Menu

Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing is one of the oldest sports known to man. It’s also one of the oldest sports people have placed their money on. In today’s digital era, you don’t need to go to the races to place your bets. I have the best horse racing betting sites in one spot, where you can bet on international and UK-based competitions.

Top 3 bookmakers for betting on Horse Racing
Cash Rebate Bonus: Enjoy up to 25% Cash
T&Cs Apply
check icon25+ sports
check iconSuperb bonuses
check iconEasy to use
check iconVIP program
check iconLive games
check iconMany bonuses
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
check iconMany bonuses
check icon24/7 support
check iconMobile apps
Find the Best Place to Bet on Horse Racing
Rebecca E

The best horse racing bookmakers online are ranked and reviewed for convenience in my guide. I will guide you to the best sportsbooks where you can put your money on the top races, including Cheltenham, Preakness Stakes, and action from tracks around the USA.

List of Online Horse Racing Bookmakers

I have worked hard to deliver the top horse racing online bookies to bet on all the major competitions and lesser-known events. After thoroughly examining the website, every sportsbook review has been carefully written. As a result, you get a list of trusted sportsbooks with plenty of surprises up their sleeves.

Cash Rebate Bonus: Enjoy up to 25% Cash
T&Cs Apply
check icon25+ sports
check iconSuperb bonuses
check iconEasy to use
check iconVIP program
check iconLive games
check iconMany bonuses
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
check iconMany bonuses
check icon24/7 support
check iconMobile apps
check iconLive betting
check iconMany sports
check iconFast payouts
check iconGreat support
check iconMobile apps
check iconLive betting
check icon24/7 support
check iconWelcome offers
check iconMobile apps
50% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconWelcome offers
check iconEsports market
check iconLive streaming
-
T&Cs Apply
check icon24/7 support
check iconLoyalty program
check iconMany bonuses
100% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconVarious bet types
check icon24/7 support
check iconGreat markets
check iconWelcome offers
check iconFast payouts
check icon24/7 support
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
check iconMany bonuses
check iconFast payouts
check iconPrematch line
100% up to $500 on 1st deposit and 50% up to $250 on 2nd deposit
T&Cs Apply
check iconGreat bonuses
check iconEsports offers
check iconCash out
check iconPrematch line
check iconHigh odds
check iconMany bonuses
100% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconGreat markets
check iconWelcome offers
check iconHigh odds
-
T&Cs Apply
check iconCompetitive odds
check iconGreat sports marke
check iconCash out
50% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check icon24/7 support
check iconMany payment optio
check icon15+ sports
3+1 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
check iconVariety of odds
check iconMany bonuses
check iconCash out
check iconEasy to use
check iconSuperb bonuses
check iconGreat support
100% up to €500
T&Cs Apply
check iconWelcome offers
check iconMultiple payment o
check iconGreat support
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
check iconIn-play betting
check icon40+ sports
check iconLive streaming

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps

Why bet on your PC or laptop when you can do it on the go anytime you like? The best horse betting sites will have downloadable apps that make betting online more effortless than ever. It’s fast and way more convenient, and it may come with special offers or boosts that will amplify the experience.

Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply

Mobile betting apps are all the rage these days. While not all sites have them, the top ones certainly do. They are usually available from the respective Android and iOS app stores and can be downloaded in seconds. Once you install them, and that’s as easy as it gets, you’ll be immersed in a world of mobile bets and possibly great mobile offers.

You only need an Internet connection and an active betting account at that particular bookmaker.

The only problem is that not all bookies have apps. Even if they don’t, they have mobile websites that work just as well as the desktop versions. The best betting app for horse racing has the same layout and design, so you won’t have trouble accessing and using them on your phones.

New Horse Racing Betting Sites

Unfortunately, there are no betting sites relevant to your request. Please take a look at the top-rated bookmakers in your country.
Cash Rebate Bonus: Enjoy up to 25% Cash
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all
Payment providers
Show all
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all
Payment providers
Show all
Payment providers
Show all
Rakeboost bonus
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all
Up to 180% bonus on 1st deposit
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all
Payment providers
Show all
50% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all
100% up to $600
T&Cs Apply
Payment providers
Show all

Live Horse Racing Streaming Sites

As I mentioned, the best betting sites also offer live streaming. This allows you to watch the races as they unfold and adjust your bets accordingly.

