If you’ve ever watched a race live or online and wondered what that giant glowing scoreboard is — that’s the tote board. Short for "totalisator," it’s your window into the betting action. It shows how much money is in each betting pool, the latest odds, and what combinations are most popular. For new and seasoned players at MyWinners, understanding the tote board is key to placing smart bets and spotting value.
What is a tote board in horse racing?
What is a tote board in horse racing?
A tote board is an electronic display that shows real-time betting data for each race. It reflects the current pari-mutuel pool totals, approximate odds, and race details. You’ll find them at racetracks and simulcast venues — and digital versions on MyWinners.com.
The tote board usually includes:
Win odds for each horse
Pools for Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, etc.
Will Pays for multi-race bets (like Daily Double, Pick 3)
Track info like race number, minutes to post, surface, and scratches
Where did the tote board come from?
Where did the tote board come from?
The first mechanical totalisator was introduced in 1913 in Australia. US racetracks adopted automated tote systems throughout the 20th century, replacing chalkboards and hand-updated odds. Today, digital tote boards feed directly from the betting pools and update constantly up to post time.
Why is the tote board important for bettors?
Why is the tote board important for bettors?
Real-time odds let you spot betting trends and overlays
Pool totals help gauge potential payouts
Will Pays show what your Pick 3 or Daily Double could return
You can see late money movements that might affect outcomes
It gives insight into public sentiment and favourite horses
Understanding the tote board helps you bet smarter — especially in exotic pools where value can shift rapidly.
What types of bets appear on the tote board?
What types of bets appear on the tote board?
Win, Place, Show odds
Exacta and Trifecta pools
Daily Double and Pick 3 Will Pays
Probable payoffs and minutes to post
Race number, surface, and conditions
At Winners venues, tote boards are physical. At MyWinners, they’re digital but just as informative.
What should bettors know about reading the tote board?
What should bettors know about reading the tote board?
Odds are approximate and based on current pools
Final odds are locked in only at post time
A horse with low odds is taking heavy money — maybe for a reason
Look for overlays (horses offering more value than their true chance)
Use tote info to adjust last-minute bets — but don’t chase the board
💡 Did You Know? In 2002, a tote system hack caused a near-$3 million scandal in the Pick 6 at the Breeders’ Cup. It led to major reforms in tote board security — and better protection for online bettors at sites like MyWinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Will Pay” mean on the tote board?
What does “Will Pay” mean on the tote board?
It shows the expected payout for multi-race bets (e.g., Daily Double) if a certain horse wins the next leg. It helps you gauge potential returns.
Do the tote board odds ever lie?
Do the tote board odds ever lie?
Not exactly — but they’re fluid until post time. Late money can drastically change payouts, especially in small pools or low-volume tracks.
Can I see the tote board on MyWinners?
Can I see the tote board on MyWinners?
Yes. The digital interface shows live odds, pool info, and Will Pays — just like the physical boards at Winners venues.
Why are tote board odds different from sportsbooks?
Why are tote board odds different from sportsbooks?
Because horse racing uses pari-mutuel wagering, not fixed odds. Payouts depend on how the pool is bet by all players, not set by a bookmaker.
Should I bet based on tote board odds?
Should I bet based on tote board odds?
Use them as a guide, not gospel. The tote board shows where the money is — but smart bettors also consider form, bias, and overlays to spot value.