Horse racing has captivated millions for hundreds of years, so it should come as no surprise that horse racing betting is equally as popular, and because of that there are lots of bookies to choose from. Below we list only the best UK horse racing betting sites, including new bookies shaking things up and why we think they deserve the spotlight.
- What Makes a Great UK Horse Racing Betting Site?
- Our Favourite Horse Racing Betting Sites Reviewed
- Best Horse Racing Betting Apps UK
- Most Popular Horse Racing Events in the UK
- Different Types of Horse Races
- What Horse Racing Betting Offers Are There?
- Top New Horse Racing Betting Sites
- Top Considerations for Horse Racing Betting Strategy
- Other Types of Horse Racing Betting
- Popular Horse Racing Markets
- Horse Racing Betting FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites We Recommend
Bet £10 Get £30 18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet £10 on any Horse Racing market at odds 2.00+ in 7 days. No cash out. Get 6x £5 Horse Racing free bets+ £5 slot bonus, 20x wagering to withdraw max £250. Free bets expire in 24h and bonuses in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply. | begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. #ad
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Bet £10 get £50 18+ New Customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on Horse Racing, 1/1+ odds in 7 days, no cash out. Get £50 in Free Bets on set markets valid 7 days. Debit Card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply. See below. begambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly. Full T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. #ad
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BET £10 GET £20 18+, UK only. Deposit and place a minimum £10 cash bet at single or accumulated odds of 1/1 or greater and you can qualify for up to £20 in free bets. Applies to first cash bet only. Free bets credited as 1 x £5 bet to use on Virtual Sports, the remaining Free bets shall be credited as 3 x £5 bets the next day. Cashed Out, Void or Draw No Bet wagers do not qualify for this promotion. Free Bets are credited upon qualifying first bet settlement. 7-day free bet expiry applies to all Free Bet awards. Available once per new customer. This offer cannot be combined with any other welcome or site promotion. Full T&C's apply. #ad
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Up to £50 in Free Bets, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus 18+ | New players only | Available until 23:59 GMT 31.12.2025 Each challenge has its own TCs. Eligible Bets must be placed for each respective Challenge during the Promotional Period including the following: ACCA, Football, In-Play, and Casino. Each challenge has its own set of TCs and can only be completed 1x. Available to claim: 20 Free Spins, £10 Free Bet, 50% Back up Free Bet up to £20, £10 Casino Bonus when you wager £50+. If all are completed you will receive Max £20 Free Bet to be used on any sport. Gamble Responsibly. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Up to £50 in free bets Applies to your first cash bet placed on a particular race only. Promo void if only two runners in the race. Free bet still awarded if your horse is dead heat second behind the SP fav or if you bet on a joint SP fav who finishes second behind the other SP fav. If your horse is third behind two horses in dead heat for first including the SP fav, free bet is not awarded. Cannot be used in addition to offer below; E.g. if your horse places on the 1st race and also finishes 2nd behind the SP fav, you will only get money back as one free bet. T&Cs apply. #ad
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Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets New customers opt in and stake £20+ on any sporting event at odds of 1.8 or greater before 17:30 17/03/23. Free bets non-withdrawable and 7 day expiry. Qualifying bet restrictions, exclusions and full T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org. #ad
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Bet £10 Get a £30 Surprise Bet New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £5 get £20 18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £40 New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required
Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £30 Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. #ad
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Bet £10 Get £10 + £10 Casino Bonus New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £20 in FREE Bets (FB) as £10 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. #ad
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Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets New UK, IE & Malta customers only. Offer available between 16:00 BST on 11th July 2023 and 16:00 BST on 26th October 2023. Min £10/€10 first deposit in a single amount to be eligible for the offer. Max £30 in Free Bets. £10 bet at min odds of 1.5 required to receive £10 Free Bet. A further £10 Free Bet will be credited to your promotional balance 7 days after the first qualifying bet and then a further £10 Free Bet will be credited 14 days after the first qualifying bet. Free bets expire in 14 days after credited. Payment Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other sign-up promotion. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 50 Bonus Spins New UK customers only. Min Deposit: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. This is offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 50 Bonus Spins credited on placement of qualifying Acca bet.50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements, bonus Spins only available on selected games and expires 7 days after being awarded. Debit card deposits only (exclusions apply). 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Full terms apply. #ad
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Double Winnings up to £100 Key terms – New players only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via “My Offers” page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ | BeGambleAware.org | LeoSafePlay.com | Play responsibly! Full T&Cs apply BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £20 get £20 In Free Bets 18+ Opt in & bet £20 on any sport at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 2x £10 Free Bets on any sports market. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. #ad
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£20 Backup Bet 18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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0% Commission for 90 days New Customers Only. Sign up using the bonus code ‘Matchbook30'. Place your first bet, if it loses, we will refund your first bet stake as a free bet.The first bet must be placed within 14 days of registration and at odds of 1.8 or more. Bets on Multiples are excluded from this offer. The max refund is a single £3o free bet and will be applied to your account within 72 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 18+ only. T's and C's apply. Be Gamble Aware. #ad
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50% up to £50 Welcome Bonus New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager a total of 8 times deposit + bonus, with max qualifying bet stake equal to your initial bonus amount; Bonus expires after 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles, or 2/5 per leg for acca; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; #ad
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Trade with 0% commission for 60 days Use code COMMFREE to trade with 0% commission for 60 days. Min. £10/€10 first deposit using Debit Card or Instant Banking. Full T&C’s apply.18+. BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org #ad .
