Updated: 6 Jun 2023

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

The best horse racing betting sites have been ranked by our online horse racing betting experts below. Click 'Visit Site' to claim a bonus from one of the best bookies for horse racing.

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How we Rank Horse Racing Betting Sites

In the modern world of online horse betting, there is a massive selection of bookies available for bettors. Choosing one of the best horse racing online bookmakers can be daunting. 

But you shouldn’t worry because we are constantly scouring the online gambling scene to find the best sports betting sites with top horse race betting features.

Our dedicated racing experts have tried out dozens of horse racing betting sites and presented their findings right here Gambling.com. We do the research, analysis, and testing so you don’t have to. 

All that's left for you to do is to pick one of the licensed betting sites we recommend on this page. But first, let’s take a closer look at the essential criteria we consider when reviewing horse racing betting sites.

Established 1997
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
Yes
Yes
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
Yes
Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply.
Established 2001
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
Yes
Yes
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
Yes
18+. New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get £€30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration Required. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
Established 2003
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
No
No
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
No
18+ New Players only. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.org

Horse Racing Betting Sites – Must-Have Features

Every online horse racing betting site is different, with a massive variation of exclusive offers and features on show from one bookie to the next. With this in mind, it’s essential you know which online betting sites offer the best odds and which have the most markets available. We also look for live horse racing betting and streaming, as well as who has the best promotions.

It can be very frustrating when you sign up to a new bookmaker, only to realise it doesn’t offer promotions, cash-outs, or streaming. Having as much knowledge as possible about what you’re looking for in a horse racing bookie is critical. We have listed the essential facets we look out for when analysing horse racing bookmakers.

Our Unrivalled Team of Horse Racing Betting Experts

Here at Gambling.com we always want to ensure that we are offering the best information to our customers and the way to guarantee this is to have a team of experts covering every betting industry topic. Horse racing is no exception.

Recommended Horse Racing Betting Sites

When visiting the horse racing betting sites recommended on this page, you will be betting at the top online bookies around. Below you can discover all the information about the hottest horse racing betting sites. Punters can visit these industry heavyweights to find top bonuses, competitive odds, multiple markets, and more.

888sport - Enhanced Racing Odds

Deserving its reputation as one of the best horse race betting sites, 888sport is a paradise for punters. Within the betting hub, the site has special tools such as the BetFinder, which helps you select horses to bet on. There’s also a bespoke BetFeed feature to highlight the best markets and promotions.

888Sport also runs 'Each-Way+' every day, allowing you to get enhanced odds on specific races. One of the best aspects of 888Sport is its commitment to offering bets on every race that runs in the UK and Ireland. You can also watch every one of those meets via live stream. There are also streams and markets for Irish racing, as well as races in the USA, Australia, France, and beyond. 

The 888sport welcome bonus is easy to understand as well, with €30 in bonus funds and a €10 casino bonus awarded when you deposit €10.

888sport Racing Pros & Cons

Pros
Green Circle with white tick in the center Live streams of UK and Irish horse racing
Green Circle with white tick in the center Extra each-way places
Green Circle with white tick in the center Horse racing free bets
Green Circle with white tick in the center Enhanced racing odds
Cons
Green Circle with white tick in the center Desktop layout not as slick as app
Green Circle with white tick in the center Customer support not always 24/7

bet365 - Best Odds Guaranteed Feature

As you would expect from one of the biggest online bookmakers worldwide, horse racing betting is top-notch at bet365. The brand is known for its live streaming features, and you can watch the action live for global races and meets in the UK and Ireland. 

Horse racing odds are outstanding at bet365, thanks to the site’s 'Best Odds Guaranteed' feature, which automatically gives you the best starting price for the horse you've backed.

bet365 has upcoming and in-play markets for every UK and Irish race and many international events each day. 

