Odds, or the rated chances of winning, are commonly determined by three major groups: morning line makers, public handicappers, and the general public.

Those among the first group are usually employed by racetracks, although practically anyone from public relations personnel to newspaper handicappers can prepare a morning line. The problem is that these people either work for racetracks or simply do not have ample time or desire to prepare a proper morning line. Highly unfavorable odds for any horse can be trimmed down to entice people to bet. PR and newspaper people may have something else to do, so their morning lines may be rushed and highly inaccurate.

Public handicappers are those who offer their horse racing betting odds predictions to the general public, usually for certain fees. While there are a number of talented ones in the business, most are influenced by morning lines and supposed ‘insider’ tips. Inaccurate public handicappers end up compounding wrong initial data by backing them up, furthering the danger of big losses.

While it’s true that the general public can make things worse, the availability of accurate data like that found in TVG.com’s handicapping guide can tip horse racing betting odds heavily in the favor of smart players. TVG offers current information gleaned by TrackMaster systems from top horse racing data and analysis company Equibase, as well as network TV analyses from the top names in the horse racing industry. Players can study odds and compare them with TVG’s information to make educated betting decisions.

Calculating horse racing betting odds may be a risky business, but TVG makes finding reliable knowledge a lot easier and placing bets a bit safer.