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.
Horse Betting Sites in Ireland
Horse racing bookmakers have been a hit with punters in Ireland for decades - but online horse betting has truly changed the game in recent times.
Betting websites have introduced a host of new features lately and the best horse racing betting sites now have horse racing apps that allow you to place your bets on-the-move.
Top horse racing sites also use free bet offers to compete for business, which is good news for punters. These free bet deals have helped to make online horse betting more popular than ever.
Our job here at Gambling.com is to point you to safe, trusted horse racing betting sites, complete with the best offers and promotions. For this reason, we only recommend horse racing bookmakers that are licensed and regulated.
June 2023’s Best Horse Racing Betting Sites Ranked
Why Trust Gambling.com’s Horse Racing Betting Site Recommendations?
Our expert horse racing betting team has tested out dozens of horse racing bet sites, comparing and reviewing the pros and cons of each to come up with a definitive list of the best bookies for horse racing.
We have years of experience covering all aspects of racing and while reviewing horse betting sites is our main priority, we enjoy putting together tipping columns and podcasts as well, along with in-depth coverage of the big events like Cheltenham and the Grand National.
At the end of the day, we’re keen racing punters, which is why we know exactly what it takes to make a great horse racing betting site.
Affiliate Disclosure:At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling.com will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you.At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links.At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling.com will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you. All product reviews and recommendations are still impartial as our editorial standards are designed to be commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.MoreLess
New customers online only. £/€5 min stake. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit when first bet settles. £/€10 redeemable against racing bets and £/€10 redeemable against racing bets excl. Win/Place. 7 day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply
18+ New Customers opt in, deposit and bet up to €100 at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of registration. Card payments only. Matched bonus paid in free bets; 7 day expiry. Residents of Ireland only. T&Cs apply. gamblingcare.ie | Please Gamble Responsibly
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.
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.
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.
T&C: 18+ | ΙΕ new customers only | Max €50 free bet | Max €10 Voucher for Lightning Roulette | Min €10 bet | Min odds 7/10 (1.70) | Bonus Code: BET10WIN60 | Free bet stake not returned | Offer valid until 31.08.2023 | Free bet valid for 7 days | T&Cs Apply
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first €5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x €5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply.
IRE/NI new customers only. Min Deposit €/£10. Min stake €/£10. Min odds Evs. Free Bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. Free Bets expire in 7 days. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment method restrictions. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply.
New Players Only. Free bet - one-time stake of $/€10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: $/€200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms Apply. 18+ #AD
18+ New players only. Opt-in Required. Min stake £/€/$ 10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £/€/$ 200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply.
New Players Only. Min £/€/$10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £/€/$ 20, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £/€/$200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.
18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: €10, max €10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply
New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.10X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds.Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 20. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome Bonus Bet - Bet €10 Get €15 terms. This offer is for new sports customers only and is available once per household. Max. Bonus Bet amount €15. Minimum wagering on the sport to activate the Bonus Bet is €10 (which can be achieved from a Min deposit of €10). Offer valid only to customers wagering on sport €10 or more and make a qualifying bet in accordance with the Bonus Bet Specific Terms and Conditions below. 1st Place Prize: €1000. Prizes granted up to 48h after the tournament ends. Bonus Bet does not contribute towards the leaderboard. Click to see full T&Cs
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE €10 FREE BETS. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE T&CS APPLY. 18+
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.
Easy Sign-Up Process: We understand that online sportsbooks need to ensure all new customers are legitimate. So, we accept ID and other documentation will be required. Taking this into account, we still look for horse racing bookmakers that make the registration and verification process as smooth as possible.
Mobile Experience: Since many gamblers now wager on their mobile device, sometimes exclusively, we want sports betting sites to have a robust mobile experience. Whether on iOS, Android, or Windows Phone, we expect a premium experience from the best betting apps and mobile betting websites.
