What Is a NAP in Betting? Horse Tips and Betting Jargon
Anyone with an interest in horse racing betting has likely seen the term “NAP”, but it is not always clear what it actually signifies or why tipsters mention it so often.
Picking up on key phrases like this may make following horse racing tips and discussions simpler, especially if you are new to the scene.
This blog post introduces the concept of a NAP, hints at its origin, and explains why some selections stand out in tipsters’ daily notes. You will also encounter a few other common terms along the way.
Read on to learn more.
Why Understanding NAPs Matters for Horse Betting
Spotting a NAP might help you see which selection a tipster considers notable on a given day. Think of it as a kind of highlight—one choice that draws attention in a list of tips.
It is worth noting that a NAP is more about emphasis than certainty. It indicates the pick a tipster wants to spotlight, which may help in understanding how they view the different races.
What Does Nap Mean in Betting?
In horse racing, a “NAP” is the selection a tipster highlights as their main focus for the day. If you were following tips, this would be the horse they consider particularly noteworthy.
The term is thought to come from the 19th-century card game Napoleon, in which a “nap” was a bid to take all five tricks, signalling a particularly strong hand. In racing tips, the word was adopted to flag a selection that stands out from the rest.
Tipsters often take into account factors such as recent form, track conditions, distances, and trainer or jockey performance when identifying their NAP.
When featured in racing columns, the NAP is usually clearly marked so bettors may spot it easily.
Examples of NAPs in Daily Racing Tips
NAPs show up in newspapers, online racing sites, and tipster blogs. A typical example might look like this:
Haydock 2:50: NAP: Golden Runner
Here, “Golden Runner” is the tipster’s main selection for that day. Many columns will pair this with other notes, such as a Next Best (NB) or an each-way suggestion. The NAP is meant to stand out as the pick the tipster has highlighted.
Later, we will touch on what someone new to betting might consider if they were following such tips.
How Should Beginners Approach NAP Tips?
For newcomers, a NAP is best seen as a highlighted opinion rather than a guaranteed outcome. Factors such as how the race unfolds or the horse’s position in the field may affect the result.
Looking a bit deeper may help make sense of the selection. For instance, a horse returning to a preferred distance or ground type might strengthen the choice, whereas a wide draw in a large field may suggest caution.
Comparing multiple tipsters may also reveal patterns. If several highlight the same horse, the reasoning might point to specific advantages. Differences may show which aspects of the race are being weighed most heavily.
If you choose to bet, stake only what you feel comfortable with and think about setting a budget beforehand to avoid spending more than you intend.
Other Common Betting Jargon You Should Know
Learning some other common terms may make following horse racing discussions less confusing:
- Each-Way: A bet split into two parts: one on the horse to win and one on it to be placed. Place terms vary depending on the race.
- Accumulator (Acca): Several selections combined into one bet. All selections must win for a return.
- SP (Starting Price): The official odds at the off. If you take SP and your selection wins, your payout is based on that price.
- Favourite: The horse with the shortest odds in the market.
- Odds-On: A price shorter than evens, suggesting the market views the horse as likely to succeed.
Seeing how a NAP fits alongside terms like each-way, SP, and odds-on may make tip columns easier to follow. If you choose to place bets, only stake amounts you are comfortable with and make use of available gambling support measures.
**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.
