Virtual horse racing has seen its popularity explode in recent years as an entertaining alternative to betting on live horse races. In virtual horse racing, stunningly realistic 3D animations of races are generated by state-of-the-art computer algorithms and machine learning models. People can bet on the outcomes just like a real track. With the right strategies and approach, virtual horse racing can be both great fun and decently profitable for bettors. This comprehensive article provides tips on getting started, betting strategy, bankroll management, research, and more to significantly improve your virtual horse racing betting.
What is Virtual Horse Racing?
Virtual horse racing, also known as simulated racing, provides an experience highly similar to real-world horse racing but without using actual horses. Cutting-edge software creates vividly detailed virtual races with all the key elements of the real thing - photorealistic virtual horses with unique attributes, highly customizable virtual jockeys, meticulously designed race courses, starting gates, variable weather, race calls, and of course odds for people to bet on the results.
Punters can place traditional Win/Place/Show bets and exotic multi-leg wagers through licensed online bookmakers on these simulated races just as they would at a live track. The ultra-realistic 3D animation brings the race to life on screen while advanced algorithms and predictive analytics determine the final results based on each virtual horse's:
- Assigned speed rating
- Stamina
- Running style
- Preferred distance
- Virtual jockey's programmed skill level
- And numerous other factors
Virtual horse racing has become hugely popular among UK punters as a way to bet on races whenever it is convenient, without waiting for scheduled meets at live tracks. The virtual format allows players to bet on animated races every few minutes for nonstop racing action all day long. Major online bookies like Betfair, Paddy Power, Sky Bet, Betfred and more all offer virtual horse racing products, making this digital version easily accessible 24/7.
Getting Started with Virtual Horse Racing Betting
If you are new to virtual horse racing, here are some useful tips to help get you started properly:
Sign Up for Reputable Virtual Horse Racing Sites
The first step is to open accounts with well-established UK licensed online bookmakers that offer virtual horse racing products. Be sure to only choose sites holding proper regulation and licensing from the UK Gambling Commission. Top trusted options for virtual racing include:
- Betfred
- William Hill
- Ladbrokes
- Coral
- BetVictor
- Unibet
And others. Thoroughly research and read user reviews of their virtual racing offerings, odds, promotions, platform quality and more to find the best fit before signing up.
Start with Low Stakes as You Learn
When first diving into real money betting on virtual horse races, it is wise to stick to very small wagers as you get a feel for how the races flow, study the betting dynamics, learn the various factors that affect the outcome, and refine your betting strategy through experience.
Even seasoned real horse race bettors will need time to adapt their approach to the simulated format. Build up your stakes gradually over many races as you become intimately familiar with the nuances. Patience and modest stakes are key in the learning phase.
Study Form and Past Results
While the horses and races are virtual, every horse and jockey has distinct attributes and profiles programmed into the algorithms by the creators that impact performance. As with real-world racing, study recent virtual race result charts to identify horses that tend to run well on certain courses or distances.
Look for any patterns or tendencies that you may be able to exploit to make smarter bets. Past results analysis is crucial.
Virtual Horse Racing Betting Strategy Tips
Applying the right betting strategies based on small edges can lead to consistent profits wagering on virtual races over time. Here are some approaches to consider:
Favorites in Maiden Virtual Races
The programming by virtual racing companies tends to give a slight performance advantage to favorites, especially in maiden races for virtual horses early in their simulated careers.
Betting on the clear favorites in these virtual maiden races can provide a somewhat higher strike rate, though the returns will be smaller given the lower odds. Still, this tendency makes favorites tempting in maiden virtual races.
Follow Successful Virtual Jockeys
Just like star jockeys in real-world racing, certain virtual jockeys programmed into the algorithms tend to notch wins at a higher rate consistently.
Make a point to identify the one or two top performing virtual jockeys and pay close attention when they are booked for a mount. Backing their rides selectively can help capitalize on their simulated skills over time.