Excellent Betting Promotions: Betting bonuses are always enticing, but finding the most generous offers is easier said than done. When we review horse racing sites, bonuses are an essential consideration. We want our readers to get the best deals, with reasonable terms and conditions.
Popular Payment Methods Accepted: Sports gamblers value flexibility across the board and that extends to banking options. The best bookies should offer a wide selection of payment methods, including e-wallets and traditional banking options.
Fast Payouts: Bettors want to be able to withdraw winnings quickly and efficiently. Our review team tests withdrawal times and recommends horse racing betting sites that process payments quickly.
Betting Licenses: You will never find an online horse betting site on our page that is not licensed by a recognised regulator. We look for sites regulated by reputable gambling authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Privacy and Security: We only recommend horse race betting sites that protect your data using the latest technology and encrypt payments to ensure safe deposits and withdrawals.
Attentive Customer Support: If you have a problem, you need to know the online bookmaker has your back. Our highlighted betting sites provide robust customer support options, with FAQ sections, 24/7 live chat, and knowledgeable staff.
Industry Reputation: What do other bettors think of a betting site? Does the site have a good track record of taking care of customers? Part of our job is to consider the reputation of a sports betting website among punters, so we know it caters to its customers.
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.
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.
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.
Good Odds on Domestic and International Races: Great odds are a must when wagering on horse racing. Our reviewers spend hours each week comparing horse racing odds across online sportsbooks, including new betting sites, to ensure we only recommend the sites with competitive prices.
Variety of Horse Racing Betting Online Markets: Options are essential to bettors, and we love it when a site has a wide selection of bets available for each market. If there is a race, we want to see as many wagering options as possible.
Coverage of Major Horse Races: From daily or weekly races to major events, the best online horse betting sites will provide coverage of top meets around Ireland and abroad.
Horse Racing Live Streaming: Not only should you be able to bet on the action, but you should also be able to watch it live. The top horse race betting apps and websites we recommend have live streaming of dozens of races each week.
In-Play Betting: Picking a winner before the race starts is the core of the horse betting experience, but modern sports betting sites also provide in-running betting markets. We look for bookmakers with the most robust live horse racing betting options.
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.
Dean Ryan
Dean Ryan has been enamoured with all things horse racing for 20 years. Dean is a horse racing journalist and broadcaster, formerly with RacingFM, and generally can be found contributing his expertise to several leading sports betting outlets on all things gambling. Dean still enjoys hosting the #racehour podcast or talking all things betting on the radio with Sunshine 106.8 in Dublin.
Diarmuid Nolan
Diarmuid has been involved with horse racing for as long as he can remember and has worked in the industry for just under 10 years. He is a published horse racing journalist and creator of the #racehour Twitter community, which produces a weekly podcast and is home to coverage of all things horse racing throughout the flat and jumps season across the UK and Ireland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first €5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x €5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply.
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
Boosted horse racing odds
Established, trusted racing bookie
Live streams of UK and Irish racing
Cons
Welcome bonus could be improved
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.
Free Bets: Free bets are the most common type of welcome bonus at sports betting sites. As the name suggests, sportsbooks will reward you with a free bet when registering with the site. Bookmakers usually limit the odds on this bet, so you would need to combine a number of selections to win big.
Daily Racing Specials: Because horse racing is one of the most popular betting sports, you can often grab specials at top betting sites. You can claim boosted odds and other price deals for select races each day.
Money-Back Offers: A rare treat at an online sportsbook is a money-back guarantee on some races and horses. For example, the site may pay back your wager if the favourite beats your chosen runner, or vice-versa.
Price Boost Offers: When looking for the best horse racing odds, price boosts are always worth keeping an eye out for. The sports betting operator will increase a specific market price, giving you the chance to win more if you wager a particular amount.
Matched Deposit Offers: A classic of the online gambling realm, the matched deposit bonus is when the site matches a deposit by a percentage amount. For example, a 100% match bonus on a €10 deposit would provide you with an additional €10 in bonus funds.
