What Is a NAP in Betting?
A NAP is a tipster's strongest selection of the day — the single bet they are most confident about. The term is shorthand for their "best bet" or "top pick," and it carries a signal of maximum confidence. Unlike casual recommendations, a NAP represents a tipster's most thoroughly researched and analysed selection, typically highlighted as the one bet followers should prioritise if they can only act on a single recommendation.
In the betting world, NAPs are far more than throwaway tips. They serve as a quality indicator for tipsters, a tool for bettors to filter recommendations, and a focal point for betting competitions that rank tipsters by their NAP performance. A tipster's NAP record — their win percentage and return on investment (ROI) on NAP selections specifically — often reveals more about their genuine expertise than their overall tip record.
The term is deeply embedded in British betting culture and extends across all major sports. You'll find NAPs in newspaper racing sections, on dedicated tipster websites, in televised previews, and across social media. The convention is simple: one NAP per day, per tipster. This clarity makes NAPs invaluable for punters who want expert guidance without wading through dozens of selections.
The Core Definition
At its simplest, a NAP is a tipster's declaration of maximum confidence. When a tipster publishes their NAP, they are saying: "Of all the selections I could make today, this is the one I believe has the strongest chance of winning." This differs fundamentally from other recommendations a tipster might provide, which carry varying levels of conviction.
The importance of this signal cannot be overstated. In an environment where anyone with a social media account can call themselves a tipster, the NAP convention provides structure. It forces tipsters to commit to a single "best shot," preventing them from hiding behind a scatter-gun approach of dozens of tips where some inevitably land.
For bettors, this means NAPs simplify decision-making. Instead of evaluating every selection a tipster publishes, followers can focus on the one bet the tipster has backed with their strongest conviction. This is especially valuable for beginners or casual bettors who lack the time or expertise to analyse every race or match themselves.
| Betting Term | Definition | Confidence Level | Typical Staking | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAP | Tipster's strongest selection | Highest | 1.5–2x standard unit | Primary recommendation |
| NB (Next Best) | Tipster's second-strongest pick | High | 1–1.5x standard unit | Secondary option |
| Each-Way Fancy | Selection with value in place betting | Medium | Standard unit | Hedge for place odds |
| Banker | Selection expected to win (often in multiples) | Highest | Varies | Accumulator anchor |
| Long Shot | Higher odds, speculative pick | Low | 0.5x standard unit | Lottery-style bet |
NAP in Different Betting Contexts
Though NAPs originated in horse racing, the convention has spread across all sports where tipsters operate. In football, NAPs are published by pundits predicting match outcomes, goal scorers, or accumulators. In greyhound racing, they follow the same principle. Golf tipsters issue NAPs ahead of major tournaments. Esports analysts now use the term as well.
The selection criteria shift by sport — a football NAP might focus on form, injuries, and head-to-head records, whilst a horse racing NAP emphasizes track conditions, jockey changes, and recent performances. But the underlying principle remains constant: this is the tipster's single most confident pick for that day or event.
What's notable is that NAP usage is strongest in the UK and Ireland, where the tradition has deepest roots. However, the term is increasingly adopted internationally, particularly among English-speaking betting communities. Some overseas tipsters use equivalent terminology ("best bet," "top pick"), but the NAP convention itself carries a distinctly British flavour.
Why NAPs Matter to Bettors
NAPs matter because they cut through noise. A tipster might publish 8–15 selections across a day's racing or football fixtures. Following all of them is time-consuming and dilutes focus. A NAP lets followers zero in on the tipster's genuine top recommendation.
This has a secondary effect: market influence. When a high-profile tipster releases their NAP, betting odds often shift. If a reputable racing analyst publishes a NAP at 5/1, money flows onto that selection, and the odds compress. Savvy bettors sometimes back NAPs early, before the market reacts. This is why tipsters sometimes publish their NAPs before the general public sees them — to give loyal followers a window to access better odds.
