Definition of Virtual Horseracing and its functionality
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Answering the first part of this two-part question is easy. Virtual Horseracing is a computerised simulation of a horse race which can be completed in a very short space of time. It also allows customers to place various bets on the outcome of the race as you would a real-life horse race.
However, the issue of how Virtual Horseracing works is a lot more complicated! And it is this which will be the focus of the majority of this post. But let’s first examine Virtual Horseracing and why it has become a key offering for many top-quality betting sites.
An Introduction to Virtual Horseracing
Virtual Horseracing offers punters the chance to bet on computer-simulated horse races as they would a real horse race. However, unlike a real horse race, the runners in that race are all created by the software and the outcome of the race is randomly generated.
A Virtual horse takes between one minute and three minutes to complete in most cases. That includes time for betting before the race starts. As such, it is a quick-fire form of betting.
The simulation mirrors a real race as the different horses competing have different odds and have a handicap system in place. So a favourite is more likely to win, but may not necessarily do so. Just like in real racing.
A Virtual Race has two phases. The first phase is the betting phase, which usually lasts the majority of the entire time of a race. This is when punters can place their bets on the options available in a race.
When the betting phase is over, bets are halted and the race is then simulated on screen. This is shown graphically so users can watch the race in action. The race usually takes around 30-50 seconds to be run.
After which the results are shown on screen and any winnings paid out to those who successfully bet on the race. After a short time, the next Virtual horserace starts with a new betting phase.
Virtual Horseracing, as with all other virtual sports, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What are the popular types of Virtual Horseracing?
Depending on which bookmaker you are a customer with, you can often find a variety of Virtual Horseracing races available to bet on.
Some of the most common include:
- Virtual Flat Racing
Virtual Flat Racing is a simulated flat race. This is the most common option in Virtual Horseracing.
- Virtual Jump Racing
Virtual Jump Racing is a simulated race over jumps or hurdles. This can introduce the added jeopardy factor of horses falling or refusing at fences.
- Speed/Bullet/Fast Virtual Horse Racing
This type of Virtual Horseracing may have a different name depending on the bookmaker. Whatever name is used, it applies to virtual horseraces that take place over a shorter period of time. Usually this is 60 seconds. There are 30 seconds of the betting phase, followed by a shorter simulated race and the entire process takes just a minute to run.
- Virtual National
This is a virtual recreation of the Grand National steeplechase. This involves 40 runners and often has more volatile results given the much larger field. The race is shortened to 8 fences to ensure that it can be completed within the three-minute time frame.
Is Virtual Horseracing always found on the sports betting part of a site?
No, not always. Some betting sites have their Virtual Horseracing (and other Virtual Sports) located in their sports betting section.
However, others may list Virtual Sports offerings in their casino section, or even in their esports betting section.
On some sites, there may even be a dedicated section for Virtual Sports that is separate from the sports betting and/or casino sections of the site.
Furthermore, some sites may not call Virtual Horseracing (or other virtual sports) by that name. Some may call them e-racing or e-horseracing or similar.
However, if you bear in mind these differences in where Virtual Horseracing may be located on a site, and how it may be named, then you can usually find this form of betting with most top providers.
How does Virtual Horseracing work?
For every virtual horserace, the software generates a list of runners. These runners will be arbitrarily ‘weighted’ or ‘handicapped’ in the context of the race. This provides a list of the horses more likely to win, those expected to be middle of the field and the outsiders. The software then prices the horses as such.
When the race is run, it is a random outcome event. The handicapping still works, but doesn’t mean that a favourite will always win. Just like in real life, longer-odds selections will often win races.
Is Virtual Horseracing legit?
One of the biggest complaints made about virtual sports of all kinds is that punters complain that they never win. However, comparing your results in real-life horseracing with virtual horseracing is not a viable comparison.
Virtual horseracing is based entirely on a random outcome. Sure the horses are weighted to provide accurate odds, but the outcome of a race is random. In fact, Virtual horseracing has more in common with spinning a slot, than it has with a real-life horse race.
Customers can be assured that the top providers will rigorously test their virtual software to ensure it is safe and fair for customers to play. So, yes, virtual horseracing is legit. You just need to have the right expectations for success when playing.
Five key points to remember when Virtual Horseracing
- Virtual Horseracing is random - you can’t research a runner like a real-life horse race.
- All data for the race is generated for that race.
- Favourites and shorter-priced horses do have a better chance of winning a virtual horse race.
- Races with more runners that take place over fences can be more volatile in producing winners with a greater range of odds.
- Virtual Horseracing software is tested to make sure it is fair to customers.
Which sites offer good quality Virtual Horseracing?
Check out any of these sites for outstanding Virtual Horseracing options, not to mention plenty of other great Virtual Sports too. Click any of them and get a complete review about the bookmaker!
More about Horse betting :
- What horse racing bets can be made?
- How do you calculate racing bets?
- How to win at horse racing
- How to work out horse racing bets
- What Horse Racing Promotions are there at Online Bookmakers?
- What is Each-way Betting in Horse Racing?
- Why is the Cheltenham Festival So Important?
- What Are Forecast And Tricast Bets in Horse Racing?
- How Does A Best Odds Guarantee Work When Betting On Horse Racing?
- What do a bookmaker's race details signify?
- When are the most popular horse racing events in the calendar year?
- What are the most popular horse races for fans and bettors each year?
- What is a Stewards' Inquiry in horse racing, and can it affect the race outcome?
- What sign language do bookmakers use at racecourses to communicate odds?
- What is an each-way treble?
