6 Ways To Beat The Bookies

It is widely quoted that only 2% of horse racing punters actually make anything like decent profits from horse racing over the long term. And probably much less than that are actually able to make a living from horse racing.

From my side of the fence, as the owner and operator of a successful racing tipster service, it is easy to see why the average man in the street doesn't make a success of his betting activity.

I am often asked if it is possible to make decent profits from horse racing. I would list the following advice as vital to finding success when betting on horses.

1) Decide On Your Betting Bank From The Outset - It is important to never bet more than you can comfortably afford to lose. Decide on an amount that you are prepared to set aside solely for your betting bank, then divide this amount by 25 and the figure you are left with will become your stake. As your profits increase or decrease, you will always be betting one twenty-fith of your bank (if betting at level stakes), and this will offer you some protection against losing runs.

2) Never Chase Losses - The road to the poor house when betting on horse racing is to chase your losses. Trying to bet bigger stakes each time, following a losing sequence, will end in profit.... but only for your bookmaker! Stick to your staking plan and don't divert from it whatever the temptation.

3) Leave Emotion Out Of The Equation - You should aim to develop a detached view to winners and losers alike. There will always be winners (if you know what you are doing), and there will always be losers. Don't allow emotion to creep in whether you are in the middle of a winning sequence or a losing run. If you are serious about your horse racing betting, you must treat it like a business and aim for long term profits without becoming emotional, win or lose on the day.

4) Treat Your Betting As A Business, Not A Hobby - In order to make your betting pay over the long term, you must operate as you would if you were running your own business. This means keeping proper records of all of your betting activity, profits and losses.

5) Knowledge Is Power - If you can't afford the time (and it can take years) to build up your own knowledge of the form book, or to make a few decent contacts of your own, then try to find a racing advisory/tipster service that has stood the test of time.

6) Aim For Long Term Profits - If you are using your own (or someone else's) system to make your selections, give it enough time for a sensible test period. There is absolutely no point in jumping from one system to the next without giving it time to work.

The same applies to using a racing advisory/tipster service. Aim to find a service that has been around for some time, proofs their selections etc. Then once you have made your choice of system or tipster service to use, don't jump from one to the other after a short period. Decide on a fair test period and stick to it.

Finally, horse racing can be a fascinating and exhilarating hobby, but if you want to make your betting pay, follow the rules above and you'll have a head start over most punters out there!