What is a NAP in Betting & How Does It Work?

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The term NAP betting and how it works can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar with betting terms. In horse racing, the term NAP is an abbreviation for Napoleon. It is taken from a French card game of the same name.

Considering NAP selections are commonly found online or via a sports news page, this nap betting meaning article will explore what is a nap in betting. Our NAP sports betting guide will also include information about what does nap mean in betting.


What is a NAP Bet?

A NAP bet is a tipster’s best pick of the day. Essentially, it is the tipster’s favourite horse that they think has the best chance of winning a race. If you prefer to pick one horse per event versus trebles, NAP betting is the way to go. However, not every NAP will be a winner; it is just a tipster’s best selection for the day.

Cheltenham Festival 2025
Cheltenham Festival 2025 (Photo: BTA)

How Does NAP Betting Work?

The way NAP betting works is quite simple, you are basing your selection, or selections, on the advice of a tipster. In other words, you are not basing your decision on your own investigative prowess, but that of someone else.

What is important to remember is that while most NAPS are posted online, they are also published in local newspapers or other regional publications. For example, a tipster’s NAP chooses Reginal Charles to win in a seven-race card at Newcastle. While this may be a valid NAP, the publication of such can impact the odds.

Therefore, to answer the question of how NAP betting works, there is no right answer other than to investigate the tipster’s overall success rate. If a tipster’s success rate is good, you may see positive returns on your investment.


How to Place a NAP Bet?

Placing a NAP bet is fairly straightforward, the difference is it involves selecting a tipster’s recommendation for the day. Therefore, before you place an NAP bet, you will need to find a reputable tipster. You then:

  1. Login to your preferred betting site.
  2. Locate the tipsters’ selection.
  3. Navigate to the horse racing section.
  4. Enter the amount you want to risk
  5. Click the “Place Bet” button.

Before the race starts, I recommend you keep an eye out for any changes in the odds or race conditions. You can then adjust your bet accordingly, and after the race, I suggest evaluating the outcome to gauge the accuracy of the tipster. This way, you will be better prepared for your next gambling session.


Pros & Cons of NAP Betting

  • Pros:
  • Saves time – no need to do your own research
  • Reduces the risk – odds of winning are higher
  • Allows bettors to rely on expert knowledge
  • Cons:
  • Relying on tipsters can result in complacency
  • Bookmakers may change odds if the tipster has a large following

What are Some Useful NAP Betting Strategies?

If you’re new to NAP betting, one of the most useful betting strategies is to place single-win bets. It will provide you with the basics before you try more complicated accumulators when betting on races like the Cheltenham Festival. Here are a few other useful tips that can help improve your chances of being profitable.

  • Bet Low Stakes – One of the best tips I can give you is to bet low stakes. By betting low stakes, you reduce the amount you might lose until such time as you are more confident with your NAPS.
  • Compare Odds – You should always compare odds across multiple bookmakers before placing a NAP bet. Remember, a small difference in the odds can make a big difference in your overall profitability.
  • Do your own Research – You’re not going to develop an effective betting strategy if you always rely on publications for NAPS. Always do your own research and compare your picks to those chosen by expert tipsters.

Verdict

Whether you are betting on a football game or horses, a NAP bet is a strategic way to get the most out of the recommendations of professional tipsters. While NAPS can provide insight, you should always do your own research. By combining your own research with the recommendations of professional tipsters, you can start putting your understanding of NAP betting to work.

Just remember that a NAP isn’t guaranteed to win, considering all that can happen in a horse race, but it does increase the probability of a return given the extensive knowledge and research a tipster has taken to identify the horse most likely to win.

Author
Doug Holmes
Doug HolmesDoug Holmes is a specialist in casino games and their analysis and became a part of the team in October 2018. He lives in Canada and has many years of experience in the gambling industry. Doug is responsible for writing professional content for various online casinos and games.