Are Horse Racing Betting Sites Legal in the UK?

Yes, horse racing betting sites are legal in the UK. However, you should only bet with licensed and regulated operators.

What is the best horse racing betting site?

The best horse racing betting site is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, the top horse racing betting sites offer competitive odds, a wide selection of markets, and attractive bonuses and promotions.

Can you bet on all the horses in a race?

No, you cannot bet on all the horses in a race. This would result in a guaranteed loss. It is best to do research and choose a horse or horses with the best chance of winning.

What is the best horse racing bet?

The best horse racing bet depends on personal preference and betting strategy. However, some popular bets include the win bet, each-way bet, and accumulator.

How do I choose a horse to bet on?

You can choose a horse to bet on by doing research on the horse's past performance, the jockey, trainer, form, and course record. You can also consider the conditions of the race, such as the distance and going.

What should you avoid when choosing a horse racing betting site?

You should avoid unlicensed and unregulated horse racing betting sites. It is also best to avoid sites with poor customer service, limited payment options, and unclear terms and conditions.

What should you consider when betting on horse racing?

When betting on horse racing, you should consider the form and past performance of the horse, the jockey and trainer, the conditions of the race, and the odds. You should also set a budget and stick to it.

What payment options should you look for on a horse racing betting site?

The best horse racing betting sites offer a range of payment options , including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Look for sites that offer secure and fast payment options.

What security measures are essential for horse racing betting sites?

Essential security measures for horse racing betting sites include SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and a privacy policy. Look for sites that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities.

What streaming options are available from horse racing sites?

Some horse racing betting sites offer live streaming of races, allowing users to watch the races and place bets in real-time. Look for sites that offer high-quality streaming and a wide selection of races.

About Us

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK 2024

Our team of experts has searched high and low to bring you the most exciting and trusted horse racing betting sites in the industry, so you can place your bets with confidence and get the most out of every race. Read on to discover all you need to know about betting on racing and find out Gambling Zone's top site recommendations.

Betfred

9.0 / 10

New Customer Offer
Get £50 in Free Bets
When you bet £10

CLAIM OFFER Read Review

18+. BeGambleAware.org. 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.

10bet

8.9 / 10

100% up to £50
Welcome offer

CLAIM OFFER Read Review

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&Cs apply.

Mr. Play Sport

8.9 / 10

Bet £10 Get £15

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Max one £15 Free Bet. Qualifying Bet must be placed at odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. Paid as a Bonus Token with min 4/5 odds required. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. Full T&Cs apply.

Grosvenor Casino Sports

9.1 / 10

Double your Odds
On Any Sport

CLAIM OFFER

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New Customers Only. Max £10 (Excl Paypal). 100% Odds Boost Token. T&Cs apply.

Zet Bet Sport

8.8 / 10

Bet £10
Get £10 Bet

CLAIM OFFER Read Review

18+. BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. max one £10 free bet. 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 not eligible. T&Cs apply.

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Why Should You Bet on Horse Racing Sites Online?

If you are a horse racing fan, betting online can make the experience even better. One of the biggest advantages of online horse racing betting is convenience. With online betting, you can place your bets from the comfort of your own home or on the go using your mobile device. You do not have to worry about travelling to a physical location, standing in line, or dealing with crowds.

Online horse racing betting also provides more betting options than traditional methods, from simple win, place, and show bets to more complex wagers like exactas and trifectas. You will find more races and events to bet on too than you would in a physical betting location, giving you more opportunities to win. This extends to International races from across the globe.

To sweeten the deal, many horse racing betting sites also offer bonuses and promotions providing even more value for your money. From sign-up bonuses to free bets, these offers can give you a boost. In our experience, most online sites offer ‘best odds guaranteed’ which is rarer in-store, or on track.

Overall, betting on horse racing sites online is a convenient, flexible, and potentially lucrative way to enjoy the excitement of horse racing from the comfort of your own home.

Horse Racing

Features of Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing betting sites offer a range of features to enhance your betting experience. From competitive horse racing odds to a wide selection of betting markets, these sites provide all the tools you need to bet on your favourite races. Let us take a closer look at some of the popular features you can expect to find.

Horse Racing Odds

Having access to competitive horse racing odds is crucial for maximising your winnings. A good horse racing betting site will offer odds that are in line with or better than other bookmakers, allowing you to get the best possible value for your bets. Comparing odds across different bookmakers can help you identify the best value bets, increasing your chances of winning.

Latest News about Major Horse Races

Keeping up-to-date with the latest news about horse races can help you make informed betting decisions. Top horse racing betting sites will provide you with the latest news, previews, and analysis of major races, as well as insights into the form of horses and jockeys. You may also find tips on certain bookmakers too.