Cash Rebate Bonus: Enjoy up to 25% Cash
T&Cs Apply
check icon25+ sports
check iconSuperb bonuses
check iconEasy to use
check iconGreat support
check iconMobile apps
check iconLive betting
50% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconWelcome offers
check iconEsports market
check iconLive streaming
check iconWelcome offers
check iconFast payouts
check icon24/7 support
100% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconGreat markets
check iconWelcome offers
check iconHigh odds

Keep in mind that not all horse racing sites on the internet offer live streaming, and where it is available, it is open to registered users only.

Fantasy Online Horse Racing Sites

Fantasy betting on sports is highly popular these days, and horse racing is no exception. Many horse racing online betting sites add fantasy horse contests where you bet on two horses in the races, hoping for a good return. Points are picked up depending on your picks’ performances. They don’t necessarily need to win – sometimes, even a show would be great.

100% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
check iconVarious bet types
check icon24/7 support
check iconGreat markets
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
check iconIn-play betting
check icon40+ sports
check iconLive streaming

7 Best Horse Racing Bookies by Category

Feature Sportsbook
⭐ Best Betting Site: William Hill
⭐ Best for Bonuses: Ladbrokes
⭐ Best Horse Betting App: Betfred
⭐ Best for Live Betting: 22Bet
⭐ High Payout Bookie: Ivibet
⭐ Safe Bookmaker: SpinBetter
⭐ Top for Extra Features: 20Bet

Horse Racing Free Bets & Sign-Up Bonuses

Free bets and sign-up bonuses are among the best things when betting with the Internet. Online bookmakers offer many bonuses and promotions to keep you on your toes when betting on the top events. Free bets are usually handed out by the top horse racing betting sites, with each offshore bookmaker also offering a nice welcome bonus.

Cash Rebate Bonus: Enjoy up to 25% Cash
-
100% up to $500
New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.
50% up to $1000
Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit at Jazz Sports. Use Promo Code JAZZ50 and your extra 50% will be added to your sports betting balance. Full T&Cs apply
-
-
100% up to $1000
Register and get up to $1000 bonus in five steps. Full T&Cs apply
100% up to $500
Join today and make a deposit to receive an incredible 200% Welcome Bonus. Play responsibly. Full T&Cs apply.
100% up to $500 on 1st deposit and 50% up to $250 on 2nd deposit
Kick off your new GTbets.ag account with our top-rated CASH sign up bonus. Make your first deposit to receive a 100% cash bonus up to $500, and then 50% up to $250 on your second deposit. Full T&Cs apply.

My guide will tell you how to claim those offers and get the best ones. Not all free bets and sign-up bonuses are the same. Just because a reward is large doesn’t mean it’s fair. I recommend the best ones in this guide to top up your bankroll without spending money out of pocket.

Getting sign-up bonuses and free bets usually requires you to sign up and make a deposit. You must also make your first bet and settle it at some online horse race betting sites. The conditions will be written right beneath the bonus to let you know what you need to understand to get your hands on the extra money.

Keep in mind that these offers rarely come for free. Nothing is ever free at a gambling site. The good news is that I have ranked the top proposals with the fairest terms, so you never make the wrong choice. I have the top bonuses and free bets for dummies you can use to bet on the top races.

Horse Racing Bet of the Day

As you may already know, horse races sometimes consist of several events. There can be 3 or 4 in one, and choosing the wager to bet on can be challenging. Well, why pick yourself when you can let the experts do it? The best online horse betting sites will offer the best bets, including the so-called bet of the day.

WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?

It’s a special bet chosen by experts you can put your money on with a click. The bet of the day will be available at the top of the betting sites, representing the most valuable horse racing stake for that particular day. You’ll find one at William Hill and Ladbrokes, especially when the time comes for the top races, such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, or the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

I recommended these wagers, carefully thought out and chosen for your convenience. They can be anything, including a stake on a jockey, a particular horse, or an exotic bet. Whatever it is, the best bet of the day for horse racing will give you great value in return.

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work?

In the past, you had to go to the races to place bets, but online, things are different. The best bookmakers for horse racing will have odds on major and minor events, including pre-match and live betting odds and many offers that look too exciting to pass up.