On top of the desktop betting experience, bet365 also provides one of the best mobile betting apps, making it ideal for bettors on the move. All of these features are available along with regular bet365 free bets.

bet365 Racing Pros & Cons

Pros
Green Circle with white tick in the center Big welcome bonus with racing free bets
Green Circle with white tick in the center Regular promos after you sign up
Green Circle with white tick in the center Live streaming of racing
Green Circle with white tick in the center In-running betting on racing with cash out
Green Circle with white tick in the center Best odds guaranteed
Cons
Green Circle with white tick in the center No acca insurance
Green Circle with white tick in the center No mobile-specific promotions

Ladbrokes - Bet Boosts

Ladbrokes is one of the best destinations for horse racing betting in Ireland. Thanks to its rich history and massive resources, Ladbrokes delivers one of the best horse betting sites currently available online. The site occasionally offers exclusive Ladbrokes free bets on horse racing.

Furthermore, Ladbrokes boasts some of the best bet boosts in the business. Of course, a bet boost feature is not unique, but at Ladbrokes, you can carry the boost higher than on rival sites. 

You will also find some of the most consistent horse racing odds, allowing you to get full value from your wagers.

Ladbrokes Racing Pros & Cons

Pros
Green Circle with white tick in the center Boosted horse racing odds
Green Circle with white tick in the center Established, trusted racing bookie
Green Circle with white tick in the center Live streams of UK and Irish racing
Cons
Green Circle with white tick in the center Welcome bonus could be improved
Green Circle with white tick in the center Cash out values could be more generous

Horse Racing Betting Odds Explained

If you are heading to a horse race betting site for the first time, it is good to start with a solid knowledge of how betting odds work. For bettors in Ireland and the UK, odds are generally shown in fractions, although some popular sites express odds in decimal form and there is always an option to choose your preferred style.

When you see a horse with odds of 2/1 to win, this means any bet stake will be doubled if you win. So, a €10 wager and a winning bet will result in you getting €20 in winnings - €30 overall (with your original stake also returned). The decimal system shows odds as how much you will get back in total from a winning bet. So, the 2/1 odds would be shown as 3.00.

Yet, odds can often become confusing as not all are shown as 'something to one'. Instead, you may see a 5/2, which means you get a profit of €5 on a winning bet of €2. However, you do not need to bet €2 to claim the odds.

The wagering amount on the odds (the number on the right) is the denominator, while the profit number (the one on the left) is the numerator.

Horse Racing Betting Offers

Everybody loves something for free in life, and it’s no different when it comes to betting online. Thankfully with the surge in the number of online bookmakers, there's never been a better time to open up a new horse racing betting account and claim a betting offer or promotion.

While betting offers can vary from site to site, certain standard offers are frequently available at betting sites. Below are some of the most common bonuses at horse racing sites.

Bonuses are plenty of fun and can add excitement to horse racing betting, but remember that they are never free as nothing ever is in the gambling world. 

Each offer will come with limitations and wagering requirements you must meet to claim the deal. There may be restrictions on which sports you can redeem your free bet on or the payment methods you can use for deposits.

That is why it is essential to read the terms and conditions of any online sports betting bonus you want to claim.

Established 2001
Acca Insurance - Y/N Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Loyalty Programme
No
No
Sports X Acca Insurance
Acca Insurance - Max Stake
N/A
N/A
18+. New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get £€30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration Required. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
Established 1997
Acca Insurance - Y/N Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Loyalty Programme
Yes
Yes
Sports X Acca Insurance
Acca Insurance - Max Stake
3
25
Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply.
Established 2017
Acca Insurance - Y/N Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Loyalty Programme
No
Yes
Sports X Acca Insurance
Acca Insurance - Max Stake
N/A
N/A

Why Horse Racing is so Popular in Ireland

There is no doubt that punters in Ireland love to have a flutter on horse racing. That’s why online horse betting is so popular at sports betting sites. But what is it that makes horse racing such a popular sport to bet on?

Year-Round Races: Unlike some other sports, there is no downtime in horse racing. Meets are held year-round and in all weather conditions. If the worst happens and a race does not go ahead in one location, there will still be many other meets across Ireland or internationally.

In-Play Betting and Live Streaming Options: As well as wagering on the winning horse or jockey, there are many live betting opportunities with horse racing. These markets allow you to bet on a race in real-time.

