What’s the worst bet in horse racing?

When it comes to horse racing, the worst type of bet really depends on what kind of money you’re betting and what you’re trying to accomplish.

If you’re a small unit bettor, wagering maybe $20 or less when you play a race, don’t deplete your wallet pursuing potentially huge payoffs via bets on the Pick 6 or Super Hi-5. Players with big bankrolls have a huge advantage in those pools.

If, on the other hand, you’ve got pockets full of cash and want to put it to work, those same bets could be perfect for you.

The most important advice is to pay attention to the “takeout” – the amount the track removes from a pool to pay for putting on the show. Those rates vary dramatically, and players big and small should know which wagers are more player friendly.

The tracks and state racing boards often don’t make it easy for you to find the takeout rates, but the wonderful Horseplayers Association of North America makes it easy for you on its website — horseplayersassociation.org. Click on annual track ratings.