Best Horse Racing Online Betting Sites 2024

How We Picked the Top Horse Racing Betting Websites

Selecting a good horse racing betting site is crucial not only for your enjoyment but also for your online betting safety. We go above and beyond to help you find the best options in the US based on your preferences.

We take everything a bettor would want from horse racing wagering and find the leading platforms in this field. There are several factors that have a key impact on the betting experience, so we’ll break down these factors and explain their importance.

Bonuses and promotions

Every bettor can benefit from a good bonus. From welcome bonuses to free bets, we continually analyze the promotional offers at horse racing betting sites.

When evaluating these deals, we look for an answer to a straightforward question – are these deals of high value? Of course, it takes more to rate a bonus than to look at the numbers highlighted on the virtual banner. The best horse racing sportsbooks should offer deals not only to newly registered users but also to regular bettors.

Furthermore, we tend to give better scores to platforms covering different types of bonuses, such as:

• Welcome bonus/package
• Free bets
• Cashback
• Price boosts
• Refer-a-friend

As expected, websites with horse racing-specific bonuses and promotions are given priority in our list. For instance, many platforms offer price boosts for horse racing events, while others have daily racing specials.

Finally, when checking the bonus offer, we also read the fine print and evaluate things like the wagering requirements, bonus expiry date, maximum cashout amounts, etc. 

Betting features

Betting on horse racing brings additional excitement to online betting due to its uniqueness. Still, the leading horse racing bookies are looking for ways to spice up this activity and make it easier and more convenient for bettors.

When analyzing these websites, we also check the betting features they offer. Basically, we focus on four things:

• Early cashout
• Bet Builder
• Live streaming
• Live horse racing betting

UX/UI

Of course, the user experience and interface are two other things that significantly impact your experience at horse racing betting sites. When it comes to these factors, we provide answers to various questions, like how challenging it is to place bets. Can you add events to the bet slip easily? Can you watch horse racing live? Also, we analyze the positioning of betting features. Is it easy to find and use them?

Finally, our team rates mobile user experience and interface, which means that we either dedicate time to reviewing the platform’s racing app or in-browser betting experience.

Competitive odds

Regarding odds competitiveness, our approach primarily includes odds comparison. We regularly check odds against multiple platforms to see if they offer competitive prices for specific horse racing events. Not to forget, we also check live odds for bettors who prefer to take the action to the next level.

Additionally, we analyze the sportsbook’s margin to see how much they take from each bet. The top horse racing sportsbooks, like the ones on our list, promise competitive odds.

Payment methods

Bettors must be able to manage transactions smoothly. So, only horse racing sportsbooks promising such an experience can get a good review from our experts. The crucial question here is how many payment methods a bettor has at their disposal, as we only look at multiple different selections. These options must cover the most commonly used types of payments in the USA:

• E-wallets
• Debit/credit cards
• Prepaid cards
• Online payment systems

Furthermore, we check the deposit and withdrawal speeds. We make sure bettors can count on instant up to 24-hour transactions that enable faster and more efficient betting experience. Aside from that, we also look at transaction limits and any potential fees that might pop up.

Customer support

What can you do when problems arise? What options do you have if you encounter an issue or have a question outside the FAQ list? The customer support department at any sportsbook should do its best to provide timely assistance.

Our evaluation of customer support at horse racing betting sites focuses on accessibility. We analyze the available methods (live chat, email, and/or phone) and their response times. Of course, we also check the helpfulness – the quality of support and effectiveness of the support team in resolving issues.

How to Wager on Horse Racing in the US

Now that you have the answer to the question—how does horse racing work, we can go over the steps of how to join and place bets on the best horse racing betting sites. Let’s go over it step by step.

Select a Horse Racing Sportsbook	Instead of wasting time researching, you can pick out one of our top horse racing betting sites selected by our experts.
Create an Account	Once you find a platform that suits your needs, create an account. This straightforward process requires only a few minutes of your time.
Analyze the bonuses and promotions	Take some time to check the bonuses and promotions on the site. Evaluate their terms and conditions before claiming the deals.
Place a deposit	The next step is to choose your preferred payment method and deposit funds within your budget.
Decide the events to bet on	Horse racing betting covers many events, including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Grand National, and Breeders’ Cup. Bet on the events you’re familiar with.
Pick your type of bet	You should pick your desired type of bet according to your strategy.
Make a wager	Once the event/race and type of bet is selected, you can make a wager.
Collect the winnings	The final step is to keep track of the results and wait for your winnings.