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Bet £15 Get £25 NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE £25 FREE BET. MIN QUALIFYING STAKE £15. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 (2.00) OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 (1.80) ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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What Makes a Great UK Horse Racing Betting Site?
The competition out there is truly fierce! With that in mind, we have decided to break down what exactly makes the best horse racing betting sites stand out. Here’s our top 10 factors of what truly makes a great horse racing bookie.
1. Great variety of events
We’ll start off nice and simple: the more races that are covered, the better the horse racing bookmaker. It really is as simple as that, as far as we are concerned. If a group of horses are racing anywhere in the world, we’d ideally like to be able to bet on it. More variety can only be a positive in this regard.
2. Excellent selection of markets
Similarly, we also expect to have a large amount of market options available at the best horse racing bookmakers. Simply backing a horse to win might be enough for some, but over the years, horse racing has been blessed with a wide number of creative wagering options We’ll be covering these in detail later in this guide; but rest assured, we are very much of the-more-the-merrier persuasion when it comes to market variety.
3. Competitive odds
The top horse betting sites offers better odds than their competitors – sometimes to a significant extent. Obviously, it all depends on the individual markets, and there’s no one easy answer as to who has the best odds each and every time. Nevertheless, we do expect a great bookmaker to provide competitive odds consistently.
4. Live experience
Being able to follow the action live is one of the things that really makes horse racing so exciting to bet on. Perhaps more so than any other sport, horse racing betting greatly benefits from livestreaming. Just offering it as an option doesn't cut it, either; the quality of the stream is also expected by customers to be top-notch and glitch-free. We all want smooth, easy-to-follow action from the moment it begins, which is why we've also compiled a list of the very best live streaming betting sites for our readers.
5. Statistics/Online racing form
Back in the day you would get your racing form on paper, which would allow you to check out the form and statistics of the horses in the races that were available that day. Now, that responsibility lies with horse racing bookmakers, and how well they pull this off, together with the amount of detail provided, can have a huge impact on your ability to make smart bets.
6. Mobile experience
When it comes to horse racing betting today, the bookie's mobile app is every bit as important as the desktop experience. To be considered amongst the best, we need our bookmakers to have a quality mobile option, which ideally loses nothing in the switch to the smaller screen. For a more detailed look into this subject, check out our extensive guide to the best betting apps out there at the time of writing.
7. Ease of use
We want our betting experiences to be as easy as possible. For horse racing, this means that everything you need is easy to access, understand and use. We also pay close attention to whether or not everything works seamlessly on a technical level. The question here is – can the average person, meaning someone not especially technically minded, get everything they want out of this site with ease?
8. Banking options
This one is really simple – if they don’t have the banking option you use, then you can’t use the horse racing site in question. Obviously, we don’t know which payment method you prefer, so quantity and quality are both important here. In terms of quality, we once again mean ease of use, along with fast payouts, fair fees, and a straightforward identification procedure.
9. Promotions
As much as any other sport out there, horse racing betting benefits significantly from the use of promotions. We’ll be going into the details on what to look out for specifically later in this article, but once again, we want variety here. We also want fair terms and conditions, so that you get bonuses that offer real, tangible value to horse racing betting fans.
10. General site quality
We understand that horse racing betting is not a bubble unto itself. Most people who are interested in this form of gambling probably also have other sports they enjoy, and other sports they like to bet on. Because of that, we not only take into account the sole experience of betting on horse racing, but the overall experience of using the bookie in question as well. Put it this way, if we don’t consider it a quality site in general – from customer service to security – then it won’t be making any of our lists.
Our Favourite Horse Racing Betting Sites Reviewed
Before we get into our list, it’s important to note that there’s an incredible amount of great horse racing betting sites out there. Just because an operator didn’t make our elite selection, that doesn’t mean they aren’t providing a great horse racing betting option.
That being said, we did manage to narrow it down to the best of the best. So, without further ado, let's take a look below at what we consider to be the tip-top, cream of the crop of horse racing betting sites out there.
BetVictor Horse Racing Betting Site
Despite their incredible success, many consider BetVictor to be an underrated bookie, even though they arguably deserve to be placed among best bookmakers in almost every regard.
In the world of horse racing betting, they certainly prove their worth. The site offers an amazing selection of bet boosts, possibly the finest mobile experience of any on this list, five-star live streaming, daily racing specials, and even casino and virtuals integration.
Pros
- Bet boosts
- Live streaming of most races
- Great bonus offer
- Daily racing specials
Parimatch Horse Racing Betting Site
Ideal for newcomers but with enough depth to satisfy even the pickiest of horse racing betting veterans, Parimatch’s trending markets only serve to reflect their excellence. They back these up with a wide variety of racing coverage from across the world, along with highly competitive odds and a versatile selection of markets for every race.
Their promotions are also some of the most generous and versatile of any we’ve seen for the sport, including price boosts, welcome offers, and free bets all related to horse racing available at the time of writing. Just as important is that their silky-smooth site design, which simply makes horse racing betting with Parimatch an all-round joyous experience.