Before placing your bets, you must register at a bookmaker first. It means going through my list and choosing one, then listing the horse racing section. Find the track you want to bet on and click on the odds to add it to your slip. It’s that simple, even for beginners.

At the same time, most bookies offer a slew of expert predictions that should make things much easier for you. With them, you’ll learn how to choose exotic bets, a daily double, or match betting.

Horse Racing Odds

Horse racing is not exclusive to the UK, but the oldest tracks are tied to the UK and Ireland. Thanks to that, it’s a prevalent sport in those countries and is usually represented with fractional odds. The best bookies for horse racing will have a simple toggle to help you switch them to what you please. You can see races in Texas or Connecticut in American odds or bet on fractional odds on UK races. As I said, the top bookies will have a simple odds toggle to make things easy. If you’re wondering where bookmakers get their odds, they do it after the track announces them before the races.

How to Bet on Horse Racing

Betting on horse races is very easy in 2021. You can do it from your PC, phone, or tablet, and if you sign up at the bookies on my list, you won’t have trouble, even if you’re new to the game. And while that portion is accessible, winning your bets is a bit harder. Read the instructions below to learn how betting works and how to win.

  1. Join a horse racing sportsbook from my list – this should be pretty easy;
  2. Claim a free bet if there is any (or a welcome bonus);
  3. Place your first bet;
  4. Wait for the race to end;
  5. Choose a payment to withdraw and get your money!

Now, regarding how to bet and win, that’s a whole different thing. You must read tips and predictions frequently to learn the ropes and bet successfully. You will also need to learn betting strategies to raise your chances of winning.

Horse Racing Live Betting

There are plenty of various bets that you should be aware of. I’m not just talking about pre-race odds; live bets are even better. Among the different bets, live bets may be the best.

Live betting allows you to watch the races live and place your bets while the event is on. It’s much more exciting than any other type of bet. In-play odds constantly change, so you’ll need to be quick on your feet to act accordingly. Live betting sites often include streaming, so you don’t constantly lose track of what’s happening.

Since horse racing is far more popular in the UK, it makes perfect sense for the most popular races. However, the top races in the world include some in the USA and France. The Dubai World Cup holds merit, too, being the world’s richest competition. The Australian Gold Cup must also be among the best horse races in history.

However, the events I have for you below are considered the crème de la crème in horse racing.

  • Grand National: the premier horse race in the UK and possibly the world, the Grand National takes place every April at the Aintree racecourse. The field contains over 40 horses running for the ultimate prize. It’s one of the most popular races to bet on as well. It’s the best way to bet regardless if you’re new or a seasoned punter, thanks to the excellent odds year in and year out.
  • Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: the ultimate French horse race, the Arc has a long history dating back to the 1920s. It is open to horses aged three and over every first Sunday in October. Even today, the Arc manages to bring Europe to a standstill when it starts.
  • Kentucky Derby: horse racing is pretty big in the USA, thanks to the Kentucky Derby. It’s one of the most famous competitions ever and the most featured event at online bookmakers for horse racing. Often called the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby has been a site of miraculous betting wins in the past.

Many other famous races in Japan, Canada, and other tracks deserve to be called the greatest. However, these three races are at the top.

Online Bookies vs Offline Bookmakers

Going to the races to bet on your favorite runners is quite a unique experience. However, if you ask us, horse betting websites win this match. There are better bets to place, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find better odds offline.

Horse Racing Bet Types

There are plenty of different types of bets you should know. I’ve put the top ones below so you don’t scratch your head when you see them at the horse racing gambling websites.

Win

Also known as a straight bet or single allows you to pick the horse you believe will win the race (hence the name).

Place

When you bet on a horse to place, you’re putting your money that the horse finishes first or second.

Show

A show bet means collecting a payout if your horse finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. It concludes a trio of popular bets at all seasoned and horse racing betting websites.

Exotic

Exotic bets refer to a prevalent group of special bets that involve betting on several horses rather than just one.

Daily Double

This bet allows you to predict the winner of 2 consecutive races. It costs double, with the minimum set at $1 or $2 at the best online horse racing betting sites.