Most Used Types of Horse Racing Bets

As noted, horse racing stands out for more than one reason. The opportunity to use various types of bets is definitely among them. Remember that we’re not talking only about the number of bets but also about their uniqueness. Here’s a list of the most used types of horse racing bets to get a clearer picture of this topic.

• Win: We suggest trying the win bet if you are new to horse racing betting. This is the simplest bet, which allows you to predict which horse will win the race. For instance, if you bet on Horse A to win, you’re betting that Horse A will cross the finish line first.
• Place: Let’s answer a common question—what is place betting in horse racing? This specific type of bet is not as strict as the win bet because it lets you pick a horse you believe will finish in the first or second place. So, even if the horse doesn’t win the race, you’ll still win the bet if it ends in the second position.
• Show: With the help of the show bet, the options for success expand. Namely, with the show bet, you’re betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third. Your pick should finish in any of the top three positions to win. 
• Ante-post: If you want to place bets way in advance of the race, you can use the ante-post bets. They’re usually available for future events like the Grand National or Kentucky Derby. So, you can wager on a horse to win an event months before the race.
• Exacta: Bettors willing to use riskier bets can count on Exacta. Thanks to Exacta, you can predict the exact first- and second-place finishers in the correct order. Of course, you can expect better odds from a risky bet like this.
• Quinella: Quinella is a bet that works similarly to Exacta. However, this time, the order doesn’t matter. So, you just need to select the two horses you believe will finish first and second. You have a winning bet if either of the first and the other second.
• Trifecta: You can use Trifecta to bet on which horses will end in the first, second, and third positions, in the exact order.
• Superfecta: The Superfecta bet works similarly to the Trifecta but includes predicting the first four horses to cross the finish line in the correct order. This is the most challenging prediction on this list. As expected, it also promises the highest payouts.

Horse Racing Odds

Horse racing odds give you a better picture of how likely a specific horse is to finish the race in the first place. Their chances are small if the odds are low, but you can expect a big payout if they win.

These odds are available in different formats with specific methods of calculation. Understanding horse racing odds can help you make informed decisions. Let’s explore the types you might encounter and how to calculate them correctly:

• Fractional odds: This type of odds is usually used in the UK. They are displayed in fractions like 5/1 and indicate the profit you’ll make relative to your wager. For example, 5/1 odds mean for every $1 you wager, you could get $5 in profit.
• Decimal odds: European and Australian punters are used to decimal odds. They represent the total return you would get for each unit wagered, including your stake. For instance, odds of 4.0 mean a wager worth $1 would return $4. This consists of the $1 stake and $3 profit.
• American odds: As the name suggests, the American odds are used in the USA. Unlike other types of odds, they can be positive or negative. Positive odds highlight your potential profit on a $100 bet. So, if the odds are +200, you’ll profit $200 if the horse wins. Negative odds indicate how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if you want to win $100 betting on a horse with odds of -200, you must bet $200. So, if the horse wins, you get a $100 profit and your $200 wager back.

How to Calculate Horse Racing Odds

We provided examples to help you understand the odds available at online horse racing sportsbooks. However, this only lets you know what you can expect from them regarding payouts.

When calculating horse racing odds, you should consider a few more factors contributing to the outcome, not just the sheer numbers. These factors include:

• Past performances: You should always look at the horse’s recent races. Consistency in finishing positions or improvement in times can tell you a lot about the horse’s chances of winning the next race.
• Form and fitness: It goes without saying that horses must be in top physical condition. When evaluating horse betting odds, review if the horse has recently had a decent number of race starts to be considered fit.
• Weight and ratings: The weight a horse carries can impact its performance. In addition, consider official ratings which give an overall ability assessment.
• Trainer and jockey: Trainers with excellent strike rates and/or those who excel with particular types of horses can affect the odds.
• Track conditions: Some horses perform better on firm grounds, while others excel on wet or soft tracks. Remember to check the weather forecast and current track conditions before placing a bet.
• Betting market: Public perception can sway odds. If a lot of money is wagered on a particular horse, it might drift in the betting market, ultimately affecting the odds.

Popular Horse Racing Events for US Bettors

Horse racing fans have a massive selection of exciting competitions to follow and bet on. Luckily, the top horse racing betting sites cover all these events that take place throughout the year, allowing US bettors many opportunities to make that winning bet slip.