NAPs also serve as a reputation indicator. A tipster's NAP record is their calling card. Newspapers and betting websites publish daily Naps Tables that track every tipster's performance on their NAP selections specifically. A tipster with a strong NAP record — say, 35% strike rate with +150% ROI over a season — builds a following. Those with poor NAP records quickly lose credibility.
Where Did the Term NAP Come From?
Understanding the origin of "NAP" provides insight into why the term became so embedded in betting culture. The journey from a 19th-century French card game to modern betting terminology is a fascinating piece of gambling history.
The Napoleon Card Game Origins
The term "NAP" comes directly from Napoleon, a trick-taking card game that originated in France in the early 1800s. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, typically with 2–6 players. Each player is dealt five cards, and the objective is to bid on how many tricks they believe they can win.
The bidding structure is crucial to understanding why "Nap" became a betting term. Players can bid 1 through 5 tricks, with 5 tricks being the maximum possible bid. When a player bids 5 — declaring they will take all five tricks in that hand — they are making the boldest, most confident declaration possible. They are essentially saying, "I am certain I can win everything."
This bid is called "Nap" (short for Napoleon). It's the highest stakes declaration in the game. A player who calls Nap is putting their reputation on the line — if they succeed, they win big; if they fail, they lose significantly. The term captures the essence of maximum confidence combined with maximum risk.
The game was popular across Europe and the British Isles throughout the 19th century. British culture particularly embraced it, which explains why the terminology later transferred so naturally to British betting culture.
Evolution from Card Game to Betting
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, British horse racing was becoming increasingly popular, and the betting culture surrounding it was professionalizing. Tipsters — individuals who published racing predictions — began to proliferate. These tipsters needed a way to distinguish their strongest recommendations from casual picks.
The analogy was obvious: just as a player calling "Nap" in the card game was making their boldest declaration, a tipster calling a horse their "NAP" was making their most confident selection of the day. The terminology provided immediate clarity. A NAP wasn't just another tip; it was the tipster's equivalent of pushing all their chips in.
The adoption of NAP terminology in British horse racing coincided with the rise of newspaper racing columns. Major newspapers employed racing analysts who would publish daily tips, and the NAP convention quickly became standard. By the 1920s–1940s, the NAP was an established fixture of British racing culture.
The term's adoption was also practical. Before modern digital communication, newspapers needed concise terminology. "NAP" was short, memorable, and carried an instant meaning to readers familiar with card games. It solved a communication problem elegantly.
Etymology and Linguistic Journey
The linguistic journey of "NAP" is interesting because the term is entirely derived from a game context — it has no connection to the English word "nap" (a short sleep), despite the identical spelling. This has occasionally caused confusion for non-British bettors encountering the term for the first time.
The term remained distinctly British for much of the 20th century. It wasn't until the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the globalization of sports betting and the rise of online betting platforms, that NAP terminology spread more widely internationally.
Today, the term is understood across English-speaking betting communities, though it remains most prevalent in UK and Irish betting culture. Some overseas tipsters and betting sites use equivalent terminology ("best bet," "top pick," "strongest selection"), but the NAP convention itself carries a distinctly British heritage.
How Do Tipsters Choose Their NAP?
Selecting a NAP is not a casual process. Professional tipsters invest significant time and expertise in their NAP selection, and understanding their methodology reveals why some NAPs are more reliable than others.
Research and Analysis Process
A tipster's NAP selection begins with comprehensive form analysis. For horse racing, this means studying the recent performances of horses in the NAP race: their finishing positions, winning distances, time figures, and consistency. A tipster examines whether a horse is improving (form is trending upward) or declining (form is trending downward).
But form analysis extends beyond the horse itself. Tipsters evaluate the trainer's recent record. Has the trainer been sending out winners? Are they in a winning phase or a slump? Some trainers excel with certain race types (handicaps, novice races, long-distance events), and a knowledgeable tipster accounts for this.
The jockey is equally important. Is the booked jockey a specialist at this distance or track? Has the jockey partnered successfully with this horse before? Sometimes, a tipster will NAP a horse specifically because a top-class jockey has been booked — signalling confidence from the trainer. Conversely, if a horse's regular jockey has been replaced, a tipster might downgrade it.