Pick 3, 4, 5, 6

A pick 3, for example, bet allows you to select the winner in three consecutive races. Betting on pick 4, 5, or 6 is the same as the corresponding number of events.

Exacta

Exacta is a pari-mutuel bet, and you can win if you predict the first two finishers in the official order.

Quinella

The Quinella bet allows you to pick two horses finishing in the first and second spots.

Trifecta

Like the Quinella, the Trifecta allows you to bet on three horses you believe will finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Superfecta

A variation of the Trifecta bet, the Superfecta, allows you to predict the first four finishers on the track.

Horse Racing Betting Tips & Predictions

You must read many tips and predictions to be a successful punter. Many of my recommended betting sites for horse racing have expert predictions that you can use to your advantage to win big today or tomorrow.

Reading tips, predictions, and guides are of fundamental importance for punters. You can’t rely on luck alone to secure a nice payout. Let the experts explain everything and use their picks to put money on your faves. There’s no shame in it – this will make you a better punter.

Yes, it is legal to bet on horse racing online. As one of the earliest forms of sport to bet on, horse racing has been legalized in many countries where gambling is illegal. Of course, it depends on legal horse racing websites. If you sign up with a rogue bookie, there’s a big chance you won’t see a penny in return.

In the USA, legal horse betting is only available in Philadelphia, NJ, Vegas (Nevada), and some other states. Of course, every state has its terms you must agree with before you bet on horse races.

Horse Racing Betting in the UK

Horse race betting in the UK is fully legal and very popular. You can do it online at the best sites, including William Hill, Ladbrokes, and Betfred.

Biggest Horse Racing Bet Win

There have been many legendary horse racing wagers in the past. American bookies with horse racing have received astounding bets on the Kentucky Derby, but the largest bet and win on horse racing happened in Ireland in 1975.

Professional Irish gambler Barney Curley orchestrated the famous Yellow Sam betting coup. With a group of Irish bettors, he took advantage of an under-handicapped horse to win nearly $2 million.

Horse Racing Rules

Horse racing rules are pretty simple when it comes to the race itself. Whoever finishes first wins the race. However, the rules are different depending on the race. For example, flat races must be started from stalls or starting gates, while steeplechases and hurdle races should be activated with a starting gate or flag.

All riders must wear a helmet and whip and should not fall from their seat at any point. You can find many other rules online if you believe they’ll help you win your bets.

Horse Racing Systems

Horse racing systems entail the collection of methods that bettors adapt to ensure their chances of making correct bets. Bettors apply several top betting systems to ensure they make more accurate wagers. For instance, they may consider the head-to-head history of the horses participating in a race to decide which will likely emerge as the winner. Other approaches include studying the racecourse or weather conditions, which may influence horse performance.

In popular horse racing systems, bettors typically employ backing (betting on one horse to win), laying (betting on a horse to lose), matched/each-way (placing opposite bets on the same horse in the same event. The goal is to generate returns regardless of the tournament outcome).

You can develop proven horse racing systems that work or copy those of others. Either way, you need to do a lot of research online by visiting blogs and social media to learn how to work with horse racing systems.

Old Horse Racing Systems

While horse racing systems generally refer to strategies bettors apply to make smarter betting decisions, they are broadly divided into the old and new systems. The new methods are recently launched horse racing techniques and potentially developed in recent decades, while old horse racing systems have existed for a long time.

Punters benefit from using old-fashioned systems over new ones. First, these old ones are basic and involve bettors using simple data points to make betting decisions. For example, the 14-win system works by staking on horses that have won fourteen races or more. Punters believe that horses with such feats have demonstrated superior quality and have higher chances of winning more matches.

On the other hand, newer systems are often more complicated. Some work is based on computer-driven models and involves complex data points.

Secondly, old models are classic racing systems that still work as punters have tested them. So, punters can be comfortable applying them to make bets.

Unfortunately, some systems may be random and lack a technical basis. For instance, the Dutching System involves wagerers staking on two or more horses to emerge victorious in a race, boosting their chances of getting a winning bet. However, they also get reduced odds, limiting their potential payout.

