Fans of horse racing who enjoy backing the runners and riders have a huge number of bookmakers to choose from in the UK. If you are having trouble choosing one, then you have come to the right place.
Here, you can find information about the best horse racing betting sites available. We explore what makes these sites stand out, ensuring you have the essential information to make informed betting decisions.
The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites
| Casino | Ratings | Details | Bonus | Visit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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200% up to £100 | Get the bonus! | #AD. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply. | |
| 2 |
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100% up to £30 | Get the bonus! bet365 Review | 18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: all sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Full T&C's apply. #AD | |
| 3 |
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100% up to £30 | Get the bonus! William Hill Review | 18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad | |
| 4 |
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200% up to £100 | Get the bonus! Betfred Review | #AD. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. |
How to Register?
Registering at a horse betting online site is a straightforward process. Typically, you need to:
Sign Up
Click on the 'Sign Up' or 'Register' button.
Fill In Details
Enter your personal information, such as name, address, email, and date of birth.
Create a Username and Password
Choose a username and a secure password for your account.
Agree to Terms
Read and agree to the site's terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Verification Process
To complete registration, you'll need to verify your identity. This usually involves providing copies of identification documents like a passport, driver's licence, or utility bill for address verification.
This verification is a standard industry practice, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and enhancing security. Once verified, you can deposit funds and start betting to your heart’s content.
How We Rate The Betting Sites
Our rating of horse betting websites is based upon a careful review process during which we focus on the aspects that impact a bettor’s experience.
- Safety and Security – We prioritise examining the security measures in place, ensuring the protection of user data and funds.
- Regulation and Licenses – If a site does not possess a valid license, then we immediately dismiss it and move on.
- Odds – The competitiveness of the odds offered is assessed to ensure bettors receive good value.
- Commissions – Sites with lower commissions are preferred, as they lead to better returns for bettors.
- Customer Support – The quality and responsiveness of customer support is assessed to ensure that issues can be resolved efficiently.
- Withdrawal Times – We consider the speed and reliability of the withdrawal process.
- Dispute Resolution – The fairness and effectiveness with which sites handle disputes is a good indicator of a site’s attitude towards its customers.
Through this approach, we are able to give sites an accurate rating and help bettors find the best possible online horse racing betting site for their needs.
Why You Should Choose a Trusted Horse Betting Site
Selecting a trusted horse betting sites from our list at besthorseracingwebsites.co.uk ensures a safe and secure betting experience. We thoroughly examine each site that we recommend ensuring that they are of the highest quality. Our honest, unbiased reviews provide straightforward information, helping you make informed decisions.
By choosing from our top-ranked horse betting websites, you can be sure of superior user experiences, competitive odds, and exceptional customer service. These websites also offer a range of exciting betting options and bonuses, enhancing your overall online horse betting experience.
Horse Racing Betting Bonus Offers
There are nearly always several bonuses available at betting sites for horse racing fans. There are several different types of bonuses, all designed to enhance the betting experience.
- Welcome Bonuses – Offered to new customers, these often include free bets or deposit match bonuses.
- Free Bets – Bettors receive a specific amount to bet without risking their own money.
- Enhanced Odds – Bookmakers offer higher odds on specific races, increasing potential winnings.
- Best Odds Guarantee – Ensures bettors get paid at the best odds if the starting price is better than the odds when they placed their bet.
- Money-Back Offers – Refunds on losing bets under certain conditions, like if your horse finishes second.
- Accumulator Bonuses – Extra winnings on successful accumulator bets.
- Reduced Risk Bets – Offers lower risk for a potential loss by returning a portion of the stake.
- Loyalty Rewards – Regular punters receive rewards such as free bets or bonuses.
Welcome bonuses are designed to be particularly attractive to entice people to sign up to horse race betting sites. These bonuses can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or risk-free bets. However, as with all bonuses, they come with conditions such as a minimum deposit or wagering requirements.
Ongoing deals ensure punters have a reason to return to the bookmaker. Money-back offers and reduced risk bets are popular choices. Free bets are often awarded as part of ongoing promotions or loyalty schemes. Enhanced or boosted odds offers increase the potential returns on a bet, making them highly sought after.
It is vital that bettors understand the terms and conditions associated with each bonus. These may include minimum odds for qualifying bets, wagering requirements (the number of times a bonus amount must be bet before winnings can be withdrawn), and time limits for using bonuses or free bets. Failure to meet these conditions may result in winnings being forfeit, which would be a great shame.
Horse Racing Betting Markets
Online bookmakers offer a wide array of horse racing markets, allowing punters to build complex betting strategies.
