In UK sports betting, a
"jolly" is slang term for the
favourite in a race or event - typically the horse, greyhound, or participant with the shortest odds (highest probability of winning according to bookmakers).
Key Points:
- Most likely winner: The jolly is considered to have the best chance of success
- Shortest odds: Usually priced at odds-on (less than evens) or very short odds
- Popular choice: Often attracts the most betting volume from casual punters
- Traditional term: Commonly used in horse racing and greyhound racing
Example:
If a horse is priced at 2/5 (0.4 in decimal odds) while other runners are 5/1, 10/1, etc., that 2/5 shot would be considered the "jolly."
Betting Strategy Note:
While jollies win more frequently than longer-priced selections, they offer lower returns. Many experienced bettors look for value in opposing short-priced favourites when the odds don't reflect the true winning chances.
You'll encounter this term frequently when betting on racing markets at established UK bookmakers like
Bet365,
William Hill,
Ladbrokes, or
Paddy Power, particularly in their horse racing and greyhound sections.
The term reflects traditional British betting culture and remains widely used across UK betting shops and online platforms.