Not all betting enthusiasts have the same needs, and this applies to horse racing wagers as well. For this reason, in addition to a list of the best bookmakers for this sport, we’ve also provided a detailed list with specifics on the top sites for horse race betting.
In our analysis, we will start by discussing odds, explaining the difference between parimutuel and fixed odds. Next, we’ll cover both national and international races that are available daily. There will also be sections dedicated to betting markets and live streaming. Additionally, we’ll explore the most exciting promotions offered by American operators in the horse racing sector, concluding with some useful tips to enhance your winning chances.
Unlike other sports you can legally bet on, such as football, horse racing betting involves both fixed odds and parimutuel bets. Fixed odds guarantee a set payout based on a specific investment, while parimutuel odds fluctuate based on the total amount wagered on a single event.
In practice, the total amount collected is then distributed to the winners based on their individual stakes after the race operators have taken a percentage as profit. Only after the race concludes will the final payout amount be known. The table above lists only the payouts from the best horse racing betting sites calculated on fixed odds.
Trot, Gallop, Trifecta Bets, and Major Races
Discussing horse racing is definitely different from other sports. In horse racing, there are no leagues, divisions, playoffs, or similar structures, but there are races of various significance. The first distinction lies in the categories. The best horse racing betting sites offer both trotting and galloping races.
In trotting, the jockey rides in a cart called a “sulky,” whereas in galloping, the horse is ridden normally to race on flat courses or over jumps. Morphologically and genetically, the horses used for both disciplines differ. The racetracks where the races take place can be both international and domestic.
Here, we’ve listed just a few of the tracks where races are offered by our local bookmakers. Among the major events, one of the most significant is the Royal Ascot, held in England every June, which also sees participation from members of the royal family.
It’s important to mention Trifecta bets, which involve a national contest that rewards those who can predict the first three horses to finish in the correct order. Bets can be placed on Trifectas both online and at betting shops, making it an engaging way to bet on horse racing.
Virtual Horse Racing
While nothing can match the thrill of a real horse race, virtual horse racing betting sites have gained popularity in recent years. These platforms allow you to bet on computer-simulated events, whose outcomes are managed by software, with races that are shorter than real ones and featuring entirely fictional participants.
It's clear that this highlights the difference between virtual and real betting: in the latter case, the events offered are inherently limited, but you can analyze the form and history of the horses and jockeys. The betting options are generally broader as well: in the next paragraph, we’ll explore the most popular options.
The Most Common Types of Bets
In horse racing, the markets focus on the order in which the horses finish. The most traditional bets are winner and place bets (that is, betting on whether a horse will come in the top two or three). In addition to these, there are also other forms of horse racing wagers and the option to create systems.
The Most Traditional Bet: Betting on the Winner
The most common type of bet in horse racing is predicting the horse and jockey that will cross the finish line first at the end of a race. This betting option is available in both fixed odds and parimutuel formats. Notably, Lottomatica's V7 competition rewards those who can correctly pick the top seven finishers in as many races.
Place Bets: The Second Fixed Odds Wager
In addition to betting on the winner, placing a bet on a horse to finish in the top positions is the second type of wager offered in horse racing, available both as parimutuel and fixed odds. When there are between four and seven horses, you win if you correctly pick the horse that finishes first or second. With eight or more horses, picking the third-place finisher is enough to turn a profit on your bet.
Trifecta Bet
In races with at least six competitors, you can place a series of systematic bets on the top three finishers. This is only applicable to parimutuel betting. These bets are divided into Trifecta in exact order, box (any order), with one placed horse, with two placed horses, with one winner, or with two winners.
Example: The box Trifecta requires you to correctly identify the first three finishers in any order. Essentially, you need to select three or more horses that might finish on the podium without specifying their exact positions. Naturally, the more horses you choose, the higher your stake will be.
Usage: This betting option is ideal for those who may not have much experience with horse racing bets but still want to try for a significant payout. The odds of winning are better compared to guessing the exact positions, and it's certainly easier to understand than other options like the Trifecta with one placed or winning horse.
Exacta and Trifecta
The Exacta and Trifecta bets follow the same logic as the Trio but focus on the top four and five finishers, respectively. These types of wagers are only available for select national horse races and not for all scheduled events.
Live Horse Racing Bets: Streaming and Stats
There’s not much excitement in placing bets on horse races without being able to watch the events live. That’s why the top online horse racing betting sites offer users the chance to watch live races streaming directly on their platforms (some with more channels than others).
Before the races start, major live bookmakers provide detailed statistics on the past performance of horses and jockeys getting ready to race. Information about the track conditions and weather is also very helpful, as these factors can impact the outcomes of the races.
Special Promotions and Bonuses for Horse Racing
Over the years, horse racing has lost some of its popularity in physical betting shops, but it continues to thrill many online due to the excitement it offers. Users have shifted to the web, and it’s no surprise that many of the best betting bonuses often include promotions specifically for horse racing.
For those who have already taken advantage of these promotions, it’s easy to find specific bonuses to use on your bets. Offers range from increased winnings on races at certain tracks to incentives for placing multiple bets.
Welcome Bonus: $515