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
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
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
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
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
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
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:
Punchestown Festival: The Punchestown Festival is held in April and is the highlight of the Irish National Hunt season. The festival comes hot on the heels of Cheltenham and follows a similar format, although it's held over five days rather than four. The Irish Champion Chase, Irish Champion Hurdle and Punchestown Gold Cup are among the feature races, for which online bookmakers often offer Punchestown free bets.
The Curragh Irish Derby Festival: The historic Irish Derby offers the biggest prize in Irish flat racing and dates back to 1866. It is the highlight of this three-day festival which is usually held in June or July, three weeks after the Epsom Derby, which is the equivalent race in England.
Galway Races: The Galway Races is held over seven days and is a huge social occasion which attracts big crowds from across Ireland and further afield. The Galway Plate Chase Handicap and Galway Hurdle Handicap are two of the standout races. For the top Galway Races specials, check out our Galway Races free bets guide.
Fairyhouse Easter Festival: The Irish Grand National takes place on the second day of this three-day festival in County Meath, during which over €1.25million in prize money is up for grabs.
Cheltenham Festival: The Cheltenham Festival is to horse racing what the World Cup is to football - in terms of its popularity. National hunt racing’s most prestigious championship starts on a Tuesday each March with the famous ‘Cheltenham roar’. Thousands of punters take advantage of Cheltenham offers as the world's best national hunt horses take each other on at Prestbury Park.
Aintree Festival: The Cheltenham Festival might be the most popular week in national hunt racing, but the Aintree Grand National is arguably the biggest race in the world. The festival itself takes place over three days in early April in Aintree, near Liverpool, culminating in the historic Grand National, a race every jockey dreams of winning. Grand National free bets are in plentiful supply as the top bookmakers compete for business when the big race arrives.
Royal Ascot: Royal Ascot has five days of brilliant flat horse racing each year, with prize money exceeding £7 million. Ascot is famous for its connection with the British Royal family, with Queen Elizabeth II attending every year. Check out Gambling.com's guide to Royal Ascot free bets for the top Ascot betting offers.
Glorious Goodwood: The Glorious Goodwood festival is second only to Royal Ascot when it comes to flat thoroughbred racing in the UK. This event full of prestige and glamour is a five-day meeting, held at probably the most beautiful racecourse in Britain. This meeting always ends on the last Saturday in July. For Goodwood promos, head over to our Goodwood betting offers guide.
Melbourne Cup: Australia’s most famous race is a 3,200 metre contest for three-year-old thoroughbreds - held at Victoria Racing Club in Melbourne. Taking place on the first Tuesday of November each year, the Melbourne Cup has been around since 1861.
Kentucky Derby: Held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs, Louisville, the Kentucky Derby is the most famous US horse race. It serves as the prestigious ending to the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival.
Belmont Stakes: Held at 'The Championship Track' (Belmont Park) each year, the Belmont Stakes is the third leg of the annual American Triple Crown. Also known as The Test of the Champion, the race takes place on the second Saturday of June.
Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes is the second US Triple Crown held at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland. The Grade 1 race covers 9.5 furlongs and is held on the third Saturday of May each year.
Pegasus World Cup: One of the newest races on the calendar, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes is a thoroughbred race, taking place at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, since 2017. It became the richest horse race ever, surpassing the Dubai World Cup in 2017 and 2018 with a $12 million purse.
Dubai World Cup: The most consistently rich horse race globally is the Dubai World Cup, running annually since 1996. Held at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is run over 20 furlongs and typically carries a purse of £9million.
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:
Win/Each-Way: The most straightforward horse racing bets are win and each-way wagers. These are essentially bets where you predict the horse that comes first (win) or in the top two, three or four runners (depending on the field size).
Betting Without the Favourite: Sometimes you want to back a horse, but you think that the favourite will not be beaten. In this circumstance you can place a bet on the race - with the favourite discounted from the result - at revised odds
Single: This stake is the most common bet available, simply a wager placed on one horse to win a particular race.