Ground and track conditions are critical. Some horses excel on firm ground but struggle on soft going. Others are track specialists — they run well at one venue but poorly at others. A tipster considers the official going, recent rainfall, and how the track is playing that day. A horse that won easily on firm ground might be a poor bet on heavy ground.
Pace analysis is a more sophisticated element. How will the race be run? Will there be early speed, or will it be a slow-run affair? Does the NAP horse prefer a fast pace or a slow one? Tipsters with deep expertise consider these dynamics.
Confidence Levels and Selection Criteria
What separates a NAP from a tipster's other selections? The answer lies in conviction. A tipster might publish 10 selections across a day, but only one will be their NAP. That NAP represents the selection where all the factors — form, trainer, jockey, conditions, value — align most favourably.
Importantly, a NAP is not necessarily the shortest-priced favourite. A tipster might NAP a 7/1 shot in a competitive handicap because they believe the market has underestimated the horse's chances. This is where value comes in. A NAP often represents a tipster's view that the odds available represent genuine value — the horse's true winning probability exceeds the implied probability from the odds.
This is a key distinction: a NAP is the tipster's most confident selection, not necessarily the most obvious one. A tipster might see a horse at 7/1 that they believe should be 4/1. That gap between perceived true odds and market odds is what makes it a NAP. This is why NAPs sometimes appear to be outsiders — the tipster has identified value that the market has missed.
The staking implication is significant. A NAP typically warrants a higher stake than other selections. If a tipster's standard unit is £10, they might stake their NAP at £20 or £25, reflecting their higher conviction. This staking approach is crucial for long-term profitability — bets must be sized according to confidence levels.
Common Factors in NAP Selection
Beyond the core factors, tipsters consider a range of variables. Recent performance trends matter — a horse that has won its last two races is in a different category than one struggling to find form. Draw bias can be crucial in flat racing — a horse with a favourable draw in a wide-open race might be a NAP candidate.
Market movements provide clues. If a horse has been backed heavily in the betting, the market is sending a signal. Conversely, if a horse's odds have drifted (lengthened), it might indicate that the market is questioning it. A tipster might NAP a horse whose odds have drifted if they believe the market is wrong.
Insider information occasionally influences NAP selection. A tipster might learn from connections (trainers, jockeys, owners) that a horse is "ready" — trained to the minute and expected to run well. This isn't illegal inside information; it's simply the kind of intelligence that experienced tipsters develop through years in the industry.
Seasonal and weather patterns matter too. Some horses run better in certain seasons. Some are weather-dependent — they need soft ground or firm ground to perform well. A tipster considers these patterns when selecting their NAP.
What's the Difference Between NAP, NB, and Other Selections?
The tipster hierarchy extends beyond just NAP. Understanding the full spectrum of selection tiers helps bettors use NAPs effectively.
NAP vs. Next Best (NB)
The NAP is the tipster's single most confident selection. The NB (Next Best) is their second-strongest pick. The distinction is important because it provides bettors with two tiers of conviction.
In practical terms, a NAP typically carries 1.5–2x the standard staking unit, whilst an NB might carry 1–1.5x. This reflects the confidence differential. A NAP is the selection the tipster would back if they could only back one bet; an NB is what they would back if they could back two.
The NAP/NB structure is particularly common in newspaper racing columns and on dedicated tipster websites. A reader scanning the day's tips can immediately identify the two strongest recommendations without reading extensive analysis.
| Selection Tier | Confidence Level | Typical Odds | Staking Guide | Win Probability (Tipster View) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAP | Highest | Any | 1.5–2x unit | 35–50% | Primary recommendation |
| NB | High | Any | 1–1.5x unit | 25–35% | Secondary recommendation |
| Fancy | Medium | Any | 1x unit | 15–25% | Third choice or value pick |
| Each-Way | Medium–High | Longer odds | 1–1.5x unit (EW) | 20–30% (win) | Place odds attractive |
| Long Shot | Low | Long odds | 0.5x unit | 5–15% | Lottery-style speculative bet |
Other Selection Tiers
Beyond NAP and NB, tipsters often provide additional recommendations. A "fancy" or "good thing" is a third-tier selection — the tipster's third-strongest pick. Some tipsters also provide "each-way fancies" — selections they believe have good place odds, even if the win odds are less attractive.
