What’s Virtual Horse Racing?
Ultimately, virtual horse racing works in much the same way as real horse racing. You’ll find all the same markets including forecasts, each way, tricasts, outright win, and more. Of course, the difference comes in the way that the race is completed. Instead of real horses on a track somewhere in the world, everything is computer generated using random number generators (RNGs).
When you view a virtual horse race, it’s like watching a video game where a clever algorithm and formula decide what happens. As you’ll notice, all events take place on fictional racecourses as to avoid confusion. If you see courses such as Neighmarket, you’ll know that you’re betting on virtual horse racing rather than the real thing.
Again, just like the racetracks, all horses are made up and shouldn’t bear a correlation with real horses. To get started, why not look for a virtual market now and follow the event? You don’t need to bet anything yet, just get familiar with how it works and looks.
Wagering on Virtual Horse Racing
What if you decide to place some money on a virtual horse race? Well, you’ll have access to all the normal research tools including form and racecards. Didn’t we say that virtual horse racing works in much the same way? With the proper information, you aren’t just choosing at random because you learn about the virtual horses.
In the past, we’ve spoken to lots of people who have had concerns over the fairness of virtual horse racing. Sometimes, it’s hard to take a loss when everything is generated by a computer. However, the whole sport is underpinned by important RNGs, the same as the ones used in video poker, slots, and blackjack games.
Although the word ‘random’ is used in the name, this doesn’t mean the computer literally chooses one of the names (like pulling from a hat). Instead, it’s a weighted system that takes form and other factors into account. Just like real horse racing, this means that favourites for a race are more likely to win than the others…but this doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to win.
With all this in mind, it means that the betting experience is exactly the same as real horse racing. Favourites are the most likely to win, but betting on an outsider is worthwhile because they could cause a surprise. If the system were purely random, it would soon lose its appeal (we may as well just bet on the flip of a coin!).
Types of Virtual Horse Racing
As virtual horse racing has grown in popularity, we’ve seen the introduction of new variations of the sport. Therefore, you’ll enjoy the following when betting in this area:
- Jump Racing – Like the Grand National, this virtual race has jumps for the riders to navigate and it adds excitement for those who find flat racing too simple.
- Flat Racing – Without hurdles, this event occurs across flat land and is normally shorter as a result.
- Sprint Racing – We recommend sprint racing for those who want short and quick races.
- Trotting – For an added dynamic, more bookmakers are now offering harness racing, where each horse carries traps behind them.
Racing Cards and Odds
Though based around something we all know and love, it’s natural to feel a little lost when betting on virtual horse racing for the first time. However, the good news is that virtual racing betting sites provide racecards just as we see with the real thing. As well as form, you’ll learn all about the riders, distance history, the horses, and lots more. Normally, bettors can feel just as confident with a virtual horse as they are with real horse racing.
Generally speaking, the virtual variant of horse racing works with fixed odds. In other words, the odds don’t fluctuate based on where people are placing their money. Like a normal race, the favourite will have the lowest odds while a horse in poor form and an inexperienced rider will have the highest odds.
The odds are taken into account, and then the advanced algorithm chooses a winner while keeping the process fair for all. Will you choose the favourite with short odds or go for an outsider with longer odds? For many, the knowledge that virtual horse racing works in the same way as real horse racing keeps it just as exciting. Though we have favourites in real life, nothing stops the outsider from taking it all. Therefore, the algorithm attempts to mimic a real-life environment.