Pros
- Great promos such as price boosts, free bets and welcome offers
- Best odds guaranteed promo
- Excellent site design
- Dozens of horse racing betting markets available
bet365 Horse Racing Betting Site
If bet365 were a horse and these sorts of best bookmaker lists were a race, they would likely come in as favourites. In fact, so revered is this site as one of the best of the best that it may be surprising that they have such stiff competition. Rest assured, that has nothing to do with a lack of excellence on the part of bet365, but is rather an indictment of the incredibly high standards of horse racing betting sites you can currently enjoy.
bet365 provide a global selection of races with terrific market variety, including a world-class bet builder and almost unbeatable odds. On top of all this, you'll also find that this betting juggernaut offers livestreaming on both the desktop site and the app as well. Their technical prowess is ideal for a sport like horse racing, and they are no less generous when it comes to providing bonus incentives. Unsurprisingly, bet365 are yet again one of the finest the world has to offer, and an ideal pick for horse racing fans who like their operator to be a jack of all trades.
Pros
- Bet builder
- Covers British and international races
- Great welcome offer
- Plenty of horse racing promos
bwin Horse Racing Betting Site
We think it says a lot that the moment we stepped through the virtual doors of bwin, we were greeted with a broad selection of horse racing markets. In addition, Best Odds Guaranteed, alongside their fantastic £20 Back Up welcome offer, are utilised liberally here, and alongside today’s races, there’s also a fantastic selection of futures and specials markets to enjoy.
The attention to detail really put bwin over the edge to being among our absolute favourites. You can enjoy livestreaming on a huge variety of races and spend as much time as you like pouring over their detailed and meticulously put together statistics and commentary. bwin seems to understand that horse racing is as deep as the individual wants it to be, and they provide everything you could possibly want to bet your way.
Pros
- Plenty of horse racing markets
- Fun special bets
- £20 Welcome offer + best odds guaranteed
- Access to stats and commentary
Betway Horse Racing Betting Site
It is not just the variety of horse racing coverage from Betway that impresses, although, believe us, there’s an absolutely astounding selection of races available here from the local to the international, but the quality of that coverage as well.
First off, the general betting experience at Betway is an absolute joy, with the bookie making it on our list of the best mobile apps too. Finding the market you want and placing a bet, for instance, is a breeze. That makes things simple enough for even the greenest of newcomers, while the statistical detail, both before and during live coverage, pushes it to the front in terms of horse racing betting sites suitable for experts. That level of detail is even available as you are enjoying their seamless live streaming, making this an absolute winner no matter how your race turns out.
Pros
- Great mobile app
- Covers British and international races
- Great welcome offer
- Daily racing specials
SBK Horse Racing Betting Site
Certainly a bit more niche than others on the list, but with a big enough appeal to make our list, the audience for SBK is simple. If you are looking for a betting exchange with a fantastic mobile betting app on both iOS and Android to enjoy horse races throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond (Australia, France and the United States are commonly represented), then this could be the perfect bookmaker for you.
They have their limitations, such as a lack of livestreaming, but for incredible odds and a low commission on the go with a smooth interface, there’s few that can match SBK. Every bit as worthy of consideration for betting exchange fans looking beyond the also utterly brilliant Betfair.
For all the latest horse racing news and expert tips, check the Racing Post mobile app.
Pros
- Great mobile app for betting
- Low commission
- Great welcome offer
- Great alternative to Betfair Exchange
Cons
- No live streaming
- Exchange betting is not for everyone
William Hill Horse Racing Betting Site
Another industry juggernaut here – for this operator, the kind of horse racing betting William Hill has to offer is just another example of something they excel at. With races across UK & Ireland, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, their markets are comprehensive, to say the least. Even their virtual horse racing options are outstanding, as is their free, smooth-as-butter betting TV service.
Combine that with a great selection of specials, Tote betting, NAPS and promotions, and you're truly onto a winner here – they even have their own radio station! With all of this mind, it's safe to say that horse racing betting William Hill style is simply astounding.
Pros
- Great mobile app
- Covers British and international races
- Great welcome offer
- Daily racing specials
The Pools Horse Racing Betting Site
As you may have already guessed from the name, The Pools focuses on an oft-forgotten form of wagering, yet one that has stood the test of time: pool betting. The site covers a variety of horse racing, from local to international, offering a variety of exciting sportsbook promotions for horse racing fans at the same time. By taking it all this into account, it is safe to say that The Pools is one of the leading online platforms for horse racing.
Pros
- Special bets for most popular races
- Local and international races
- £20 in free bets welcome offer
- Daily free bets for horse betting
Cons
- Pool betting may be too complex for some
Paddy Power Horse Racing Betting Site
Unlike many sites on this list, horse racing takes center stage alongside football as Paddy Power’s top priority. They are Ireland’s biggest bookmaker, and it is fitting, we suppose, for a country with such a rich history and love of the sport of kings that these markets are given so much attention.
They, of course, get all the key things right: quality odds and market variety, for instance. But it’s their clear and crisp design, which makes finding even the most obscure races easy, and wonderfully generous Power Prices, that help put Paddy Power on another level.
