How to Bet
Learn about the types of horse racing wagers and how to place your bets at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows with this helpful information.wagering guide
We want your visit with us to be not only enjoyable, but also rewarding. When betting the horses, you are playing against other bettors, not the house. This is called “pari-mutuel wagering”. The track handles the bets and redistributes the money to the winners.
Hollywood Casino at the Meadows provides both teller-staffed windows and self-service wagering machines. Whichever you choose, the way to bet is the same.
Place your bet by:
For example: The Meadows, Race 3, $5 to Win on Number 4. Winning tickets may be cashed at any window the day of the race or up to March 31 of the following year. You can also wager with vouchers. Vouchers are just like cash but are easier and more convenient to use. They can be used for wagering at any live teller or self wagering machine. They can be exchanged for cash at any teller window.
- Stating the track name
- Race number
- The dollar amount
- The type of bet
- The horses’ program number or numbers
For example: The Meadows, Race 3, $5 to Win on Number 4. Winning tickets may be cashed at any window the day of the race or up to March 31 of the following year. You can also wager with vouchers. Vouchers are just like cash but are easier and more convenient to use. They can be used for wagering at any live teller or self wagering machine. They can be exchanged for cash at any teller window.
types of bets
WIN
The horse must finish first to collect.
The horse must finish first to collect.
PLACE
The horse must finish either first or second to collect. Generally the payoff is less than a win payoff.
SHOW
The horse must finish either first, second or third to collect. Generally the payoff is less than for Win or Place.
DAILY DOUBLE
You must pick the winners of two consecutive races to collect. Most tracks have this bet on the first two races of the card. Some tracks also have this bet on the last two races of the card.
EXACTA
You win by picking the first two horses to cross the finish line in exact order.
TRIFECTA
You win by selecting the first three horses to cross the finish line in exact order. This payoff is generally higher than an Exacta, but is a tougher bet to win.
SUPERFECTA
You win by selecting the first four horses to cross the finish line in exact order.
PICK 3 / PICK 4 / PICK 5 / PICK 6
Must pick winners of the number of consecutive races stated in the bet's name. For example a Pick 3 is for three consecutive races, a Pick 4 is for four consecutive races, etc.
You can increase your chances of winning by using boxes and wheels. Here is how they work:
BOX
This wager combines your selections to finish first and second in every possible combination. Example: If you be a "Trifecta box 3-4-5," you win if those three horses finish in any order first, second and third. This bet can be used with Exactas, Trifectas and Superfectas; it can be wagered in $1 increments and at lower increments at some tracks.
WHEEL
Combines one horse with all the others in a race. Example: If you wager an "Exacta wheel 5-All," you win if the five finishes first no matter whom finishes seconds. This bet can be used with all bets except Win, Place and Show and can be wagered in $1 increments.
PART-WHEEL
Lets you pick only the combinations you want. This is often used by very experienced bettors. Example: If you bet a "Trifecta part wheel - 3 with 1, 2, and 4, with 1, 2, and 4," you win if the 3 wins and 1, 2 or 4 finish second and third. This bet can be used with all bets except Win, Place and Show, an can be wagered in $1 increments.
Please consult the front of the live program, a teller or a self-bet machine for cost of box wagers as each additional horse adds to the cost.