Ante-post Betting Explained

This blog aims to unravel the queries and advantages of ante-post betting, providing both novice and experienced bettors with a comprehensive guide to the fascinating world ante-post betting.

What is Ante-post betting?

Ante-post betting, also known as futures betting, or outright betting, is a type of wagering where bets are placed on an event before it takes place. This is common in sports betting, particularly in horse racing and other major sporting events. The term “ante-post” is derived from Latin and means “before the post” (referring to the starting post in horse racing).

In ante-post betting, people can place their bets well in advance of the event, often weeks or even months before it occurs. This type of betting typically offers higher odds than those available closer to the event when more information is known. However, there are risks involved because if the selected participant or team doesn’t end up participating in the event, the bet is usually lost.

Advantages of Ante-post betting

Higher Odds: Ante-post bets typically offer higher odds compared to bets placed closer to the event. This is because there is more uncertainty, and bookmakers are less sure about the outcomes, so they provide better potential payouts.

Value Betting: If you have a strong opinion or insight into a participant’s or team’s potential success before the market fully reflects it, you may find value in ante-post betting. You can capitalise on favourable odds before they shorten as the event approaches.

Long-Term Engagement: Ante-post betting allows people to engage with an event over a more extended period. This can add excitement and interest to the event, as you have a stake in the outcome from the moment you place the bet until the event concludes.

Early Market Access: People who are well-informed or have a good understanding of a sport or event may benefit from accessing the market early. This can be advantageous if you believe odds will change as more information becomes available.

Step-by-Step: How to place an Ante-post bet

Navigate to the Sportsbook:

Once logged in, navigate to the sportsbook section of the website or app.

Select the Event:

Find and select the specific event you want to place an ante-post bet on. This could be a horse race, a future sports event, or any other applicable market. For horse racing it’s under ‘Future Races’.

Choose Your Selection:

Within the chosen event, identify the participant, team, or outcome you want to bet on.

Click on the Odds:

Click on the odds associated with your chosen selection. This action usually adds the selection to your betting slip.

Review Your Bet Slip:

Once your selection is on the bet slip, review it to ensure its correct. You may need to enter your stake at this point.

Place the Bet:

After reviewing your bet slip, look for a “Place Bet” or similar button. Click on it to confirm and place your ante-post bet.

Confirmation:

You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your bet has been placed successfully. This confirmation may include details such as the bet reference number.

Examples of Ante-post bets for 2024

An example of an ante-post bet for 2024, would be: Hewick to win the 2024 Grand National, which takes place on April the 13th. Hewick is currently 33/1 to win the Grand National. This could be a value bet, before Hewick potentially shortens in price as the event approaches.

Another example of an ante post bet would be, to place a bet on See The Fire to win the Epsom Oaks, which takes place on May the 31st. Andrew Balding’s filly is currently 16/1 to win and ran well in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket.

Check out the latest ante-post markets at William Hill