Pros
- Great for Irish and UK players
- Races from all over the world
- Power Prices
- Plenty of bonuses
Betfair Horse Racing Betting Site
Perhaps because of their reputation for innovation – which is deserved, they did bring us the game-changing Cash Out feature, after all – Betfair don’t always get their due credit for traditional markets. And there’s nothing more traditional than horse racing.
Whether you choose the betting exchange or the traditional sportsbook, there’s a fantastic selection here, complete with their world-renowned odds quality. Betfair promotions are quite generous, too, e.g. their Bet £20 Get £5 offer, which you can use to start a free bet streak betting exchange promotion on horse racing markets.
Pros
- Plenty of free bets
- Choose between exchange and bookie
- Great welcome offer
- Daily racing specials
Cons
- Exchange betting may mean odds vary from betting site odds
SportingBet Horse Racing Betting Site
Not only do sports take center stage at SportingBet, but horse racing gets top billing as well. This is yet another bookie who offers great odds, backed up by a Best Odds Guaranteed promotion across a wide variety of markets. Another area they really impress is the level of insight they provide on things like form and track details, as well as the wide selection of specials on offer and their cash-out opportunities.
Pros
- Great mobile site
- Races from all over the world
- Plenty of markets, including Tote betting
- Plenty of bonuses
Unibet Horse Racing Betting Site
With an entire section of their critically acclaimed site dedicated to horse racing, there can be little doubt about Unibet’s commitment to this sport.
As one of the best bookmakers for huge tournaments like Cheltenham, the site offers great design and extensive coverage. They also have their very own livestreaming from Unibet TV and fantastic odds from all around the world, including harness racing.
The cherry on top, though, has to be their fabulous racing guides, especially those which focus on specific races.
Pros
- Fabulous racing guides
- Races from all over the world
- Extensive coverage of the most popular races
- Plenty of bonuses, including odds boosts and more, for betting on horses
Betiton Horse Racing Betting Site
Betiton are one of the best sports bookmakers around, featuring all the best England horse races with fixed odds for which you can choose to accept changes. You'll be able to bet on races like The Grand National, 2000 Guineas Stakes, Cheltenham Gold Cup, The Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby. New players get a great welcome offer: Deposit at least £10, bet £15 at odds of at least 2.00 (1/1), and get a £10 free bet!
Pros
- Fixed odds or track odds
- Races from all over the world
- Strong focus on the most popular races
- £10 Free bet
mr.play Horse Racing Betting Site
While mr.play is best known for its online casino, it also offers horse racing and sports betting. With all the best races from UK, Ireland and Australia, you will have plenty of options as a UK bettor, with odds on each-way, place and win markets for all the most popular races available. In addition, you can get a great welcome offer after signing up as a new customer at the time of writing: a £10 Bet Token after betting bet £10 or more at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.00)!
Pros
- Odds for each-way, place and win markets on all popular races
- Races from the UK, Ireland and Australia featured
- £10 Bet Token
Cons
- Site is more casino-orientated
- Strong focus on the most popular races
Betfred Horse Racing Betting Site
Just like Paddy Power, we would say that Betfred really views horse racing as one of their most important markets, treating it accordingly. And it’s a focus that pays off, with first-rate radio and live streaming coverage, consistently excellent odds, daily price boosts, regular extra place options, specials, free bet 2nds, tote betting, #PickYourPunt, and great virtual racing options. Betfred are one of the best, and horse racing betting remains their tour de force. They're also a notably good bookie for placepot betting.
Pros
- One of the best sites for placepot betting
- Daily price boosts, regular extra place options, free bet 2nds and more
- Strong focus on horse racing betting
- Great welcome offer
Bet UK Horse Racing Betting Site
Bet UK also have an excellent horse betting product, with markets for all the best UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and US races. What's more, if you bet on Aintree, Ascot, and Cheltenham races, you'll get £30 in free bets when placing a £10 minimum bet! Besides that, there is also a casino bonus and plenty of other regular sports promos.
Pros
- Bet on races from all over the world
- Regular sports promos
- Special focus on horse betting
- £30 in free bets
888sport Horse Racing Betting Site
888sport offer livestreaming which focuses exclusively on horse racing and greyhounds. You’ll be able to back a horse and (hopefully) watch it dash to the finish line as long as you bet a minimum of £1 that race.
Since they specialise in these two sports, you would naturally expect them to deliver some quality races. And they do. The best Grade and Group 1 UK & Irish races at Leopardstown, Aintree, Cheltenham, and more are all on the agenda, as is international action from the tracks in France, the US, and Australia.
Pros
- Best offer for UK and Irish races
- Livestreaming for horse racing betting and greyhounds.
- Licensed in UK and Gibraltar
- £20 in free bets
Best Horse Racing Betting Apps UK
Not only are there many great ways to bet online for horse racing betting fans, but there also exists a universe of options for those who like to bet on the go. Like we said, horse racing is so fundamental to the world of online gambling that it is rare to find a bookmaker that doesn’t provide those markets as an option. This means that besides the best horse racing bookmakers, there is a whole kaleidoscope of apps and mobile sites available at the very best horse racing betting sites. Here are our top five.