Here are some of the most renowned horse racing events where you can place your wagers:

• Kentucky Derby: Known as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby features 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in a thrilling 1.25-mile race. This is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Both casual and seasoned bettors can enjoy this iconic competition.
• Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I race featuring Thoroughbreds. This is actually the second race of the American Triple Crown. It takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This time, we have a 1 3/16-mile race on dirt.
• Belmont Stakes: The Triple Crown ends once the Belmont Stakes event is finished. The final leg of the competition is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It features a race of 3-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of 1.5 miles. As a result, bettors usually look for horses with the best stamina.
• Breeders’ Cup: The Breeders’ Cup started as a single-day event in 1986. However, this is a two-day event with a series of races held since 2007. It includes some of the best horses from every corner of the world. That’s why it’s also known as the “World Championship of Thoroughbred Racing”.
• Grand National (UK): Held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the Grand National is a steeplechase respected for its challenging course and high fences. It was established in 1839, making it one of the oldest horse racing events in the world. Betting on the Grand National is a tradition for hundreds of UK punters. Of course, US bettors are very interested in this event, known for its unpredictability.
• Royal Ascot (UK): The Royal Ascot is a five-day meeting held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, UK. It features the Royal Family and attracts a global audience, including American fans. There’s a wide range of races involved, which allows for diverse betting markets. Flat races and heritage handicaps are some of the most attractive betting options.
• Melbourne Cup (AU): The Melbourne Cup is the most famous Australian horse racing event. It’s an annual Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race, which, as you have probably already guessed, is held in Melbourne, Australia. The 3,200-metre race is held at the Flemington Racecourse and is often called “The Race That Stops a Nation”.
• Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (FR): France offers a few exceptional horse racing events, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the most famous. It’s held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris and is considered among the most prestigious globally. Bettors can choose from a wide range of betting markets.

Can You Place In-Play Bets on Horse Racing?

Due to the specific nature of horse racing betting (the short duration of races), people often wonder if they can place in-play bets on this activity. The good news is that you can.

With the help of in-play betting, you can make wagers while the event is happening. This provides access to dynamic odds that change in real-time. As the horses maneuver through the track, odds update to mirror their current performance and position. This allows you to stay engaged on the horse racing betting platforms throughout the event, not just before it starts. In addition to the regular bets, live betting lets you use exotic bets like next-to-finish or head-to-head.

To help you perform better at in-play horse racing betting, we’ll share a few tips:

1. Follow the live race commentary, updates, and track conditions to stay informed.
2. Remember that some horses are better closers while others are better starters.
3. Monitor the changes in the odds as the race progresses.
4. Have a strategy and decide in advance what scenarios might prompt you to bet.
5. Use cash-out features (if available) to prevent significant losses or secure a profit.

Horse Racing Sportsbook Bonuses and Promos

One thing that makes online horse racing betting fun is the bonus offers at sportsbooks. Like in other sports, you can expect some bonuses and promotions specific to horse racing and others that are broader and cover all sports.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular types of horse racing bonuses:

Match Deposit Bonus

You receive a percentage of your deposit in bonus funds thanks to match deposit bonuses. In most cases, this offer will come as part of a welcome bonus, but existing bettors might get to use such a deal occasionally.

This is an excellent option, especially for new players, because they can double or triple their first deposit (up to a certain amount).

Free Bets

You can expect free bets as a new user or for specific events like the Kentucky Derby. Sometimes, you might receive a free bet once you place your first real money bet. Free bets let you place wagers without risking your own money. US bettors usually employ these bets to test betting strategies or to try betting on races they typically don’t consider due to the high risk.

Cashback

Cashback brings back a percentage of your losses to your account over a specific period or on particular races. For instance, you can get 20% cashback on all bets placed during the weekend.

The cashback deals help you cut your losses. That’s great for bettors who like to spread their bets across various races or for new players with limited budgets.

Price Boosts

Price boosts increase the odds on specific horses or races. Instead of standard odds, you might find horse racing betting odds boosted from +500 to +700. This helps you get a better return if your prediction is correct. Both casual bettors and seasoned punters can benefit from this option because it gives them a chance for higher returns on informed bets.

Daily Racing Specials

Many horse racing betting websites offer daily bonus deals. These daily racing specials change every day. They provide a range of incentives such as enhanced odds, cashback offers, unique betting markets, etc.