Identify Overlay Longshots
Before placing any bet, quickly evaluate if the current odds on some of the longshots seem disproportionate to their recent virtual form and results.
Occasionally the algorithms may overlook a horse or over-adjust, creating potential overlay value on horses at generous double-digit odds relative to their probability of winning.
Managing Your Virtual Horse Racing Bankroll
Proper bankroll management is absolutely crucial for long-term profitability when betting on virtual races. Here are some must-follow bankroll tips:
Set a Reasonable Bankroll
First, determine a total amount you feel comfortable depositing purely for virtual horse race betting - an amount that if lost completely would not derail your finances. This allocated amount is your bankroll.
Many experts recommend bet sizing of just 1-2% of your overall bankroll per wager. So for a £100 bankroll, most bets should be £1-£2.
Avoid Chasing Losses
It can be very tempting during a bad losing streak to suddenly increase your bet size substantially or make emotional rash wagers far outside your normal strategy in a desperate attempt to immediately win back money.
But this reaction is a proven path to financial ruin. Maintain discipline in your strategy and bet sizing, even during extended periods of frustration or bad results. Stick to the smart plan.
Lock in Profits
When you catch a hot streak and build up a nice profit, make sure to withdraw some of those winnings out of your account to lock them in permanently, while keeping your original starting bankroll amount in for further wagers. Protect wins.
Research Tips for Virtual Horse Race Betting
Gaining an edge against the bookmaker requires diligent research into trends, key statistics, and other valuable resources:
Consult Specialized Betting Guides
Websites and communities dedicated specifically to virtual horse racing often provide incredibly helpful data, analytics, algorithms, and betting education content that can give you a leg up.
Make time to study these frequently to expand your knowledge and hone your race analysis skills over time.
Follow Credible Tipsters
Some professional gamblers and tipsters closely track virtual racing and betting angles full time. Their insights can be extremely helpful for casual bettors.
Following their paid or free daily tips can provide useful pointers on smart wagers with overlay potential. But thoroughly research tipsters first.
Learn Key Performance Factors
The algorithms determine finishing order based on factors like speed, stamina, distance preference, virtual jockey, surface bias, etc.
Learn the importance of each and how to spot positive indicators in past results that may sway the odds in a horse's favor for their next race.
Additional Virtual Horse Racing Betting Tips
Some further advanced tips to push your betting on simulated races to the next level:
Use Bookmaker Intro Bonuses
The competitive market means generous signup bonuses and promotions offered by virtual horse racing sites to attract new bettors, such as:
- Matched initial deposits
- 2nd or 3rd place refunds
- Risk-free bets
Maximize these promos when starting out for extra bankroll value.
Handicap Longshots Too
While favorites win often, betting longshots can increase fun and payout potential. If you handicap that a 20-1 shot has a real chance, don't be afraid to bet them selectively.
Use Time Efficiently
With a race every few minutes, it's easy to overdo it. Set a time limit and take frequent breaks to avoid spending your whole day wagering. Races will still run tomorrow.
Have Fun!
Above all, approach virtual horse race betting as entertainment first and foremost, not as primary income. Enjoyment should be the priority, not an unhealthy obsession with winning.
Conclusion
In summary, virtual horse racing provides an immersive, exciting and visually stunning betting experience appealing to all horse racing fans and general punters. With research, discipline, strategy, bankroll management and reasonable expectations, virtual race betting can also put the odds in your favor. The extensive tips in this guide aim to give beginners a rock-solid foundation for diving into the burgeoning world of virtual racing. But keeping it light, constantly learning, and the entertainment value of virtual races are the real keys. Those who want to reach an elite level of virtual horse race betting over time will find a wealth of additional online resources and communities available to take their skills to the next level through commitment and practice.
Jack Heaton
Meet Jack Heaton, our Horse Racing Expert, who comes from a lineage of racehorse breeders. Once a jockey whose career was cut short due to an injury Jack now plays an essential role in his familys business and generously shares his expertise on Paddock Punter.