Horse Racing Matched Betting – A Brief Guide

Matched betting involves placing opposing wagers on the same event twice, often with a free bet and the other with the bettor’s funds. The goal is to have an advantage irrespective of the result of the event. For horse racing, matched betting entails placing a lay and a back bet on the same event with different bookmakers to generate a profit, regardless of which wager is successful. Matched betting on horse racing typically includes the following steps:

  • Choose a race.
  • Locate a bookmaker that provides free bets at specified odds.
  • Place your wager.
  • Say, a lay bet.

After locating another bookmaker offering the same game at comparable or identical odds, you place an opposite bet (e.g., a back bet) with an equivalent or nearly similar amount of staking as the lay bet.

Undoubtedly, one of the wagers will be successful, while the other bet will lead to a loss. The wagerer will then deduct the lost amount from the profits generated from the correct bet. However, the bettor will only profit if the returns from the rightful bet are greater than the amount staked and lost in the wrong bet.

To illustrate, suppose Bookmaker A offers you a complementary bet of £20 to stake on a horse racing event and use that free bet to place the wager on a specific horse to win the race at 4.5 odds. On the other hand, you find another Bookmaker B and place another #20 bet on the same horse to lose at the same event, this time, with 4.0 odds.

If the win bet on Bookmaker A succeeds, you will make a total of £90, while you lose the £20 wagered on Bookmaker B. The result is that you have £70 as net profit.

Matched betting horse racing rules permit the practice, so you’re not breaking the law when you make opposite bets simultaneously. However, betting companies discourage you from doing this as it often violates their terms and conditions; you may face penalties if they learn about your matched betting activities. You can take the following precautions so they don’t discover your matched betting:

  1. Use different bookmakers – Using multiple sportsbooks, no single bookie will notice any suspicious activity from your accounts.
  2. Place normal casual bets – Occasionally, place small, casual bets that are not matched wagers so bookmakers don’t notice any patterns that will suggest your involvement in matched betting.
  3. Use different IP addresses – Changing your IP address will prevent sports betting companies from tracing dubious acts to you. Since you cannot change locations when making bets, using a strong VPN service is the best way to disguise your IP.

Bottom Line

Horse racing is a noble sport punters have been betting on for centuries. Here are a few interesting facts about it you should know:

  • The most popular events are the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National, the Gold Cup, the Dubai World Cup, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham, and the Breeders Cup;
  • In the USA, the most popular tracks are Keeneland, Gulfstream Park and Belmont Park, while in the UK, that crown goes to Cheltenham, Ascot, and Aintree;
  • Horse racing as a sport is most popular in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, and Dubai;
  • The most popular legal bookmakers for horse races are Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, and Betfred;
  • Horse racing is Britain’s second-favorite sport after football;
  • Racing contributes billions to the UK’s economy every year.
I hope my guide helped you learn more about betting on this sport. I have scanned the market deeply for the best online bookies for horse racing, giving you an overview of the latest odds, and free bets you can use to win big.

Give it a read if you want to learn more about the Sport of Kings and place your first bet – if you’re good at it, you can win a nice sum in return.

Any questions? Notice an error? Let us know!

    SIGN UP & GET RESPONSE

    Rebecca E
    Author
    Writer & Media

    Rebecca is a Liverpool gal and a big fan of the club. She likes nothing more than sharing tips and predictions on sports betting. Her other favorite sports include horse racing, snooker, and golf. Rebecca is in charge of writing and media at BetZillion. You can thank her for making our articles look so great.

    Latest betting news

    Three-Horse Race? PDC 2024 Austrian Darts Open Betting Predictions & Winner Tips (April 26-28)

    The PDC European Tour is set to return for the fifth time this year as the spotlight shifts to Austria. Some of the planet’s finest throwers will be in attendance at the Steiermarkhalle, Premstätten, Austria, to fight for the PDC Austrian Darts Open 2024 trophy. As the reigning champion, Jonny Clayton, prepares for his title defense, we'll analyze the latest darts 2024 Austrian Open odds and provide our expert predictions to help you navigate this thrilling competition.
    by Bren

    Betting Odds for the 2024 Zurich Classic Golf Event

    The Zurich Classic golf tournament is one of the most fun PGA Tour competitions, as it's the only team event on the calendar. There's a record-high total purse of $8,900,000 in this tournament, and the winners take an enticing $1,286,050 each. Nick Hardy and Davis Riley are the defending champions of the Zurich Classic.