Bettors like these deals because they usually provide a good bang for the buck, improve engagement, and make betting safer regarding financial risks.

US Horse Racing Betting Laws and Regulations

Like all sports, horse racing betting in the United States is regulated at the federal and state levels. In the past, the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) of 1978 was the most essential act covering this activity. So, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which was in place until 2018, had implications for sports betting. Still, it didn’t directly impact horse racing because it had already been established.

US bettors can wager on horse racing online in 41 states, while Texas restricts it to in-person betting only. The IHA lets states determine their own regulatory framework for horse racing bets.

Tips & Advice for Betting on Horse Racing

Horse racing betting is not complex, but becoming a successful bettor can be challenging. This is especially true for newcomers in this field. Following tips and advice that have stood the test of time is crucial. With their help, you will enhance your betting experience and increase your chances of making informed decisions. This should ultimately lead to better outcomes.  

Understand the Rules

Before making a wager, familiarize yourself with the rules of horse racing. Read about the race classifications, track conditions, handicapping systems, etc. Also, check the definitions of specific terms used in this activity, such as stalker, closer, front-runner, and more. This basic knowledge keeps you safe from misunderstandings and misinformed wagers.

Learn the Bet Types

Different bet types provide varying levels of risk and reward. Learning when to use a win bet, an exacta, or a trifecta can significantly affect your betting strategy. Beginners should start with simple bets like win, place, and show. Once they gain experience, they can try the more complex bets like Exacta, quinellas, Trifecta, and superfecta.

Understand the Odds

Odds mirror the probability of an outcome at an event. This impacts your potential winnings. Knowing how to read and interpret horse racing odds helps you identify value bets. Additionally, you should acknowledge the difference between different odds formats, including American, decimal, and fractional.

Keep Up With the Competitors

Horses, jockeys, and trainers have past records that can influence race results. Following their performance helps you make better predictions. So, take some time to check the trainer and jockey’s performance, horse form, race class, workouts, and other vital factors.

Stay Within Your Budget

Betting can be exciting, but it’s essential to approach this activity responsibly. Setting a budget and sticking to it protects you from financial risks affecting your everyday life. Always stay within your predetermined budget, no matter how successful or unlucky you are. Don’t chase losses, and stay away from emotional betting.

Horse Racing Betting Takes Your Passion to Another Level

If you are a passionate horse racing fan, you should consider joining an online sportsbook. With a bit of luck, your knowledge and ability to predict future outcomes of these events can bring you significant profits.

Of course, to achieve that goal, you’ll need to join one of the sports betting sites we recommend here. From bonuses and betting features to competitive odds and customer support, we’ve checked all the options and highlighted the ones that stand out.

Unlike other sports, horse racing betting offers many unique and exciting bets such as Exacta and Trifecta. To achieve success, you need to consider several things, such as the shape of the horses, track conditions, and more.

So, take all of that into consideration, and you’re ready to go because we’ve got the hard part out of the way—all of the best horse racing betting online sites are right here.

Horse Racing Betting Sites FAQ

How to bet on horse racing in the US?

You must join a legal sportsbook to start betting on horse racing in the US. After that, you should make a deposit and look for available events in the horse racing section. Use one of the recommended sites on this page for the best experience.

What are price boosts at horse racing betting sites?

Price boosts represent a specific type of bonus at horse racing betting sites. They increase the odds on particular events or horses. This lets you get more without risking more.

What betting features can I use at horse racing sportsbooks?

The answer depends on the sportsbook you choose. Still, in most cases, you can use features like early cashout, live streaming, live betting, and bet builders.

How many states have legalized horse racing betting?

Online horse racing betting is available in 41 states. In addition, Texas allows in-person betting on this sport. These figures are higher than the legal status of other sports in the United States.

What are American horse racing betting odds?

The horse racing betting odds are available in several formats, including American odds. They can be positive and negative. The former indicates how much you can profit from a $100 bet, while the latter shows how much you should wager for a chance to get $100.

What are some popular horse racing betting bonuses?

Horse racing bettors can choose from many bonuses at the most popular sportsbooks. Some popular options include match deposit bonuses, free bets, cashback deals, price boosts, and daily racing specials.

Is live betting on horse racing available in the US?

Yes. You can enjoy in-play betting on horse racing in the US. Most horse racing betting sites have sections dedicated to live betting where you can find many horse racing events.