Best Horse Racing Betting Apps Ranked
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bet365
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BetVictor
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Betfair
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888sport
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Unibet
1. bet365 Horse Racing Betting App
That’s right – bet365 are not just one of the finest all-around horse racing betting sites out there, but they are also one of our picks for mobile experience. This is about as close to flawless as betting apps get, and when you match that with a reach like no other, you end up with well over six figures of sport events streamed straight to mobile every year, with useful live betting features like auto and partial cash out. It’s an absolute joy to behold from start to finish.
2. BetVictor Horse Racing Betting App
We did say that a solid argument can be made for BetVictor providing one of the best horse racing betting mobile experiences in the world – and we meant it. Absolutely gorgeous design and lightning-quick responses make finding your way through its many betting markets an absolute breeze. It might even be better than the desktop alternative, which is an awesome betting experience in itself.
3. Betfair Horse Racing Betting App
Betfair splits its sportsbook and betting exchange into two separate apps, both of which are available for iOS and Android, like everything else on this list. What impresses us most about both Betfair mobile options is the astounding amount of content, with each packed to its absolute breaking point. Actually, what’s even more impressive is the level of horse racing betting quality they maintain throughout.
4. 888sport Horse Racing Betting App
In terms of sheer design credentials, 888sport is right up there with BetVictor as one of the best-looking horse racing betting apps we’ve ever seen. And on top of that, there’s plenty of substance to go alongside all that style. They have a huge number of live events every day from all across the world to enjoy, as well as great promotions and even round-the-clock customer service from your phone.
5. Unibet Horse Racing Betting App
Much like Betfair, Unibet have found that they simply have too many horse racing betting options to fit on a single app. That’s why this internationally renowned operator has a dedicated app for poker, casino, and of course, sports. The latter is what we are interested in for this particular article, and it is an absolute home run, featuring horse races from all around the world, a great live experience, and a wide variety of markets, all with the quality odds Unibet are known for.
Most Popular Horse Racing Events in the UK
There’s a huge amount of horse racing events taking place all around the world, at almost all times of the year. One of the best things about being a fan of horse racing is that you never run out of what to bet on at horse racing betting sites, especially with virtual horse racing now thrown into the mix.
In fact, there’s so much out there it can be tricky to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve decided to go through some of the most popular in the UK – this is, of course, without even mentioning the likes of the monstrously popular Melbourne Cup or Kentucky Derby – so you can get an idea of where to begin. For a more complete list, check out our betting tips page, where we provide detailed guides on all the top horse racing events. We also recommend our in-depth article on Non Runner No Bets.
Grand National
Running on the first Saturday in April each year, the Grand National crosses over into the mainstream more than any other, being famous for attracting people who never normally bet or watch horse racing each and every year. Grand National Each Way betting has also become extremely popular due to the amount of great horses running in this race. The race is so popular that there is now even a high-definition Virtual Grand National at select betting sites!
The 2023 Grand National will takes place from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 April.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Taking place as part of the massive four-day Cheltenham Festival event in March – which is only second to the Grand National in money taken – the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race that pits the best of the best against each other across three miles and 22 fences.
The 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup will take place on March 17.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Another classic race taking place at the Cheltenham Festival, what makes the Queen Mother Champion Chase distinct from the previous entrant is its shorter distance, as it is run on two miles on the old course with 13 jumps – the strategic impact is not a small one.
The 2023 Queen Mother Champion Chase will take place on Wednesday 15 March.
Epsom Derby
Popularly known as the Derby, this race is one of the five classics and is the middle leg of the prestigious triple crown of horse racing. With a history that dates back to the late 18th century, it remains relevant to horse racing betting today, with a huge worldwide TV audience each and every year.
The 2023 Epsom Derby will take place on Saturday June 4.
2000 Guineas Stakes
Another one of the five British classics, the 2000 Guineas stakes has a rich history dating back to 1809, and is the opening leg of the previously mentioned triple crown. It’s a flat race of over a mile that takes place either in April or May each year. Despite their names, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas Stakes races these days offer the same prize money of a little of half a million pounds.
The 2023 Guineas Stakes will take place on Saturday 6th May.
Scottish Grand National
The Scottish Grand National is a Grade 3 National Hunt steeplechase which takes place at Ayr Racecourse on or around April 1st. The race is open to horses aged five, and runs over 3 miles and 7 furlongs with 27 fences, promising plenty of excitement and action as the horse leap over the hurdles.
Next takes place: Friday 31 March to Saturday 1 April 2023.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a prestigious horse racing event held in France, specifically for thoroughbred horses that are three years old or above. The race occurs at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris and covers a distance of 2,400 meters. This annual event is typically scheduled on the first Sunday of October.
Horse Racing Betting UK And International Events List
At ThePuntersPage, we provide horse racing betting tips and guides on lots of events from the UK and around the world. Check out our constantly-updated list of guides below. You can bet on any of these events at all the horse racing betting sites we listed in our ranking above.