Long shots or "outsiders" are speculative picks, often included for entertainment value or because the tipster sees genuine value at long odds. These are typically staked at much lower levels (0.5x unit or less) because the tipster's conviction is lower.
Some newspaper columns also include selections without specific ranking — simply listed as recommendations with brief analysis. The absence of a NAP or NB designation signals that the tipster views these as secondary to their top picks.
The reason tipsters provide multiple tiers is practical: it gives followers options. A bettor might only back the NAP. Another might back NAP + NB. A third might back NAP + NB + fancy in an accumulator. The tiering system accommodates different risk appetites and bankroll sizes.
How to Interpret Multiple Selections
Reading a tipster's full card requires understanding the hierarchy. The NAP is always the headline. If you're following a tipster and can only act on one selection, it should be the NAP. The NB provides a second option if you want slightly more exposure.
Fancies and each-way selections are more discretionary. Some bettors include them in accumulators to boost potential returns. Others skip them entirely, focusing only on NAP and NB. There's no single right approach — it depends on your bankroll, risk tolerance, and confidence in the tipster.
It's worth noting that not all tipsters use this exact hierarchy. Some publish only NAPs. Others provide NAP, NB, and a handful of other picks without formal tiering. The key is understanding what each selection represents in the tipster's mind — and that usually comes down to reading their explanations and tracking their results.
Do NAPs Always Win?
This is the question every bettor asks, and the honest answer is: no, NAPs do not always win. Understanding why is crucial for realistic expectations and long-term betting success.
The Reality of NAP Success Rates
Even the most successful tipsters' NAPs lose regularly. A tipster with an excellent 35% NAP strike rate — meaning they win more than one in three — is considered outstanding. This means they lose two out of every three NAPs. Sport is inherently unpredictable, and horses (or teams) do not always perform as expected.
Why do NAPs lose despite being the tipster's most confident selections? The answer lies in the gap between analysis and outcome.
A tipster's analysis is based on available information at the time of selection. But conditions change. A horse might be selected on the basis of firm ground, but heavy rain overnight changes the going to soft. A horse might be selected with a specific jockey booked, but the jockey is claimed for another ride and replaced. The trainer might have intended to run the horse aggressively, but decides to drop it back in trip, altering the race dynamics.
Luck in running is another factor. A horse might be selected as a NAP and run brilliantly, but get blocked for a clear run in the final furlong, or get taken out by another runner, or get caught right on the line. These are racing hazards that no analysis can predict.
Unpredictability in sport is fundamental. If horse racing outcomes were predictable, there would be no sport — everyone would know the result in advance. The uncertainty is what makes racing compelling. A NAP selection is an informed prediction, not a certainty.
Evaluating Tipster NAP Track Records
The key to using NAPs effectively is evaluating the tipster's track record — not on individual bets, but on their NAP performance over time.
Two metrics matter: strike rate (the percentage of NAPs that win) and ROI (return on investment) (the profit or loss as a percentage of total stakes).
A tipster with a 30% strike rate might sound poor, but it depends on the odds. If that tipster's NAPs average 4/1, a 30% strike rate generates positive ROI. Conversely, a tipster with a 40% strike rate on odds averaging 2/1 might actually generate lower ROI.
The critical element is sample size. A tipster's performance over 10 bets is meaningless. Over 50 bets, it's suggestive. Over 100+ bets, it's statistically significant. Many bettors make the mistake of following a tipster after a hot streak (say, 5 winners in a row), only to discover that the tipster's true long-term strike rate is much lower.
To evaluate a tipster properly:
- Identify their published track record. Many tipsters publish their results on their websites or on aggregator sites like the Racing Post Naps Table or GG Naps Table.
