New to sports betting and seeing the word “bar” on an odds board? You’re not alone. It appears frequently in UK markets, and while it might look confusing at first, it’s really just a shorthand for something quite simple.
This blog post will introduce the concept of “bar,” show how it appears in football and horse racing, and explain how it may shift in live betting. Along the way, we’ll clear up some common misunderstandings so the term becomes much easier to follow.
Read on to get the full picture.
What Is A Bar In Sports Betting?
In sports betting, a “bar” is often used by bookmakers to handle competitors beyond the main favourites. It acts like a shorthand on boards or online markets, indicating something about the remaining options without listing them individually.
For instance, a board might show a few leading horses or teams by name, and then add a bar with a number next to it. That number gives a general idea of the starting price for the unlisted selections.
At this stage, it’s enough to know that the bar is about how the market is presented, rather than predicting outcomes.
How Does Bar Affect Your Odds?
If you’re looking closer at a market, the bar starts to indicate the minimum for any selections not shown individually. For example, a “20/1 bar” suggests that unlisted runners start from that number, though some may have bigger prices depending on the bookmaker or the market.
It’s important to remember that not every selection behind the bar is identical. Some might just meet the minimum, while others could be priced higher. Checking the full market view may give a clearer picture, even if a physical board doesn’t display every option.
This is the stage where noting the bar might help if you’re comparing favourites to the rest of the field or spotting a runner that appeals to you at a certain starting point.
Examples Of Bar In Football And Horse Racing
In horse racing, a market might list the top five horses by name and then show “25/1 bar.” That simply means the remaining horses are available at 25/1 or more, without specifying each individually.
In football outright markets, several leading teams might be priced separately, followed by “50/1 bar.” Any team not listed may be backed at 50/1 or a bigger number. Bookmakers use this to keep large markets clear and give a quick reference for the rest of the field.
As we’ll see in the next section, these numbers may move during live betting, reflecting changes in how the event is unfolding.
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Can Bar Change During Live Betting?
During live betting, odds might shift as the action progresses. The bar may move along with them, showing updated starting points for unlisted selections.
For example, if one favourite is performing better than expected, the bar could shorten for the rest. Conversely, if that favourite drifts, the bar may lengthen. It’s a way to keep the board reflective of the current situation.
If you choose to bet while events are in progress, you might want to set limits before the action starts. That might help you stay focused and make clear decisions even if numbers are changing quickly.
How To Read Bar On Different Types Of Bets
The bar is most often seen on outright markets or large fields, where listing every selection would be unwieldy. It marks the point where runners are grouped and indicates the starting price for the rest.
On each-way bets, the bar only applies to the win odds for unlisted selections. The place portion follows separate rules, such as the fraction of the win price paid and how many positions count. The bar itself does not define these place terms.
For accumulators, the bar simply shows the starting price for any leg that sits behind the favourites in its individual market. The combined price then works out normally using the usual calculations for each leg.
These details explain why some myths about the bar appear, which we’ll tackle next.
Common Misunderstandings About Bar In Betting
A few common misunderstandings tend to crop up around the bar.
Some people think it separates “likely” and “unlikely” outcomes. In reality, it’s just a display tool showing a starting price for unlisted selections.
Others assume everything behind the bar is identical. Each selection still has its own odds, often starting at the bar level and potentially increasing from there.
It’s also easy to think the bar is permanent. It might change, especially in live markets or if new information affects the pricing.
Finally, the bar is sometimes confused with over/under totals or the way accumulators are calculated. Its only purpose is to group unlisted selections and set a starting point for their odds.
By reading the market carefully and noting the bar, you may quickly make sense of crowded boards and find where unlisted options start.
If you choose to place bets, always gamble responsibly and only stake what you can afford to lose. Make sure to monitor your spending and take breaks to keep your betting within comfortable limits.