- Single Bets – A straightforward bet on a horse to win a specific race.
- Win Bets – Betting on horse to finish first.
- Each-Way Bet – Combines a win and a place bet, with half the stake on the horse to win and the other half for it to place.
- Double and Treble – Betting on two or three horses in different races to win.
- Placepot – A popular bet where you pick horses to place in the first six races at a meeting.
- Jackpot Bet (Tote) – Selecting winners of all six races at a meeting.
- Forecast Bets – Predicting the first two horses in the correct order.
- Reverse Forecast Bet – Betting on two horses to finish first and second in either order.
- Lucky 15, 31, 63 – These are multiple bets comprising singles, doubles, trebles, and accumulators.
- Super Heinz – A bet on seven selections consisting of 120 bets.
- Goliath – A massive multiple bet on eight selections consisting of 247 bets.
Adding the bets to a race slip is generally very straightforward. It usually involves the following steps:
- 1. Select a Race – Choose the race you wish to bet on
- 2. Choose Your Bet Type – Decide on the type of bet (e.g., Single, Each-Way, Double).
- 3. Pick Your Horses – Select the horses you want to bet on.
- 4. Decide Your Stake – Enter how much you want to wager.
- 5. Review Your Selections – Double-check your choices and odds.
- 6. Place Your Bet – Confirm and submit your bet slip.
For example, imagine you want to place an Each-Way bet on a horse named “Swift Runner” in the 3:00 pm race at Ascot. You’d select the Ascot racecard, choose “Each-Way” as your bet type, and pick “Swift Runner.” Suppose you decide to stake £10 (£5 on the win and £5 on the place). After reviewing the odds and your selection, you confirm and place your bet. If “Swift Runner” wins or places, you will receive a payout.
Horse Racing Live Betting and Streaming
Live horse racing betting has transformed the experience for punters, enabling them to engage with the races in an entirely new way. The live betting markets are diverse, allowing bets on the outcome of a race, the performance of individual horses, and even head-to-head matchups between runners. This means that both newcomers and highly experienced bettors can enjoy live betting.
Live streaming of horse race betting online adds another dimension to the betting experience. It enables punters to watch races in real-time directly through the bookmaker’s platform. This not only enhances the excitement of live betting but also assists bettors in making more informed decisions as they can observe the race conditions and the performance of the horses and jockeys.
However, live streams of horse racing are not the same across all bookmakers. While the race being broadcast is often the same, the quality of the stream, additional features like expert commentary, in-play data, and visual enhancements will vary. Some bookmakers may offer exclusive content or superior streaming quality, which can significantly impact the viewing and betting experience. However, the variety ensures that bettors will be able to find a service that suits their preferences and provides them with a rewarding betting experience.
Top International Horse Racing Events
Each year, the international horse racing calendar contains a number of highlights. There are major races and festivals that attract a huge amount of betting action. Here are some of the most famous:
- The Grand National (UK): An iconic steeplechase known for its challenging course. It’s a mainstay of the UK racing calendar, drawing millions of viewers and bettors.
- The Kentucky Derby (USA): Dubbed “The Run for the Roses”, it’s the pinnacle of US horse racing, famed for its rich history and high stakes.
- The Melbourne Cup (Australia): Known as the “race that stops a nation”, this event is a focal point for Australian horse racing, blending top-tier competition with a festive atmosphere.
- The Dubai World Cup (UAE): One of the richest races in the world, it attracts top international talent to the Meydan Racecourse.
- Royal Ascot (UK): A blend of tradition and high-class racing, Royal Ascot is a key event in the British social calendar, with five days of top-quality races.
- The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (France): Europe’s most prestigious race, held in Paris, renowned for its high-class field.
When betting on these, it’s crucial to understand the specific nature of each event. Factors such as race distance, horse pedigree, jockey experience, and track conditions play a vital role. Bettors should research the history of the event, study form guides, and consider the odds offered by different bookmakers. In-play betting options during the race add an extra layer of excitement, allowing bettors to make wagers based on live action and make the most of every moment of every race.
Virtual Horse Racing Explained
Virtual horse racing simulates real-world competition, allowing enthusiasts to place a bet whenever they so wish. It is this ability to bet at any time that has made it so popular. The races are determined by random number generators, ensuring a fair and unpredictable outcome and creating excitement akin to that of a live race. Thanks to this and the wide range of betting options, virtual horse racing has become the go-to option for many seasoned bettors and newcomers.
| Live horse betting | Virtual horse betting |
|---|---|
| ✔ Real-time excitement, strategic betting opportunities | ✔ Very convenient, always available |
| ✖ Limited availability | ✖ Background research not possible |
Betting Tips and Strategies
As with all forms of sports betting, knowledge is power when it comes to horse racing betting, and the more informed a bettor is, the better their chances of making profitable decisions.