Multiple Betting Markets: You can find hundreds of lines on horse racing each day at the best horse racing betting sites. With numerous betting markets available, you’ll never be bored when wagering on horse racing online.

Race Speed: You do not need to wait around for an event to finish before seeing if you win. Races take minutes in most cases, making horse racing perfect for fast-paced wagering.

Are Horse Racing Betting Sites Legal in Ireland?

Here at Gambling.com, we take customer safety very seriously. It’s imperative that an online horse racing betting site is licensed and regulated by a gambling commission, such as the highly-respected Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Furthermore, reputable sportsbooks must utilise secure encryption technology to safeguard payment transactions and protect user data.

It can often be tricky to determine which sports betting sites are more trustworthy than others. But don’t worry - we do all of the heavy lifting here for you. We ensure each of our listed and ranked bookmakers carry licences from respected gambling authorities. We never promote, advertise or recommend black-listed or unregulated entities on this website.

Irish, UK & International Horse Races

One of the reasons for the success and popularity of horse racing is that there are so many races worldwide which present great betting opportunities. Over 1,000 race meets occur per year, covering more than 10,000 races. The top horse racing betting sites we recommend on this page cover all the historic and prestigious meets from Ireland, the UK and around the world, including:


Read More: Get top Gold Cup Odds for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival


Most Popular Horse Racing Bet Types

When you check out the best horse racing websites recommended on this page and hunt for the top horse racing odds, you will see that some bets are more common than others. These are the most popular types of bets you can make at horse betting sites:

Established 1997
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
Yes
Yes
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
Yes
Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply.
Established 2001
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
Yes
Yes
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
Yes
18+. New Customers only. Bet €10* & Get £€30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between €5* and €10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration Required. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
Established 2003
Daily Racing Specials
Live Streaming Racing
No
No
Ante Post Racing
Tote/Other Markets
Yes
No
18+ New Players only. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.org

How to Make an Online Horse Racing Bet

Thanks to our expert reviews and recommendations, it has never been easier to discover top horse racing betting sites. We want to go the extra step and make joining the leading sports betting sites easy. So, our team has put together the following step-by-step guide to help you when placing horse racing bets.

  1. Select one of our recommended online horse racing betting sites.
  2. Register for the site, entering all the essential information the sportsbook will require from you, such as your name, email, phone number, account verification etc.
  3. Navigate to the 'cashier' or 'account' page and select the 'deposit' option to fund your online betting account.
  4. Select your preferred payment method and the amount you wish to deposit. Then click 'deposit'.
  5. Head to the horse racing section and find an event/market you are interested in wagering on.
  6. Add the stake to your bet slip, enter your stake, and place your bet!
  7. If your bet is a success, your winnings will show up in your account balance.

Best Payment Methods for Online Horse Racing Betting

When you sign up to one of our recommended horse racing betting sites, you can expect to find a wide selection of payment methods. It is vital that you can deposit and withdraw your cash with minimum fuss and maximum choice. Modern online sportsbooks go the extra mile in delivering flexibility across a broad range of payment platforms.

However, we recommend checking the specific T&Cs of your chosen horse betting site. Customers will have minimum limits for withdrawals and deposits. This is typically around €10 but can vary, so it is worth checking when choosing a site. When selecting one of the following options, pay close attention to the withdrawal times and other limits.

Best Online Horse Racing Betting Apps

Since many punters now wager exclusively from their smartphones and tablets, our recommended top online horse betting sites must deliver a seamless mobile experience. Every review we conduct includes an in-depth analysis of each platform’s mobile capabilities.

Nearly all horse racing betting sites are built with HTML5 technology, making them responsive and optimised for mobile browsers. However, many leading bookmakers take their mobile offering a step forward. The best betting apps offer enhanced features along with better connectivity and usability - with 888sport being a great example.

Whether you are on Android or iOS, a native horse racing betting app should function across various devices, both old and new. It should also offer a seamless user experience that does not compromise on the number of betting markets available. Finally, a mobile app gives players the benefit of receiving notifications about wagers, bonuses, events, and more.

