ceases.
• Getting Paid is based on a pari-mutuel system
  • In short, you are betting into a pool which combines all people betting on the same bet type in the same race. Yep, you're betting against each other.
• Exotic Betting is fun, but adds the first layer of complexity
  • Intermediate: Exacta, Trifecta, Daily Double
  • Advanced: Superfecta, Pick 3, Pick 5
• Bet responsibly; know a bigger bet does not necessarily equal a better strategy
  • Chasing big payoffs could be worse than hitting smaller casual bets. Even a $10 total can return a nice payday.
• A little handicapping really does help compared to guessing
  • An educated guess through glancing at Speed Figures, Past Performances, Race Conditions, Trainer or Jockey can all at least help eliminate horses to invest in, even if you are not completely sure who might win. Narrowing down the field will prevent placing money on horses you almost certainly would lose with. Similarly, note that favorites can sometimes lose, known as 'being vulnerable.' That said, the horse is a favorite for a reason.
• Cash is King at the track windows
  • Don't expect Apple Pay and Tech Friendly payment methods at pari-mutuel betting windows.

A few betting examples to practice wagering with

Beginner Betting Strategy (Example: $20 Budget)
This approach keeps things simple, spreads risk, and lets you experience multiple bet types.

Race 1–2: Start with basics ($8 total)
Pick one horse you like (based on odds, name, or quick form glance).

$2 Win (horse must finish 1st)
$2 Place (1st or 2nd)
$2 Show (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)
Do this for two races ($4 each race).

Why:
You ease in and give yourself a high chance to cash at least something.

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Race 3: Try an Exacta ($4 total)
Pick:
1 horse to finish 1st
1 horse to finish 2nd

Bet:
$2 Exacta (Horse A over Horse B)
$2 Exacta box (A and B can finish in either order)

Why:
This introduces “exotic” betting without getting too complicated.

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Race 4: Mix safe + small upside ($4 total)

Bet:
$2 Win on a horse you like
$2 Show on a longer shot (higher odds horse)

Why:
You balance a realistic win chance with a potential bigger payout.

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Race 5: Take a small shot ($4 total)

Try a trifecta box with three horses:
$1 Trifecta box (A, B, C) = $6 normally, but you can scale down or choose a smaller combo depending on minimums
OR
safer option:
$2 Exacta box + $2 Win bet

Why:
This gives you a chance at a bigger score while keeping stakes controlled.