The fastest dog wins….the basic principle of greyhound racing is pretty straightforward to understand.
But there are some basic betting rules that punters need to get to grips with, as these may just be relevant to the wagers you place.
This is true for both individual race betting and ante post markets, so let’s take a look at some of the most common greyhound betting rules and how they might impact upon your selections.
Each Way Betting Rules
As you may know, you can bet on which dog you think will win a race, and then you can hedge your bets somewhat by placing an each way wager as well.
The number of places paid, and their E/W terms, will differ based on the numbers of dogs in a race and also from one bookmaker to the next, however you can use the below as a general guide:
- Less than five runners – no E/W terms offered
- 5-7 runners – first two places paid, 1/4 odds
- 8 or more runners – first three places paid, 1/5 odds
Your payout will be determined by the E/W terms and the amount you stake, although you can find out in advance what to expect by using an each way calculator which are easy to find online using a search engine.
Trap Betting Rules
While the fundamentals of trap betting are simple enough, there can be complications for punters when a couple of scenarios unfold.
The first is when a dog is declared as a non-runner, and then perhaps the trap number you have chosen is left empty. This is typically settled as a non-runner bet, and your stake will be refunded (or that selection of your multiple scratched).
When your trap number features a dog that doesn’t run, but is then replaced by a reserve, then your trap bet will usually be settled based upon the finishing position of this substitute greyhound.
Non-Runner Betting Rules
These days, it’s pretty rare that a bookie won’t refund your stake when your named dog is declared a non-runner.
Even when your selection’s place is taken by a reserve dog, your bet will still be settled as a non-runner when you have wagered on a specific runner, rather than just a trap number.
If your dog starts in a race affected by a non-runner(s), it’s likely that you will be paid out at the new SP rather than the odds you initially took.
Trap Challenge Betting Rules
There’s not to say about the trap challenge betting rules that isn’t already explained in this article.
One thing you should be aware of is that a non-runner will have no impact on your bet. So, if you have bet on trap 3 and in one race a non-runner is declared from that number, then you will simply lose in that particular race.
In the unlikely event that a race is settled as a dead heat between two dogs, and one of those has run from your trap, then you will score half-a-point towards your tally.
Dead Heat Betting Rules
If your selection finishes as a winner in a dead heat with another, your payout will be impacted accordingly.
So, let’s say you have bet £10 on the dog in trap 3 at 3/1 to win. He goes on to finish in a dead heat with the dog from trap 4, meaning that there are now essentially two winners.
The bookmaker will divide your stake by the number of dogs embroiled in the dead heat, which in this case is two. So, your bet will be revised as a £5 stake at 3/1, and you will net a total return of £20.
Abandoned Race Betting Rules
Even so-called ‘all weather’ dog tracks can become waterlogged or frozen.
What happens to your bets will be determined by a couple of key factors: is the race to be re-scheduled, and will your selection be entered into the revised race.
If the race is rescheduled, then all original bets will stand – unless your selection is declared a non-runner, in which case you should get a refund.
It should be noted, however, that at some bookmakers the price you originally took will not stand, and instead your picks will be settled at the revised SP odds.
Ante-Post Betting Rules
Should you wish to have a flutter on the Greyhound Derby in advance of the race, or you want to wager on any other meeting ahead of time, you will enter the ante post market.
Again, each bookmaker treats ante-post selections in their own way, with specific rules relating to bets placed on dogs that don’t actually go on to compete in the race as expected.
Some will refund your stake under the ‘no runner, no bet’ banner, but others will simply settle your bet as a loser – always check the ante post terms with your bookie before getting involved in the market.