- Verify the data. Independent services like Secret Betting Club verify tipster claims, tracking results and calculating true ROI.
- Focus on NAP-specific performance. A tipster's overall tip record might be different from their NAP record. Some tipsters excel with NAPs but struggle with their secondary selections.
- Check for consistency. Is the tipster consistently profitable, or do they have wild swings? A tipster with steady, modest profits over 200+ bets is more reliable than one with big wins and big losses.
- Track it yourself. Keep a simple record of NAPs you follow, noting the odds, result, and profit/loss. Over time, you'll see whether the tipster is genuinely adding value.
Common Misconceptions About NAPs
Misconception 1: NAPs are guaranteed winners. False. As discussed, even excellent tipsters lose two out of every three NAPs. A NAP is a confident selection, not a certainty.
Misconception 2: NAPs are always favourites. False. A NAP might be a 10/1 shot if the tipster believes the market has underestimated its chances. The odds are irrelevant; what matters is the tipster's conviction.
Misconception 3: Tipsters issue a NAP every day. Not necessarily. Disciplined tipsters might skip days when they don't identify a standout selection. A tipster who issues a NAP every day regardless of the quality of racing is signalling low standards.
Misconception 4: Following NAPs is a path to guaranteed profit. False. Even following a genuinely profitable tipster requires discipline, proper staking, and emotional control. A bettor can still lose money by backing a profitable tipster if they chase losses, over-stake, or jump between tipsters.
Misconception 5: A NAP that loses means the tipster is unreliable. False. Single results are meaningless. A tipster's reliability is determined by their long-term track record, not by individual bets.
How Should You Use a NAP in Your Betting?
Understanding how to use NAPs effectively is the bridge between knowledge and profit. This requires discipline, tracking, and a strategic approach.
Following NAPs Effectively
The first step is choosing a reliable tipster. This is harder than it sounds, because the betting industry is full of tipsters making exaggerated claims. A tipster claiming "80% strike rate" or "guaranteed profits" is almost certainly misleading.
Look for tipsters with:
- Published, verifiable track records (ideally verified by independent services)
- Transparent methodology (they explain their selection criteria)
- Long-term consistency (profitable over 100+ bets, not just a recent hot streak)
- Realistic claims (no guarantees, no extreme win rates)
- Specialization (they focus on specific race types or sports, not everything)
Once you've identified a tipster, track their performance yourself. Keep a simple spreadsheet noting:
- Date
- NAP selection
- Odds at time of bet
- Result (win/loss)
- Stake
- Profit/loss
After 20–30 NAPs, you'll have a sense of whether this tipster is adding value. After 50+, you'll have a clearer picture.
Combine tipster advice with your own analysis. The best bettors don't blindly follow tipsters; they use NAP recommendations as one input alongside their own research. If a tipster's NAP aligns with your own analysis, that's a strong signal. If it contradicts your view, it's worth investigating why.
Avoid chasing losses. If a tipster's NAP loses, resist the temptation to increase your stake on the next NAP to "recover" losses. This is how bankrolls are destroyed.
Staking and Bet Types
Flat staking — betting the same amount on every NAP — is the simplest and most common approach. If your standard unit is £10, you might stake every NAP at £15 (1.5 units), reflecting higher confidence.
Proportional staking — betting a fixed percentage of your bankroll — is another approach. For example, you might stake 2% of your bankroll on each NAP. As your bankroll grows, your stakes grow proportionally.
Increasing stakes on winning streaks (the Kelly Criterion or variants) is more sophisticated but requires careful calculation. The idea is to stake more when you're winning and less when you're losing, maximizing long-term growth. However, this requires discipline and mathematical precision.
For bet types, NAPs are typically backed as:
- Single bets — the most straightforward approach, reducing variance
- Doubles or trebles — combining NAPs from different tipsters or different days
- Accumulators — combining multiple NAPs (higher risk, higher potential reward)
- Each-way bets — backing both win and place, useful if the NAP is at longer odds
Many bettors combine NAPs from multiple tipsters as separate single bets rather than in multiples. This reduces variance — if one tipster's NAP loses, your other bets remain unaffected.
