What the racebook is

The racebook is Bovada's horse racing section. You will find races from a range of tracks, with a race card for each one showing the horses, jockeys, post positions and odds. Which tracks and races are available changes day to day, so check the racebook for what is running when you log in.

The basic bets: win, place and show

  • Win: your horse must finish first.
  • Place: your horse must finish first or second.
  • Show: your horse must finish first, second or third.

Show bets are the easiest to cash but usually pay the least. Win bets pay more but are harder to hit. If you are new, these three are the place to start.

Exotic bets: bigger payouts, harder to hit

  • Exacta: pick the first and second finishers in exact order.
  • Trifecta: pick the first three in exact order.
  • Superfecta: pick the first four in exact order.
  • Boxes: cover your chosen horses in any order, which costs more because it is several bets in one.

Exotics are exciting because a small stake can return a lot, but they are much harder to hit. I keep them to a small part of my racing budget.

How I read a race card

You do not need to be an expert to make sensible picks. These are the things I look at:

  • Recent form: how the horse has finished in its last few races.
  • Distance and surface: some horses prefer shorter races, longer races, dirt or turf.
  • Jockey and trainer: a strong combination can be worth noting.
  • Odds: they show how the betting public rates each horse, but the favourite does not always win.

Promotions and rebates

Racebooks sometimes offer promotions or rebates for regular players. I will not quote any figures, because offers change. Check Bovada's racebook and promotions pages for anything currently available, and read the terms.

Tips I wish I had known sooner

  • Set a racing budget for the day before the first race.
  • Do not bet every race. Pick the ones you have actually studied.
  • Start with straight bets and add exotics once you are comfortable.
  • Track your results by bet type. My free bankroll tracker makes it easy to see whether your exotics are paying off. This guide shows how.

Is the racebook right for you?

If you enjoy studying form and do not mind a bit of homework, horse racing can be one of the most rewarding parts of Bovada. If you want something quicker and more casual, the casino or sportsbook might suit you better. I compare them in Sportsbook vs casino vs poker.

Before you start, read the best way to deposit and what to expect from ID verification, or see Is Bovada legit? and my full Bovada review. Bovada is not available in every US state, so check your local laws first.