Are win bets really worth it?

[RichieG]

Hi Rich - your show is very entertaining and useful to my handicapping.

With all the exotic play options today - is betting to win on a horse really worth it?

I am finding my risk for reward is much more fun and lucrative playing the pick 3's

and pick 4's - and my favorite play - the rolling daily doubles.

It makes the buck go further and my interest has increased.

Playing to win - place - show just does not have my interest as it once did.

Whats your take?

RichieG.

[rperloff]

Richie:

I think you answered your own question there.  Sounds as though, for you, the rolling exotics are the way to go.  You say you're having more FUN playing that way.

But...to each his own.  And, as you point out, the risk/reward thing is at the core of the issue.  People play the races in the manner that makes best sense to them.  Some folks aren't comfortable with the long droughts that the rolling exotic players have to endure.  For those players, win wagers might be the way to go.

Fortunately, in the pari-mutuel universe, there needn't be a right answer to this question.  Everyone gets to "have it their way," as the old jingle used to go.

RP