Bankroll management is critical. Never stake more than 2–5% of your bankroll on a single bet, even a NAP. This ensures you can weather losing streaks without going bust.
Building a NAP Betting Strategy
A strategic approach to NAP betting involves several elements:
Follow multiple tipsters. No single tipster wins every NAP. By following 3–5 tipsters with different specializations (e.g., one focuses on handicaps, another on novice races), you diversify your risk.
Compare NAPs across sources. If multiple tipsters select the same horse as their NAP, that's a strong signal. Conversely, if tipsters disagree sharply, it suggests the race is genuinely competitive.
Adjust your approach seasonally. Some tipsters excel during certain seasons (e.g., festival racing), whilst others are stronger during quieter periods. Tailor your following accordingly.
Track ROI, not just win rate. A tipster with a 25% strike rate on 3/1 odds generates better ROI than one with a 35% strike rate on 2/1 odds. Focus on profit, not just winners.
Know when to stop. If a tipster's NAP performance deteriorates significantly over a 50+ bet sample, stop following them. Tipsters can lose form, retire, or change their approach. Regular review is essential.
Are NAPs Used Outside Horse Racing?
NAPs originated in horse racing, but the convention has spread across sports betting more broadly.
NAPs in Football and Sports Betting
Football tipsters now regularly publish NAPs. These might be match predictions (e.g., "Manchester United to win"), goal scorer bets, or accumulator picks. The selection process differs from horse racing — it focuses on team form, injuries, head-to-head records, and tactical matchups — but the principle is identical: the NAP is the tipster's most confident selection.
Rugby, cricket, and golf tipsters also use NAP terminology. In golf, a NAP might be a player expected to perform well in a major tournament. In cricket, it might be a batsman predicted to score heavily or a bowler expected to take many wickets.
Esports is a newer frontier where NAP terminology is emerging. Esports tipsters now publish NAPs on competitive matches, applying similar analytical frameworks to traditional sports.
The common thread is that wherever there are professional tipsters and betting markets, NAP terminology is likely to appear. It provides a simple, universally understood way to signal maximum confidence.
NAP Culture Across Different Markets
NAP culture remains strongest in the UK and Ireland, where the tradition has deepest roots. British newspapers, racing publications, and betting websites prominently feature Naps Tables. The convention is so embedded that any serious tipster in these markets uses NAP terminology.
International adoption is growing but uneven. In Australia and New Zealand, NAP terminology is understood and used, particularly in horse racing. In the US, the term is less common, though American tipsters increasingly use it, particularly in horse racing circles.
Newspaper vs. online tipsters both use NAPs, though their presentation differs. Newspapers have space constraints, so NAPs are typically highlighted prominently. Online tipsters can provide more detailed analysis, but the NAP convention remains central.
Specialist vs. generalist tipsters vary in their approach. A specialist horse racing tipster might issue daily NAPs with detailed analysis. A generalist sports tipster might issue weekly NAPs across multiple sports with less depth.
The Global Reach of NAP Terminology
The globalization of sports betting and online platforms has spread NAP terminology beyond its British heartland. English-language betting sites worldwide now use NAP terminology.
However, non-English betting markets often use equivalent terminology. In French, "coup du jour" (pick of the day) is the equivalent. In German, "Wettschein des Tages" serves a similar function. The concept is universal; the terminology varies by language and culture.
The rise of online betting communities and international tipster networks has accelerated NAP terminology adoption. A tipster in Australia can now build a global following, and international bettors increasingly encounter NAP terminology even if they're not based in the UK.
Where Can You Find Daily NAPs?
Finding reliable NAP sources is essential for anyone wanting to follow tipsters strategically.
Traditional Sources
Newspaper racing sections remain a primary source. Major UK newspapers (The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Sun) all employ racing analysts who publish daily NAPs. These columnists often have decades of experience and strong reputations.