Wide Selection of Horse Racing Betting Markets

The best horse racing betting sites offer a wide range of betting markets beyond just the winner of the race. These markets can include place betting, each-way bets, exacta, and trifecta bets, among others. We discuss markets in detail further down.

Availability of Horse Racing Live Streams

Watching horse races live can add to the excitement of betting on them. The best horse racing betting sites offer dozens of live streams, allowing you to watch and bet on races in real-time. Most also have commentary which is handy.

Live Horse Race Betting

In-running betting, or live betting, allows you to place bets on a race while it is happening. Live horse race betting is available on some horse racing betting sites, but not all. We highlight in our reviews what options there are.

Types of Horse Racing Bets Online

Horse racing betting offers a wide range of betting options. Understanding the different types of bets available can help unlock more betting options for you. In this section, we explain what each bet type entails.

Super Heinz

A Super Heinz is a seven-selection bet made up of 120 bets. It is 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, 7 six-folds, and one seven-fold accumulator. We suggest that newcomers to horse racing place more straightforward bets, as the stake for 120 bets can get big quickly. Of course, the potential payouts are also attractive.

Forecast Horse Racing Bet

A forecast bet involves predicting the horses that will finish first and second in a specific race, in the correct order. This type of bet can offer attractive odds and payouts, especially for races with a clear favourite and a strong contender for second place. These tend to be suited for more seasoned bettors but of course, anyone can get lucky.

GoliathGoliath

A Goliath is an eight-selection bet consisting of 247 bets; 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds, and one eight-fold accumulator. This is clearly a complicated bet that can look messy in your betslip. It is one of the harder bets to get right, but you will receive some return for any winner.

System Bet

A system bet is an umbrella term for wagers that combine multiple outcomes in one. The idea is to increase the chances of winning by covering a range of possible outcomes. System bets can include a range of different bets, including doubles, trebles, accumulators, and others. Below are several examples of these.

Jackpot Bet

A jackpot bet requires you to select the winners of six different races. This type of bet can offer a huge potential payout, but it can be difficult to win due to the number of selections required. These are fun, almost lottery-style bets where you do not have to place a large stake to potentially win big.

Placepot Bet

A placepot bet involves selecting a horse to place in the first six races of a meeting. This is a popular type of bet for casual bettors and can offer a chance to win big with a small stake. It is available at most UK and Irish meetings but is not necessarily an option for all international races.

Lucky 15

A Lucky 15 bet is made up of four selections and includes 15 bets, consisting of four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. It is an exciting bet type as you only need one winner to get a return on your investment. This type of bet is very popular in horse racing.

Reverse Forecast Bet

A reverse forecast bet is similar to a forecast bet, but your selections can finish in either order. This type of bet can be a good option if you are unsure which horse will finish first or second, and it can offer a chance to win even if your selections do not finish in the predicted order.

Betting Without Favourite

In this type of bet, the favourite is removed from the betting market, which causes the odds to shift, and the second favourite becomes the new favourite with shorter odds. It is an interesting way to bet as it creates an opportunity to find a better value bet than the favourite.

Accumulator

An accumulator bet combines multiple wagers into a single bet, with the potential for high payouts. In horse racing, you can select multiple horses to win or place in different races. All the bets must win for you to get a payout.

Double

A double bet involves selecting the winners of two different races. This type of bet can offer higher odds and bigger payouts than a single bet, making it a popular choice. It is also possible to place this each-way.

Tricast

A Tricast bet is a type of horse racing bet where you predict the first three horses to finish in the exact order. This bet requires a good knowledge of the horses and their form and can result in a large payout.

Lucky 31

Similar to the Lucky 15, the Lucky 31 is a five-selection bet with 31 bets. It includes five singles, ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and one five-fold accumulator. It is a great option for bettors who want to increase their chances of winning while still keeping the stake low.

Trixie

A Trixie bet involves four bets on three selections: three doubles and one treble. The bet requires at least two selections to win to get a payout. This type of bet is a popular choice for horse racing enthusiasts looking to increase their chances of winning.

Lucky 63

This bet consists of six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold accumulator. This bet type is perfect for bettors who fancy a number of horses and want to maximise their potential returns.

Ante-Post Bets

Ante-post bets are placed before the final declarations of a race and can provide better odds than betting on the day of the race. The odds are higher because it is not a guarantee that your horse will run in the race. And unless no-runner, no return is applied - you lose your stake if the horse does not compete.

These bets are popular for big races such as the Grand National, where odds can fluctuate dramatically depending on which horses are confirmed to run.