- Belmont Stakes
- Betfair Chase
- Betfair Tingle Creek Chase
- Breeders Cup
- British Champions Day at Ascot
- Cheltenham Festival
- Cheltenham November Meeting
- Dubai World Cup
- Eclipse Stakes
- Glorious Goodwood Festival
- Grand National
- Virtual Grand National
- July Festival – Newmarket
- Kentucky Derby
- King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
- King George VI Chase
- Melbourne Cup
- Northumberland Plate
- Newmarket Guineas Festival
- Preakness Stakes
- Royal Ascot
- Scottish Grand National
- Sha Tin
- St Leger Stakes
- The Epsom Oaks
- The Epsom Derby
- The Everest Horse Race
- Virtual Kentucky Derby
- Welsh Grand National
Different Types of Horse Races
Not only are there a huge number of different races to cover, but there are also plenty of different kinds of racing as well. These all provide variety, as well as having a huge impact on horse racing betting strategy. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common examples.
Flat Racing
This is by far the most common type of horse racing out there, which is unsurprising because of its straightforward nature and relatively small amount of risk compared to jump racing. Most races take place between one and three miles and can be found all around the country, and indeed, the world. Essentially, flat racing is a standard form of race without obstacles.
Sprint
This is a type of flat racing, but is significant and different enough to be considered on its own merits. Sprint racing generally takes place between five and six furlongs, so a little over 1000 metres. Winners can sometimes finish in less than a minute, meaning this is a very different game to longer hauls like the Grand National.
Jump Racing
There are few prizes for guessing the distinction here. In jump races, horses have to contend with additional obstacles, most commonly fences. The added danger and strategic considerations, hurdling ability, and choice of jockey is vital here, making this option very popular but also controversial due to the inherent risks involved.
Harness Racing
Although not as common in the United Kingdom, harness racing, or trotting racing, is very much its own art form. It has two distinct categories: ‘trotting' and ‘pacing', based on the movement of the legs of the horse throughout, with an automatic disqualification if a horse breaks its stride. It is, therefore, a strategic sport as much as it is a physical one, and a fascinating one to bet on.
What Horse Racing Betting Offers Are There?
It’s important to note that when it comes to horse betting sites and their bonuses, the only real limits are set by both the generosity and creativity of the bookmaker. Often, our favourite promotions are the ones we haven’t seen before, and we always appreciate a touch of originality.
That said, there are genres of promotion that are commonly utilised for horse racing betting. Here, we are going to be breaking down our top four examples, but if there’s something out there that isn’t covered here – so long as it offers you real value and improves your betting experience – then absolutely give it your full consideration.
Best Odds Guaranteed
This is something so common on the best horse racing bookmakers that it is now considered somewhat expected. However, that does not mean you should underestimate the importance of the Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) promotion.
Essentially, it means that you will get the best odds no matter when you place your bet. Because odds often fluctuate a great deal before a race begins, it would otherwise be easier to get a lesser deal simply through placing your bet at the wrong time. Horse racing BOG promotions ensure that this won’t happen.
Important terms to consider at horse betting sites include things like the markets and time frames the promotion is applied to, and maximum payouts. Of course, as always, the terms and conditions should be read thoroughly in all cases.
Free Bets
Very often, welcome bonuses on horse racing betting sites see your deposit matched with free bets. A common example would be if you got 100% of your deposit up to £100. (It could be more than this, or less). This means that if you bet £100, you would get £100 in the form of a free bet.
The free bet offer must first be staked at your horse betting site, and cannot simply be withdrawn, which is what makes it a free bet rather than a cash bonus. It will also come with its own terms and conditions, where you will usually find the wagering requirements. These state that you must bet the amount of your stake a certain amount of times before you can claim any winnings made with the free bet.
Other terms and conditions should be easy to find on the site, and are vital to determining whether this kind of promotion is worth your while. These are really common in all kinds of promotions, and may not be specific to horse racing. Nonetheless, if you bet fairly regularly and the terms are good, these provide what is essentially an extra chance at winning.
Enhanced Odds/Profit Boosts
Although these options are different, they have the same end result, which is that you end up with a higher amount of winnings than you would initially expect. They simply go about it in different directions.
Enhanced odds may be for a market selected by the bookmaker or by you, but the result is that your odds are changed to be more generous, meaning you get a higher payout if you win. Profit Boosts, on the other hand, add a percentage onto your winnings – once again meaning that you end up with more money should you win.
Occasionally, horse racing betting sites offer double or even triple odds, although this is rarer. In addition, the terms for this promotion are often very reasonable.
Enhanced Place Promotions
If you like to bet on each-way markets, enhanced place promotions can increase the place terms so there are more opportunities for you to win. For instance, if your bet's success rests on your horse placing in the first to the third positions, that can be enhanced to the first to fourth positions, meaning you have more chances to end up with a potentially successful wager.
This is another example where sometimes people don’t even realise the promotion is in place and get a rather pleasant surprise – an example of how valuable and simple this bonus can be with the right conditions.
Risk-Free Bets
This is another example that is often seen as a welcome bonus. This is likely down to its generosity, meaning that horse racing bookmakers aren’t willing to offer it too regularly. The way it works is simple: place your bet within the given terms – it could be a £5 risk free bet, for example – and if it loses, you will receive some or all of that stake back. In other words, it’s risk-free because you get your stake returned whether you win or lose.
Importantly, though, this amount is often given in the form of a free bet, although it can also sometimes be given in cash. As is the case with everything, the quality here all depends on those pesky terms and conditions. But, at its best, this is a great offer, and a wonderful way of checking out a new betting site.
