Is there a horse betting etiquette? Yes, there definitely is. While you may see chaos in the betting windows with 2 minutes to post the time, there is a dynamic at play.

Here are 5 important things you need to know when betting horses at the racetrack:

1.) Always know what you are going to bet BEFORE you hit the cashier. The worst thing you can do is get a window handicap with little time to post and hem and yell while the people behind you are left out of your bets.

two.) Know what the bets are called BEFORE you hit the window. They have programs at the racetrack specifically designed to tell you what the bets are, what to call them, and how much they cost. Don’t waste the cashier’s time – they’re there to collect bets, not to go over racing history with you. This is how your performance is judged. While they may smile on the outside, they are definitely not smiling on the inside.

3.) NEVER go to the window with little time to post and collect a ticket. Wait until the door bell rings and people place their bets. Getting to exclude someone from a bet while you don’t intend to bet on the next race is a BIG no-no. This is a recipe for making a knuckle sandwich.

4.) Have your money ready. Don’t be like the old lady at the supermarket checkout and start counting the change with 1 minute to post the time while you have a line of people behind you.

Be aware of others.

5.) Never be intimidated by the guy behind you who huffs and huffs and mumbles nasty things while you try to place your bets.. This only applies if he’s not doing any of the no-nos above, it’s a shame for him. Keep calm and bet.

So there you have it. This is a short but important lesson in horse racing etiquette that will make everyone’s day at the races a much more enjoyable experience. To win. Or lose.

Oh, these rules apply to off-track betting, satellite betting, and wherever you’re waiting in line to drop your bets. The bottom line is to be civil and remember the golden rule.