Win/Each-Way

A win/each-way bet is a combination of two bets: a win bet and a place bet. The place terms and the number of places that count for the place part of the bet depend on the race and the bookmaker. Typically, the place terms are 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds, and the number of places can vary from 2 to 5, or even more in big races. This means you can still win a payout even if your horse does not win the race but finishes in one of the specified places. This type of bet is very common in racing, especially for horses with long odds.

Yankee

A Yankee bet is a multiple bet consisting of 11 bets on four selections. It consists of six doubles, four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. To get a return, at least two selections must win. The Yankee bet is a popular choice for horse racing bettors due to the possibility of high returns even with relatively small stakes.

Treble Bet

A treble bet is similar to a double, but with three selections instead of two. This type of bet can offer even higher odds, but it requires all three selections to win.

Horse Racing Betting Strategy

Betting on horse racing can be both exciting and profitable, but only if you approach it with the right strategy. Understanding the various aspects of horse racing can help you make informed decisions when placing your bets. By keeping tabs on factors like jockey and trainer performance, the condition of the track, the horse's form and age, and more, you can increase your chances of winning big. Here is what our expert suggests you pay attention to.

Going

The condition of the track, or going, can have a major impact on a horse's performance. Some horses prefer firm ground, while others perform better on softer ground. Pay attention to the going and choose horses that have a track record of performing well in similar conditions.

Horse Age

Horses of different ages may have different levels of performance. For example, younger horses may have less experience but may also have more potential for improvement, while older horses may have more experience but may also be more prone to injury.

Post Position

The horse's position at the starting gate, or post position, can have an impact on its performance. Some horses perform better from certain positions, so it is important to take this into account when making your bets. In saying that, it only applies to certain tracks.

Course Record

Look for horses that have a good track record at the course where the race is taking place. You may also see ‘C&D winner’, this abbreviation means course and distance winner. Meaning it has won a similar race previously.

Trainer

Similarly, a horse's trainer can have a significant impact on its performance. Look for trainers who have a history of producing winning horses and which horse is paired with their stable jockey for a certain race.

Form

As with any sport, form plays a part. A horse's recent form can be a good indicator of its performance. Look for horses that are enjoying a good run of victories, or who have improved handicaps recently.

Jockey

The jockey plays a crucial role in a horse's performance, so it is important to pay attention to who is riding which horse. Look for jockeys who have a proven track record and are in good form.

Distance

Some horses perform better at certain distances. Look for horses that have a good track record at the distance of the race you are betting on.

Popular Horse Races in the World

Horse racing is a worldwide sport that captivates millions of fans each year. In this section, we will highlight some of the most popular horse races in the world, from the historic Epsom Derby to the prestigious Dubai World Cup.

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is the highlight of the National Hunt season and features the best horses from Britain and Ireland. The festival is held over four days and culminates in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most sought-after trophies in the sport.

Aintree Festival

The Aintree Festival is home to the Grand National, which is one of the most famous horse races in the world. The four-day event features top-class racing, fashion, and entertainment, and attracts over 150,000 spectators each year.

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is a five-day meeting held in June and is one of the highlights of the British social calendar. The event features 18 flat group races, including the Ascot Gold Cup, and attracts top-class horses and celebrities from around the world.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious flat race in the world and is held annually in June at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The race is not part of a big festival but due to its mammoth prize purse of over £1,000,000, many horses travel to take part.

Glorious Goodwood

Glorious Goodwood is a five-day meeting held in August and is one of the highlights of the flat racing season. The event features Grade A races including the Sussex Stakes and the Goodwood Cup.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race and is held annually on the first Tuesday in November. The race attracts top-class horses from around the world and is known for its rich history and carnival atmosphere.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is considered the best race in the US horse race calendar and is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. The race is held annually in May at Churchill Downs and is known for its exciting atmosphere and high-stakes betting action.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is the world's richest horse race, with a purse of $12 million. Held annually at Meydan Racecourse, it attracts top horses, jockeys, and trainers. The race is a spectacle of luxury, featuring elaborate fashion, entertainment, and fireworks.

Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown and is held annually in May at Pimlico Race Course. The race is known for its thrilling atmosphere and is a must-see event for horse racing fans.

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the American Triple Crown and is held annually in June at Belmont Park. The race is known for its rich history and it has presented 13 horses since 1919 with the Triple Crown accolade.

Pegasus World Cup

The Pegasus World Cup is one of the richest horse races ever with a purse of $9 million. The race is held annually in January at Gulfstream Park and attracts top-class horses for obvious reasons.

New Horse Racing Betting Sites

There are always new online betting sites that offer horse racing betting to customers. Many of these new horse racing betting sites offer generous welcome offers and exclusive bonuses to entice new users. These can include free bets, enhanced odds, matched deposits, and more. At Gambling Zone, we compare the different offers and terms from these new sites to ensure you get the best value for your money.