Best Horse Racing Sites for In-Running Betting and Live Streaming

In-play betting, or in-running betting, is another great tool for horse racing punters. With in-play betting, you can back a horse in the middle of a race, depending on its performance.

This form of betting is beneficial if you worry about a horse early on in a race, as some horses might not start very well, or they might be prone to acting up before the race begins. By waiting to bet on a race while it’s running, you can see how a horse has started and act accordingly. Be careful, though, as there can be a lag between the actual race and a stream, so you may be backing a horse a few seconds too late.

That said, live streaming is a crucial component for many horse racing punters and goes hand-in-hand with in-play betting. The ability to watch races on the go is vital, and thankfully the vast majority of horse racing betting sites offer this service.

Established 1997
Sports with Cash Out
Acca Insurance Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
25
Yes
Bet Builder Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
In-Play Sports Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
Yes
16
Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply.
Established 2017
Sports with Cash Out
Acca Insurance Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
24
No
Bet Builder Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
In-Play Sports Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
No
15
Established 2003
Sports with Cash Out
Acca Insurance Tooltip Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
29
No
Bet Builder Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
In-Play Sports Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
Yes
29
18+ New Players only. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.org

Horse Racing Betting Strategy

Any sporting event is open to a random outcome. However, if you are a student of horse racing, you can give yourself a better chance of success. Data and statistics can help you understand the likelihood of specific outcomes, even if you cannot control them.

Using knowledge and data-driven strategy will allow you to make informed betting decisions, increasing your chances to win. Horse racing is a sport that does lean heavily into form, so it is worth understanding the following aspects when betting.

Best Online Horse Racing Betting Sites – Key Takeaway

If you’re looking for the sites with the best horse racing odds, the most lucrative bonuses, the most extensive selection of betting markets, and a safe gambling environment, you’re certainly on the right page. Our review team has done the hard work, so you don’t have to.

Simply select one of our licensed horse racing betting sites to get direct access to an exciting betting experience. While at it, don’t forget to claim a welcome bonus to get you started at the races with a free bet!


References

  1. UK Gambling Commission
  2. BeGambleAware
  3. International Association of Gaming Regulators
  4. National Debt Line
  5. Gambling.com – Responsible Gambling
  6. British Horseracing Authority
  7. BGC - The Betting and Gaming Council
  8. Gamblers Anonymous

FAQ


The Aintree Grand National is probably the most famous horse race, while huge annual events include the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. In Ireland, some of the highlights of the racing calendar are the Galway Races, Punchestown Festival, Curragh Irish Derby Festival and Fairyhouse Easter Festival.

Select one of our recommended horse racing betting sites to ensure you use a licensed and regulated horse racing betting site. Our review team only highlights sportsbooks licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or other recognised authorities (such as the Malta Gaming Authority). You can also click the details at the site’s footer for the bookmaker’s full licensing information.

You should avoid horse racing betting sites that are not licensed. Without a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority or similar regulatory body, players have no guaranteed protection. Other things to avoid include unclear information on how the sportsbook handles your personal information.

Horse racing odds are the most crucial factor when choosing a bet. You need a price that gives you value and excellent profit potential. Other considerations when attempting to pick a winning horse include a horse's form, the jockey, the racecourse, and previous statistics that could be useful.

Debit cards and e-wallets, including PayPal, should be available at nearly every horse racing betting site. Other standard options include Bank Transfers and prepaid cards. Some top sports betting sites even offer access to cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, for deposits and withdrawals.

Payment and data security are two essential factors in keeping your personal and financial information safe. All the best horse racing betting websites use the latest SSL technology to encrypt data transactions, preventing third parties from seeing your info without permission.

Live streaming of races in the UK and Ireland is standard at most of the top horse racing betting sites we recommend. Furthermore, these sportsbooks will also provide direct live access to international races to go alongside in-play betting options.

Contributors

Contributors

Hi, I'm Dean Ryan

"A passionate sports betting expert and journalist with over 15 years spent in the gambling industry."

Interests
  • Sports Betting Sites
  • Odds Compiling
  • Horse Racing

Reviewer since June 2016