Rewards For Racing
While it is not technically a betting offer, Rewards For Racing is a website where you can collect points when making purchases, including placing bets on some bookies – These points can be redeemed for race day tickets, merch and much more. So if you like going to the races in person, you should definitely check it out.
Top New Horse Racing Betting Sites
The vast amount of horse racing betting markets makes odds more competitive, provides us with a broad betting buffet of delicious promotions, and keeps standards incredibly high among any horse betting operator that could be even considered as decent. In fact, more and more new bookmakers are still cropping up, looking to get involved in the horse racing betting scene.
Of course, with such stiff competition, not all of these are worthy of your consideration. Therefore, we’ve selected the top 5 most exciting and promising horse racing betting sites that can offer you something new, and a couple of reasons why we think they are a nose ahead of the pack.
SBK
- Fantastic mobile sportsbook
- Great for betting tips
- No sport benefits more from tips than horse racing
More information can be found in our SBK review.
The Pools
- Wonderful blend of old and new innovations
- Excellent odds
- Plenty of relevant promotions for racing fans
More information can be found in our The Pools review.
NetBet
- Consistent across many sporting markets
- Broad racing coverage
- Competitive odds
More information can be found in our NetBet review.
Vbet
- Horse racing top of their list of priorities
- Dedicated racing page
- International range of markets
More information can be found in our Vbet review.
Spreadex
- Unique spread betting opportunity
- Surprisingly broad racing selection
- Beautifully designed site
More information can be found in our Spreadex review.
Top Considerations for Horse Racing Betting Strategy
Here, we’ll be focusing on the horse racing betting tips that we view as being the most relevant for horse racing betting, as this unique, complicated sport is one that deserves to be understood on its own merits. When it comes to wagering at horse racing betting sites, how to strategise is very important, and our top 10 tips below should help you gain an in-depth understanding of where to begin.
1. Form
Form should be your first consideration when trying to understand a horse's chances in an upcoming race. If you can comprehend how well the majority of horses have performed recently, then your chances of making accurate predictions will very likely improve. That’s why we take the detail provided in this regard so seriously in our list of best bookmakers.
2. The going/Type of race
The going refers to the type of ground at a racecourse. Specifically, it is the amount of moisture measured in the ground. One of the things which separates expert and amateur horse racing gamblers is their ability to coincide the form information with these additional considerations. To put it simply, just because a horse is good on one type of groundwork doesn’t mean they will perform as well on all of them. Their experience on similar tracks will no doubt have a huge impact.
The same can be said for types of races, where the impact can be even more profound. Whether this or the going is a larger factor is a source of debate among experts. Indeed, jump racing in particular naturally adds a wild-card element that must be taken into account.
3. Distance
The points made about the going and the type of race also apply to distance. The reason we have separated it here is that according to many experts, very large races are particularly hard to predict – especially when you go over a long period with many horses that have similar forms.
This doesn’t mean that we think these races should be avoided – far from it, in fact. Just keep in mind that they can be very close races, as they will often attract the best of the best at huge events. Instead of avoiding them, we would recommend considering each-way markets if a race looks particularly tight.
4. Classifications
Horses come in different classifications depending on their performances. It’s essentially a framework for competitive racing to ensure that each race should have a decent number of contenders. Our advice here is really simple, and that is to not only stake on the top grades. Often, lower-grade races actually have contenders that are not as big, meaning if the market you prefer is To Win, they could provide your best betting opportunities.
5. Utilise the process of elimination
People often think that betting correctly is about identifying a winner. But often, it’s actually more tactically sound to work backwards. Identify the weakest links and eliminate them from contention, then work your way up until you don’t feel confident to eliminate any more. What you should be left with is a much depleted set of remaining options that are easier to comprehend.
6. Odds quality
Obviously, you don’t just want to win – you want to win as much as you possibly can. That’s why the odds quality provided by your bookmaker is so vital, and why we considered it of such high importance when compiling our top 20 list. Luckily, odds are very, very competitive amongst the best bookmakers, meaning that – assuming you go with a selection of quality – what you are getting in regard to odds should be decent, especially if they utilise a Best Odds Guaranteed promotion.
7. Trainers
We’ve talked a lot about the quality of horses; however, there are other factors at play. One of the most important is the trainer of the horse you are examining. Experts know this is every bit as important as the form of the horse itself, and indeed, many choose to focus on specific trainers and base their betting around that more so than anything else. We’re not sure we would recommend that as a complete strategy, but it is one of the most valuable things to take into account.
8. Don’t always bet on the big names
This is a piece of advice that goes for trainers, their stables, and the individual horses themselves. The problem with big names is that, while they often get their reputation from winning big, they are also often overly bet on. This means that you can often get better odds from identifying up-and-comers where possible. Don’t avoid them entirely; just try to avoid always backing the big names. There’s a lot of markets out there, and a lot of opportunities to identify the best odds.
9. Look at how the race will be run as a whole
In every market – even if you are just backing to win and aren’t going for something like a tricast bet, which requires more extensive predictions – understanding the race as a whole is vital. A lot of people focus on the horse they are backing and fail to see the bigger picture. What this means is that they overlook not only other opportunities, but also information which might suggest their pick is unwise.
