What is Ante-post betting?
Ante-post betting means placing a bet before the final list of participants is confirmed, usually long before an event begins.
It’s common in sports like horse racing, football, tennis, and golf, where early odds are offered on major tournaments.
The term “ante post” literally means before the post, referring to placing a bet before the racecard is finalised.
How Ante-post betting works
- Markets open early: Bookmakers post odds for major events months in advance (e.g., the Cheltenham Festival or the Premier League winner).
- You place your bet: You pick a team, player, or horse before the competition starts.
- Odds may change: As the event approaches, odds fluctuate with form, injuries, or news.
- Non-runner risk: If your selection doesn’t compete, your stake is lost (unless the bookmaker offers “NRNB” — Non-Runner No Bet).
Because you’re betting before final line-ups or conditions are known, Ante-post betting involves more uncertainty, but potentially greater rewards
Example 1: Horse racing
You back Constitution Hill at 3.00 (2/1) to win the Champion Hurdle three months before the race.
Closer to the event, the same horse shortens to 1.80 (4/5) due to strong performances.
If he wins, your early bet pays off at much better odds than those available on race day.
Example 2: Football
In August, before the season begins, you bet £20 on Liverpool to win the Premier League at 9.00 (+800). By Christmas, they’re leading the table, and the odds shorten to 3.50 (+250). Your ante-post bet locks in the original higher odds, even if prices fall later.
Why use Ante-post betting?
- Finding value before markets adjust: Early odds often underestimate a selection’s real potential, giving bettors the chance to secure standout prices before bookmakers respond.
- Spotting trends others miss: Subtle form patterns, stable whispers, or early performance clues can reveal opportunities long before the crowd catches on.
- Expecting odds to shorten: When confidence in a horse or team is likely to grow, locking in early ensures better returns as prices tighten closer to the event.
- Taking advantage of NRNB offers: “Non-Runner No Bet” terms reduce the risk of losing your stake, making early bets more appealing and protected.
For example, betting early on a horse showing promise in trial races can secure strong value before the festival favourites are confirmed.
The risks of Ante-post bets
Before placing an Ante-post bet, consider the downsides:
- No refund if your selection doesn’t compete (unless NRNB applies).
- Injuries, form dips, or withdrawals can ruin your bet.
- Money is tied up for long periods.
- Market changes may reduce your edge if the odds shorten too slowly.
Ante post vs day-of-race (quick comparison)
Feature | Ante-post | Day-of-Race |
|---|---|---|
Timing | Weeks or months in advance | On race day |
Odds | Usually higher | Lower, more accurate |
Risk | Higher (no refund if non-runner) | Lower (stake refunded if non-runner) |
Liquidity | Lower | Higher |
Best for | Value seekers | Casual or risk-averse bettors |
When to place an Ante-post bet
Savvy bettors place ante-post bets when:
- They spot undervalued selections before markets adjust.
- There’s insider information or early form trends others haven’t noticed.
- They believe a horse or team’s chances will shorten over time.
- Bookmakers offer NRNB terms, reducing non-runner risk.
For example, betting early on a horse showing promise in trial races can secure big value before the festival favourites are confirmed.
Conclusion
An ante-post bet lets you take an early position on future events, often locking in higher odds long before everyone else.
It’s a favourite approach for bettors who like predicting outcomes early and spotting mispriced opportunities. But with higher potential reward comes higher risk, especially if your selection doesn’t compete.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine Ante post selections in an accumulator?
Yes. While most bookmakers allow ante post accumulators, the key is understanding how each leg is treated. If a selection doesn’t run, some bookmakers treat it as a loss, while others may adjust the payout proportionally. Always review the market rules and consider staking strategies to manage exposure.
Do Ante post odds change after I place my bet?
Once you place an ante post bet, your odds are fixed. Other bettors may see different prices later, so your early bet can offer better value compared with the market after news or performance updates.
Why do bookmakers suspend Ante post markets?
Bookmakers may suspend ante post betting to adjust prices when new developments affect a participant’s chances, ensuring the market stays fair and accurate.
How can I manage Ante post risk?
You can reduce risk by using NRNB terms, spreading stakes across multiple selections, or trading positions on exchanges before the event. This limits potential losses while keeping the upside if your pick wins.
How do betting exchanges treat Ante post bets?
On exchanges like Betfair, ante post markets are usually “all-in, run or not,” meaning you lose your stake if your pick doesn’t compete. The upside is flexibility; you can back or lay and trade out as odds change.