Important information can be found on various reputable betting sites horse racing, and in racing forms. These sources provide detailed insights into runners and riders, including their form, the trainers’ and horses’ performance history, and the jockeys’ success rates. They also offer information about the horses’ colours and naps, which can be useful for quick identification during a race.
Another crucial aspect is understanding the ground conditions, as different horses perform variably on different surfaces. The horse’s potential and handicapping mark are also significant, giving an idea of what to expect in a race. In addition, looking at a horse’s track record on the current track and evaluating the strength of the opposition can provide a clearer picture of the race.
Understanding a horse’s breeding can offer insight into its potential, while the draw basis (the horse’s position in the starting stalls) can impact its chances in a race.
When it comes to horse betting strategies, the first step is a thorough background check of the betting site to ensure its legitimacy and reliability. Next, choosing the type of race is vital. Different races have different levels of complexity and risk. Ensure that you know and properly understand the sport and the difference between flat races and the various types of jump racing.
Shopping for odds across various platforms can lead to finding more favourable odds, potentially increasing winnings. Studying the form is absolutely crucial. This involves looking at past performances of the horses in similar races. Checking the going, which refers to the condition of the track, can also influence a horse’s performance.
Paying attention to the trainers and jockeys is key, as their experience and success rates can significantly impact the outcome. Odds analysis helps in understanding how the betting market views the horse’s chances and following tips from seasoned bettors or experts can provide additional insights.
For example, let’s say that you are focusing on handicap races. You would begin by researching the form of the horses entered, considering their previous performances in similar races and conditions. You then compare odds across different bookmakers to find the most favourable ones. You will also need to research the trainers and jockeys involved and look for those with a proven track record in similar races.
Finally, check the going and have a look for any last-minute horse racing betting tips or insights before placing your bets.
Horse Racing Betting Apps
Modern technology has made it very easy to place horse race betting from a mobile device. Apps are available on both iOS and Android, and they provide a user-friendly and efficient way to place a bet as long as the device has an internet connection.
It is very easy to get started with mobile betting. Punters simply need to download their preferred app, create an account, and they can start betting. The apps connect bettors directly to a variety of racecourses, providing real-time updates, odds, and race information. This instant access is a significant advantage, ensuring that users are always up-to-date with the latest developments.
One of the main benefits of using mobile apps is convenience. Bettors can place wagers from anywhere, whether at home, work, or on the move. This flexibility means no opportunities are missed to place a winning bet.
Additionally, many horse racing betting apps offer features such as live streaming of races, expert tips, and historical data on horses and jockeys. This easy access to information helps bettors make better-informed decisions, which can lead to more winning bets.
There is also a social element to betting apps. Many include features that allow users to connect with a community of fellow bettors, sharing horse betting tips and experiences. As a result of all of this, the apps provide horse racing fans with a convenient, safe, and enjoyable way to place bets at all times.
Payment Options
Horse betting online websites offer a variety of deposit methods to ensure there is something suitable for everyone. To deposit, punters simply need to visit the website’s cashier section, where they can choose their preferred method and follow straightforward instructions. Debit cards are a common choice, allowing direct transfers from bank accounts. They are favoured for simplicity and wide acceptance.
E-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill provide another convenient option known for fast transactions and enhanced security. For those who prefer a pre-set betting limit or wish to avoid entering banking details online, prepaid cards such as paysafecard are ideal. Bank transfers, although slower, are another option.
Importantly, each method ensures secure and efficient transactions so that when depositing at a properly licensed site, there are no security concerns.
Bringing Excitement to the Races
There are some truly fantastic options for horse racing betting fans. Whether you are an experienced bettor looking to make use of the many different markets to build a complex strategy, or you are just starting out and want to back a horse to win a race, with our help, you will find the right bookmaker in no time at all. Take some time to look through our reviews of the UK’s leading bookies and hopefully, you’ll be placing winning bets in no time at all.
Recommended Betting Sites in the UK
| Best Horse Betting Site for Live Streaming | £30 in Free Bets | bet365 |
| Best for Money-Back Specials | £30 in Free Bets | Betfred |
| Best Site for Free Horse Racing Bets | £40 Money Back | Unibet |
| Best Pools Horse Racing Betting Site | £30 in Free Bets | William Hill |
FAQ
What Is the Best Betting Site?
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