If you’re new to horse racing, there’s no better place to start than Win, Place, and Show bets. They’re simple, fast, and form the foundation of the betting experience — whether you're at a Winners venue or betting online at MyWinners. Even seasoned bettors build strategies around them, especially when spotting value on underpriced horses.
What are Win, Place, Show bets?
What are Win, Place, Show bets?
Win, Place, and Show bets are the simplest and most popular wager types in US horse racing:
Win – Your horse must finish 1st.
Place – Your horse can finish 1st or 2nd.
Show – Your horse can finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
You can also bet Across the Board, which combines all three (Win + Place + Show) into a single ticket, but at three times the base wager. Payouts vary depending on how your horse finishes — Win pays the most, Show the least.
Where did Win, Place, Show bets come from?
Where did Win, Place, Show bets come from?
These bets go back to the early days of pari-mutuel wagering in the United States, introduced in the late 1800s. Long before exotics like Trifectas and Pick 4s existed, straight bets like Win, Place, and Show were the default. They're still the foundation of American betting, used daily at every licensed track.
Why are Win, Place, Show bets so popular?
Why are Win, Place, Show bets so popular?
Beginner-friendly – No need to understand combinations or sequences
Low risk – Especially Place and Show, which offer more finishing flexibility
Affordable – Often just a $1 or $2 minimum stake
Reliable – Great for steady returns or testing form angles
Bankroll building – Many bettors use Show bets to stay in action while playing safe
They're perfect for first-time players on MyWinners or casual fans watching marquee races like the Kentucky Derby.
What types of races use Win, Place, Show betting?
What types of races use Win, Place, Show betting?
These bets are available on every pari-mutuel horse or greyhound race in the US and abroad. That includes:
Thoroughbred races (e.g., Saratoga, Churchill Downs)
Harness races (e.g., Meadowlands, Yonkers)
Quarter Horse races (e.g., Ruidoso Downs)
Greyhound races (where legal and simulcast)
They also appear across all classes — Claiming, Allowance, and Stakes races — making them universally accessible.
What should bettors know before placing these bets?
What should bettors know before placing these bets?
Win, Place, and Show bets are legal in all US states where pari-mutuel betting is permitted
All payouts are determined by pari-mutuel pools, meaning odds aren’t fixed until the race begins
You must be 18 or 21+, depending on state law, and physically located in a licensed betting state to wager on MyWinners
You can bet in-person at Winners venues or online with a verified account
💡 Did You Know? In 2009, Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby at 50–1 odds. While Win bettors hit big, even the Show payout returned $11.60 on a $2 ticket — proving that a modest Show bet on a longshot can still deliver real value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an “Across the Board” bet in horse racing?
What is an “Across the Board” bet in horse racing?
An Across the Board bet is three wagers in one: Win, Place, and Show. If your horse finishes first, you win all three. If it finishes second, you win Place and Show. Third, you win Show only.
Can you bet Win, Place, Show on every race?
Can you bet Win, Place, Show on every race?
Yes. These bets are accepted on nearly all pari-mutuel races at both live tracks and simulcast events available via MyWinners.com.
How do payouts work for Place and Show?
How do payouts work for Place and Show?
Payouts are shared among all bettors who selected a horse that finished within the Place (top 2) or Show (top 3) positions, based on the total pool for that category.
Do favourites always pay well on Show bets?
Do favourites always pay well on Show bets?
No. If a horse is heavily backed, the Show pool may be split many ways — resulting in small returns. The real value often lies in well-placed outsiders.
Is it worth betting Show on a longshot?
Is it worth betting Show on a longshot?
Yes — especially when favourites are vulnerable. If a longshot sneaks into the top 3 and favourites miss the board, Show payouts can spike.