Poll: What is the ultimate betting board game?

David Norris

Sep 5

Last month we found the best big box engine-building game, this month we turn our attention to something simpler. Throwing around money we don't have on horses and cars that don't exist. That's right, we're trying to find out which board game is the ultimate betting board game.

Betting games have exploded to life in recent years, with Long Shot: The Dice Game earning the coveted Shut Up and Sit Down recommendation. Meanwhile, Ready Set Bet made it to Tom Vassal's favourite game of 2022.

Before these two games though, all anyone could talk about when it came to betting was Downforce. And before that, it was Camel Up. So there's a lot of fierce competition within the genre.

Now, with the exception of Downforce, I've reviewed all of these games so you know where I stand. But more interesting to me, is where you stand in the battle of Long Shot vs. Ready Set Bet vs. Camel Up vs. Downforce. Which one reigns supreme as the ultimate betting board game?

Long Shot: The Dice Game

With a single dice roll Long Shot: The Dice Game transports you to the race track. Throughout the game you and your friends will take turns maneuvering horses, playing bingo, and of course, placing bets.

Unlike some other betting games, Long Shot gives you a lot of tools to influence the outcome of the race. A good thing too, because it rewards going all in on specific horses rather than playing the field.

While everyone gets a turn rolling the dice and moving the horses, Long Shot makes the most of its roll and write mechanics to keep everyone constantly involved. Since everyone has a player sheet, they get to perform an individual action each time the die is rolled. So even when playing with eight players, you're always involved in the action.

Not to mention the race itself is crazy. Players do everything within their power to ensure the horse they back doesn't end up in the glue factory. Meaning you often see horses bolt away from the pack, only to be dragged back a couple of turns later. It's exciting, fun, and a surefire contender for the best betting board game.