Having a more complete understanding of the race means you’ll make more informed bets. It may take more effort, but taking that extra time to understand the whole race, as opposed to looking at it in a vacuum, will be worth it in the end.
10. The value of going with your gut
Perhaps more so than any kind of sports betting, people love letting their instinct guide their pockets when it comes to horse racing. Maybe you’ll get lucky, maybe not.
As long as you have insured that you never bet more than you should and have kept your gaming safe and responsible – as you always should – and if that is what you enjoy, then that is entirely your call. A horse is named similarly to your pet and you’ll enjoy cheering it onto the finish. Perhaps you saw it and it just felt right. All of this is a perfectly fine way to enjoy betting.
However, the fact is that it’s just not the most strategically sound. How you proceed is entirely up to you, but if you want our advice on making the smartest bets, then it’s carefully thought-out strategy – and not going with your gut – that is the wisest path.
Other Types of Horse Racing Betting
Most bookmakers offer UK horse racing betting, and in a wide variety of markets – some of which we will get to in a moment. That said, there are a couple of options that were fundamentally different enough for us to view them as worthy of their own consideration.
Finding the Best Horse Racing Tote Betting Sites
Tote betting can be best understood by many as pool betting. This is where you place all your money in a pool, after which the whole amount is then shared among the winners. If you have ever been placed into a betting pool in your office, you will already have a basic idea of how this works.
Obviously, the key difference here is that the prize money is based on a split of all the money that has been put in, or via a pre-determined sharing of the jackpot. Either way, its method of distribution provides a huge distinction between it and traditional betting options. It could be far better, or worse, entirely depending on the outcome.
There are some other things to consider too, such as the size and variety of the pools available and the generosity of pre-determined jackpots, but we’d say that just proves how great bookmakers tend to be great across the board.
What About Horse Racing Betting Exchanges?
You may have noticed betting exchanges being mentioned in our list above, specifically from the likes of Betfair and BETDAQ. Betting exchanges are where, instead of betting against fixed odds, players bet against each other. In terms of strategy, we wouldn’t say it impacts how you should approach horse racing, for the most part.
The key difference is the odds, which are of course, determined by the bets laid by the users of the site. On many occasions, this can mean better odds than traditional options – but naturally, that does depend on the market. In the case of betting exchanges, operators make money by taking a commission fee on every bet placed, as opposed to an overround.
Popular Horse Racing Markets
We have more comprehensively covered all key markets in our horse racing beginner’s guide. However, once we're on the subject anyway, we thought we would break down the top five for you here.
These are based on their general popularity, and aren’t necessarily what will be the best market for you in every circumstance. Quite simply, we think that the best market for you is whatever you think has the best chance of success. That said, what are five of the most significantly and instantly recognisable markets at horse racing betting sites?
1. To Win
If you’ve bet on any kind of competitive sport – whether it’s Wimbledon or the most recent MMA showdown– you should be familiar with this one. You are betting on which horse you think will win the race, as in finish in first place. Obviously, this is more complicated in horse racing than it is where there are two or three possible outcomes, but the core concept remains the same.
2. Each-Way Betting
Because horse racing has far more possible winning outcomes than most other competitive sports, each-way betting is extremely popular. With this market, your pick can finish in other positions alongside first – usually in the top three positions – and you will still be successful. This amount can increase, usually with the use of enhanced place promotions.
3. Forecast Bet
This form of betting sees you predicting both of the two top horses in the exact order they finish. Naturally, this is considerably more difficult to do than either picking a horse to win or backing one for an each-way bet, meaning you get better odds. It does, however, require an incredible amount of accuracy when it comes to predictions. You can go even further with a Tricast bet, which requires you to predict the top three in exact order.
4. Reverse Forecast
If you want to make the forecast bet a touch easier, you can go with a reverse forecast, which still sees you pick the horses that will finish in the final two – but in either order. The downside to your improved chances of winning is that this requires you to provide stakes on both outcomes.
5. Double Bet
A double bet is where you make two distinct selections – so for instance, two horses to win entirely different races – and you only win if both bets come in. This means you get significantly higher odds, and this is actually a type of miniature accumulator bet that is very popular amongst horse racing punters.
Horse Racing Betting FAQs
Based on our in-depth research, Paddy Power lead the way as the best horse racing bookies. Find out why in our detailed article above!
Bet365, Paddy Power, Ladbrokes, Coral, and William Hill are all known for streaming live horse races, along with most of the top betting sites. In most cases, all you’ll need to do in order to access this feature is have a funded account or place a bet.
Betting on horse racing is very straightforward. Simply register an account with an online bookmaker, go to the ‘horse racing’ section of the website or app, make your selections, add your stake, and place your bet.
Some of the popular horse betting markets include race winners bet, each-way bets, tricasts, forecasts, and double bets. More info on these can be found in our article.
No, not all of them. But the overwhelming majority do. See our horse racing betting sites ranking for all the top bookies where you can find such markets.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Few sports are more popular in the world of gambling than horse racing, hence its close-to-universal coverage across sportsbooks. The mixture of its simplicity of concept and the depths of its strategy makes it appealing to casual bettors and experts alike. Additionally, making the transition between the two is easier than it may initially appear, with the right guidance and the right horse racing betting site.