What Does Bar Mean in Betting? Sports Betting Glossary
Understanding betting terms is important for anyone exploring sports betting, and some expressions—such as “bar”—might seem a little unfamiliar at first, particularly if you’re still getting used to how markets are presented.
In this blog post, we take a closer look at the term ‘bar’, how it appears in horse racing, where it is most commonly used, and occasionally in some other large-field markets. We also explain why bookmakers include a bar in their market displays and how it relates to the information shown in odds.
Read on to find out more.
Bar In Betting And Its Use In Sports Markets
In sports betting, a ‘bar’ is often used in markets with many potential outcomes. It serves as a shorthand to cover selections that are not among the main ones listed individually.
For instance, in a large horse racing field, a bookmaker might highlight several favourites and then show a ‘bar’ for the rest. In football, this type of grouping is uncommon and only occasionally appears in very large outright markets.
Think of it as a way to keep the market readable without listing every single option.
How Is A Bar Calculated In Betting?
A bar is a display cut-off chosen by traders to group less-prominent selections, not a calculated minimum or a fixed reference point. It is not the precise price for every selection beyond the favourites.
For example, in a 20-runner race, you could see ten horses individually priced, followed by “16/1 bar.” This indicates that the remaining runners will typically be priced around that level or higher, though individual odds may vary slightly.
Where the bar appears may change as odds update. The actual price for a specific selection is always shown when you choose it, which might differ from the bar level. This makes the bar useful for scanning a market quickly without hiding any selections.
What Does A Bar Represent In Football And Horse Racing?
Now that the idea of a cut-off point is clearer, it helps to see how it works in the sports where it is most common.
In football, a bar can be used to group outcomes that are not among the leading options, but its use is rare. After the main selections, a bookmaker might show a bar to indicate the minimum level for the rest. That being said, this is rarely seen in modern football markets and is not a standard way of displaying options.
In horse racing, the concept is similar. Large fields display the most prominent runners individually, then add a bar for the remaining horses. If you are betting, you might click through to see the exact odds for any horse beyond the bar.
In both sports, the bar is an organising tool rather than a prediction. It helps you locate and compare selections more easily.
Does Bar Affect Your Betting Odds?
It is important to know that a bar does not change the odds for a specific selection. If you choose to place a bet on an option that falls within the bar, your bet is struck at the actual price shown for that selection, which might be above the bar level.
Potential returns are calculated from the accepted odds for the choice you make, not from the bar figure itself. At its core, the bar is simply a reference point to help you understand the market layout.
Why Do Bookmakers Use Bars In Their Markets?
Bookmakers include bars to make busy markets easier to follow. By highlighting the key selections first and grouping the rest, pages typically remain concise and easier to navigate.
It also allows traders to publish main prices prominently while still signalling that other options are available at a minimum level or above. The bar’s presence does not indicate probability or influence the fairness of odds.
If you choose to place any bets, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose. If you are concerned about gambling, free support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware, and setting personal limits might help you gamble responsibly.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