Dedicated racing publications like Racing Post, Sporting Life, and Racing TV all feature NAPs from established tipsters. These publications have editorial standards and verify results, adding credibility.
Television and radio tipsters also issue NAPs, though these are less convenient to track. Racing TV regularly features tipster interviews where NAPs are discussed.
Digital NAP Resources
Online tipster websites now dominate the landscape. Dedicated sites like The Tipster League, Punters Lounge, and others publish daily NAPs from multiple tipsters.
Naps Table aggregators are invaluable. The Racing Post Naps Table, GG Naps Table, and William Hill NAPs Table all collect daily NAPs from dozens of tipsters in one place, showing results and tracking performance. These are free and publicly accessible.
Social media is increasingly important. Many tipsters publish NAPs on Twitter/X, Instagram, and other platforms. However, social media tipsters vary wildly in credibility — some are excellent, others are scammers.
Evaluating NAP Sources
When choosing NAP sources, apply these filters:
Reputation and track record. Established tipsters in newspapers or on major racing websites have verifiable records. Unknown social media tipsters do not.
Transparency. Does the tipster explain their reasoning? Or do they just list a horse with no analysis? Tipsters who explain their selections are more credible.
Independence. Are they affiliated with a betting company, or are they independent? Independence is generally preferable, though some betting company tipsters are excellent.
Verification. Are their results independently verified? The Naps Tables on major racing websites verify results, adding credibility.
Red flags. Avoid tipsters claiming guaranteed winners, extreme win rates (80%+), or promising "systems." These are almost always scams.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAPs
Q: Where does the term NAP come from?
A: NAP originates from the card game Napoleon, played in France in the 1800s. Declaring "Nap" meant bidding to take all five tricks — the highest and most confident bid. British tipsters adopted the term to signal maximum confidence in a selection, and it became standard betting terminology.
Q: How many NAPs can a tipster have per day?
A: By convention, one. A tipster has a single NAP per day, representing their most confident selection. Some tipsters also designate an NB (Next Best) as their second-strongest pick, but the NAP is always singular.
Q: Should I always follow a tipster's NAP?
A: Not blindly. Evaluate the tipster's NAP-specific track record (not their overall record) over a statistically significant sample (100+ bets). Some tipsters excel with NAPs but struggle with secondary selections. Track performance yourself before committing substantial stakes.
Q: What is the difference between NAP and NB?
A: NAP is the tipster's single most confident selection, typically staked at 1.5–2x standard units. NB (Next Best) is their second-strongest pick, typically staked at 1–1.5x units. The distinction helps bettors prioritise recommendations.
Q: Do NAPs always win?
A: No. Even excellent tipsters win only 30–40% of their NAPs. Sport is unpredictable, and conditions change. A NAP is a confident selection, not a guarantee. Reliability is measured by long-term ROI, not individual results.
Q: Is NAP used outside of horse racing?
A: Yes. NAP terminology is now used in football, rugby, cricket, golf, and esports. It originated in horse racing but has spread across all sports where professional tipsters operate.
Q: How do I find a reliable tipster to follow?
A: Look for tipsters with published, verified track records over 100+ bets. Check their NAP-specific performance (not overall tips), examine ROI and strike rate, and verify claims through independent services like Secret Betting Club or official Naps Tables.
Q: What is the best way to stake a NAP?
A: Most bettors use flat staking (same amount per bet) or proportional staking (percentage of bankroll). A common approach is 1.5–2x your standard unit per NAP, reflecting higher confidence. Never exceed 2–5% of your bankroll per bet.
Q: Can I combine multiple tipsters' NAPs in an accumulator?
A: Yes, many bettors combine NAPs from different tipsters in accumulators or other multiples. However, this increases risk — if one leg loses, the entire bet loses. Some prefer backing NAPs as separate single bets to reduce variance.
Q: What should I do if a tipster's NAP loses?
A: One losing NAP is normal. Track performance over time (50–100 bets minimum) before drawing conclusions. If a tipster's strike rate falls significantly below their historical average or their ROI turns negative, consider reducing or stopping following them.