The Cheltenham Festival, often referred to as “The Greatest Show on Turf,” can be intimidating for first-time bettors and even those with experience.
There’s no need to worry, as we’re here to walk you through the process of betting on the Cheltenham races, whether you’re on or off the course, and to help you develop an ideal betting strategy.
Best Cheltenham Betting offers
From the 12th to the 15th of March, UK horse racing enthusiasts are set for an exciting experience.
The Cheltenham Festival not only showcases the finest in jump horse racing but also marks the culmination of a year’s worth of analysis and predictions about which horses will excel in this apex of the sport.
UK betting sites and apps are gearing up to offer a plethora of Cheltenham Festival free bets and enticing betting offers.
The Cheltenham Festival, featuring top-tier horses from the UK and Ireland, stands as the most anticipated four-day event of the year for both racing aficionados and UK betting platforms.
For the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, you can enhance your experience by leveraging the best Cheltenham betting offers available.
Prominent Cheltenham betting apps see the Festival as a prime opportunity to draw in new customers.
They offer an extensive array of Cheltenham free bets, aiming to entice bettors to join in anticipation of the big event in March.
While it may seem complex at first, you’ll soon discover that placing bets at the Cheltenham Festival is straightforward and can be broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Let’s dive into the essentials of betting successfully at the Cheltenham Festival with our comprehensive Cheltenham betting guide.
We’ll simplify the process, covering various methods of betting, including online bookmakers, in-shop betting, and on-course wagering at Cheltenham, along with other key aspects.
For those already versed in Cheltenham race betting, our guide aims to provide additional insights into other markets, enhancing your chances of making a profit during the Festival.
Consider this your ultimate Cheltenham Festival betting guide – a resource designed not only to give you an advantage over bookmakers but also to ensure your betting experience is both straightforward and enjoyable.
Cheltenham online bookmakers
You have the option to place bets on Cheltenham through any of the licensed betting websites featured on this page.
Each of these bookmakers provides a variety of markets covering all 28 races, in addition to special Cheltenham betting promotions.
Simply head to the horse racing segment of your selected website or app and select ‘Cheltenham’ to access the most current odds.
On Course Bookmakers
At the racecourse, you’ll encounter traditional on course bookmakers located in the central betting ring, or the Tote, which can be found throughout Cheltenham and at all UK racecourses.
When you bet in a shop on the racecourse, it’s important to note that you won’t receive the best odds guaranteed on the Cheltenham races.
For instance, if you’re at Cheltenham and place a bet in a shop there, you won’t get the best odds guaranteed on Cheltenham races, though this might apply to other race meetings (check with individual bookmakers for their policies). Here’s how to place a bet in a shop:
- Pick up a blank betting slip.
- Write the name of the race meeting and time, e.g., ‘Cheltenham 3:30’.
- Below, write the name of your selected horse and odds, e.g., ‘Constitution Hill 1/3.’
- State how much you want to bet on the horse.
- Take your slip and the betting amount (say £10) to the counter and hand them to a staff member.
- Receive your betting slip in return.
- Watch the race.
- Hopefully, return to collect your winnings.
Betting in shops is the more traditional method, offering a different experience compared to the convenience and immediate access of online betting.
What is Ante Post Cheltenham?
Ante-post betting is a well-known option in horse racing, favored for its potential benefits at Cheltenham.
This type of bet is placed before the official betting market for a horse race opens, based on the belief that the odds at this early stage may be more advantageous than those available once the market opens, typically encompassing bets made before the race day.
However, ante-post betting carries a higher level of risk due to the uncertainty around the final odds and limited information about the race conditions. Additionally, there’s the added risk that if the horse you’ve bet on does not run, your original stake will not be refunded.
The nature of ante-post betting inherently involves a high risk but also the potential for substantial rewards, reflecting the essence of gambling. When you place an ante-post bet, you’re essentially wagering on a race or horse before the market has officially opened.
This means your chances of winning are generally lower, and unlike some online betting scenarios, your bet will not be voided if your selected horse fails to run.
Please be aware that if you choose to accept any of the offers mentioned in this article, we may receive a commission. This incurs no additional cost to you. These offers are only available to individuals over 18 years of age, and terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit Begambleaware.org.
Always practice responsible gambling. If you need assistance with gambling-related issues, you can contact the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, or visit www.gamstop.co.uk to self-exclude from all UK-regulated gambling websites.