What Does Bar Mean In Betting? Bar Price Explained
Ever seen the word “bar” next to odds on a racecard or betting page? It can be confusing at first glance, especially if you are just getting to grips with how odds are shown.
Understanding simple pieces of shorthand like this could make it much easier to read markets with confidence. Betting sites must present information clearly, but summaries often rely on compact terms such as “bar” to keep things tidy.
Below, you will find what “bar” means, how to read lines like “20/1 bar the field”, and where it fits if you are comparing prices online or in a shop.
Bar Meaning In Horse Racing Betting
If a racecard shows something like “20/1 bar”, it is not naming a horse or a bet type. It is a marker. It tells you that every runner not listed above that line is available at odds of at least 20/1 at that moment.
Bookmakers use it to group the lesser-fancied runners so they can highlight the main contenders without printing every single price. In big fields, that saves a lot of space and lets you scan the market quickly. The unnamed runners might be 20/1, 25/1, 33/1 or bigger, but they will not be shorter than the bar line.
If you are interested in a specific horse that sits below the bar, it might still be worth opening the full market to see their exact price. Different sites lay out racecards in their own style, yet the meaning of “bar” remains the same.
If you decide to try your hand at betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
20/1 Bar The Field Example
Imagine a big handicap where the top of the market is listed runner by runner, then you see “20/1 bar the field” at the end. That phrase means every horse not named above that point is priced at 20/1 or longer.
For example, you might see:
- Horse A: 6/4
- Horse B: 3/1
- Horse C: 8/1
- Horse D: 12/1
- Horse E: 16/1
- 20/1 bar
All other runners are at least 20/1 at the time those prices are shown. Some could be 25/1, 33/1 or higher, and prices can move as the market changes. This shorthand keeps a long racecard readable, which is especially useful at major meetings with large fields.
If a horse you like is not in the named list, you can still view their exact odds by opening the full race market on a site or asking at the counter. It is a simple way to see the whole picture without the board being crammed with numbers.
Bet on Horses at Bet442
If you are exploring horse racing markets, we make it straightforward to find your way around. We are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and our racecards show both the headline prices and the full list of runners in a clear, consistent format.
On our site you will see “bar” markers on summary screens for quick scanning, with a single tap or click revealing every price in detail. Key terms are explained in plain language, and you can browse UK and international meetings on mobile or desktop with the same smooth experience. If you need a hand, our support team is on hand to answer questions about markets and site features, and you can use safer gambling tools such as deposit limits and time reminders.
Join us at Bet442 to compare prices, check the full market when you want, and place your bets with confidence.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.