Double: This is a bet where you stake a single bet on two horses to win two different races. You will need both of these horses to win, or in the case of an each-way double, to place.
Treble: A treble is a single bet on three horses to win their respective races. To guarantee a return, all three of these horses must win, or if it’s an each-way treble, all three must place.
Accumulator: This is the same betting mechanic as a double or a treble with four or more legs. You stake a single bet on four or more horses to win with an accumulator bet. You will need all of these horses to win, or if it is an each-way accumulator, to place.
Trixie: A Trixie is a bet that has three horses spread across four bets. These four bets are three doubles and one treble.
Yankee: A Yankee is similar to a Trixie but with four horses. Here you are placing a bet with four horses spread across 11 bets. These 11 bets are six doubles, four trebles and a fourfold accumulator. A customer will only need 2 of these horses to win, or with an each-way Yankee to place, to collect some winnings.
Forecast: A forecast bet requires the punter to pick out the two horses that will finish first and second in a race.
Tricast: With tricast bets, punters wager on the horses they reckon will finish first, second and third in a race.
Ante-Post Bets: If you wish to wager on a race a long time before it runs, the ante-post bet is perfect. It is often referred to as a 'futures' bet, particularly in North America.
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.
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.
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.
Select one of our recommended online horse racing betting sites.
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.
Navigate to the 'cashier' or 'account' page and select the 'deposit' option to fund your online betting account.
Select your preferred payment method and the amount you wish to deposit. Then click 'deposit'.
Head to the horse racing section and find an event/market you are interested in wagering on.
Add the stake to your bet slip, enter your stake, and place your bet!
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.
Debit Cards: Almost every online sports betting site supports Visa and Mastercard, while other platforms like Maestro and Switch are often also available. You can use these to deposit and to withdraw funds.
E-wallets: E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill provide a secure connection between the sportsbook and your bank account. Most sports betting sites offer support for e-wallets with no fees. Withdrawals are quicker than traditional methods, but some bonuses may not allow e-wallet deposits.
Prepaid Cards: Services like Paysafecard are a superb choice for players who want to manage their bankroll closely. They are also available at most new betting sites. These options do not support withdrawals, and sometimes there are fees attached to deposits.
Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies are interesting new ways to deposit and withdraw from online sports betting sites. They are secure and fast, but availability is still low compared to more established methods.
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.
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.
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
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
25
Yes
Bet Builder
Can you create your own personalised bets?
In-Play Sports
The number of sports with in-play betting available
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
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
24
No
Bet Builder
Can you create your own personalised bets?
In-Play Sports
The number of sports with in-play betting available
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.
Jockey: While the horse does all the running, the jockey also plays an important role. If the jockey has a good record in a particular course, it may be worth betting.
Trainer: Trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have a better track record than their rivals. The stable a horse comes from could give you hints about its potential.
Going: Similarly, the state of the ground, known as the 'going', (firm, good, soft, heavy etc.) and how a horse has previously performed on it can help you choose a winning bet.
HorseAge: Is the horse at the end of its career, at the beginning, or at its peak? Knowing this can help to inform your wagers.
Course Record: How has the horse or jockey performed at the racecourse before? Knowing this can help you decide if a bet is worth making.
Form: What about overall form? Is the horse on a winning streak or even a losing streak? While form is not always permanent, it can point to a trend and help you make a betting choice.
PostPosition: Which stall the horse runs from could be significant. Some bettors are superstitious, while others use historic post position results to pick a bet.
Distance: Assessing the length of the race helps you compare historical results for the horse and how they fare over that distance.
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!
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.
How can you verify whether a horse racing betting site is licensed and regulated?
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.
What should you avoid when choosing a horse racing betting site?
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.
What should you consider when choosing a horse racing event to bet on?
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.
What payment options should you look for on a horse racing betting site?
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.
What security measures are essential for horse racing betting sites?
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.
What streaming options are available from horse racing sites?
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.
Live streams of UK and Irish horse racing
Desktop layout not as slick as app
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