G

Gambling Commission – the regulator of the UK Gambling Industry – set-up in 2005 following the Gambling Act to ensure industry compliance with political objectives.

​

Gee-Gees – slang for horse racing in the UK. Believed to originate from Mayor Henry Gee who consented to horse-racing at Chester in the 16th Century.

​

Goliath – permutation bet including eight selections. A Goliath consists of 247 bets: 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds and an eight-fold acca.

​

Grade races – the top level of National Hunt horse races (Grade 1, 2, 3)  Grade 1 races include the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Grade 2 races include the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and Grade 3 races include the Grand National.

Grand National – the UK’s most popular horse race, a steeplechase contested over 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs at Aintree racecourse during April. Famous for iconic obstacles including The Chair and Becher’s Brook, and beloved racehorses such as Red Rum.

​

Group races – the top level of flat horse racing (Group 1, 2, 3)  Group 1 races include the Epsom Derby, Group 2 races include the Dante Stakes at York and Group 3 include the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.

​

​

H

Hedging – placing a bet against an existing bet to ensure a profit - most common in markets where there are only two competitors. Something which has become more popular with online bookmaker’s cash-out feature.

​

Handicap betting – method of levelling a betting market to equalise the odds. Especially popular in US Sports where the underdog is given points or goal leads.

​

Handicaps – horse races where runners carry different weights based on their rating ensuring more competitve races. Handicappers rate horses ability based on past racecourse results.

​

Heinz – a permutation bet with six selections. Heinz bets consist of 57 bets: 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds and a 1 six-fold acca.

​

Hurdle races – a National Hunt race over hurdles.  Hurdles are a minimum of three and half feet high, normally made of brush and flexible. Smaller than steeplechases, hurdles allow for a faster paced race.

​

​

I

In-play betting – betting which takes place once an event has started. Increasingly popular because of online betting.

​

IBAS - The Independent Betting Adjudication Service – an independent service endorsed by most UK bookmakers and the Gambling Commission which can adjudicate between a punter and bookmaker if there is a dispute over a bet.

​

Insider– a person with privileged information on an event.  Often a big advantage in horse racing where ‘work’ at home can indicate a horse coming into form.