Joe began writing for Basketball Insiders at the start of 2023. A keen sports fanatic ever since his first days playing football in junior school, he has developed a flair for writing over the coming years, and graduated with a BA in English Literature. His professional background in the gambling and sports industries now extends to five years, mostly covering horse racing and US sports. He has previously written for sites such as gg.co.uk and cheltenhamfestival.net on the horse racing side, having grown passionate about the sport by visiting his local tracks on a regular basis. As well as this, he has the honor of being published in the Royal Ascot magazine in 2019.
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Following his graduation with an Honors in Business Administration, Nick redirected his focus from conventional stocks and bonds to the world of sports team performance investments. He employs a unique blend of advanced statistics and historical data to construct intricate sports investment models, pinpointing value opportunities and consistently yielding profits. Nick's contributions extend beyond a single platform, as his work can be discovered on outlets such as Pistons Powered, Winners And Whiners, and numerous other publications.
All posts by Nick RaffoulHorse racing betting has long been a popular pastime for US bettors. The fast-paced, action-packed sport has attracted players for many years. Now horse racing betting sites having made the process even simpler. Whether it be a meeting from Santa Anita Park or Churchill Downs, our top-ranked horse racing online betting sites have all bases covered.
On this page, readers will also find the most common horse racing betting terms explained, as well as popular horse racing betting systems. We will begin by listing our favorite operators when it comes to betting on horse racing.
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List of the Best Online Horse Racing Betting Sites
We have reviewed dozens of sites that offer betting on horse races. We compared their strengths and weaknesses, and we ultimately decided that these are the top 10 racebooks right now:
- BetOnline – The Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site
- BetNow – Easy to navigate dedicated racebook screen
- Bovada – Horse racing betting with great rewards
- MyBookie – The best racebook for beginners
- BUSR – The best crypto horse racing betting site
- SportsBetting.ag – Excellent racebook for high-rollers
- XBet – User-friendly horse racing site with a simple interface
- BetUS – Online racebook with very large bonuses
- Mega Dice – No KYC horse racing betting with fast payouts
- Lucky Block – Crypto site with odds for worldwide racetracks
Reviews of the Best Sites for Online Horse Racing Betting
Our top 10 horse racing betting sites have different strengths. Read our reviews to find the racebook that best fits your needs:
1. BetOnline – The Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site
BetOnline is a great option for horse racing betting. You can place bets on popular races such as the Kentucky Derby as well as other futures bets. They have a dedicated racebook in which you can do that.
It also offers pari-mutuel wagering on an abundance of US and international races every day. You cannot use the welcome bonus in the racebook. You can take advantage of other BetOnline promo codes aimed specifically at horseplayers. For example, there is a 9% rebate on any net losses suffered on horse races.
What we like:
- Best fixed-odds on the market
- Rebate of up to 9% on racebook losses
- Promotions geared toward horseplayers
- Same day withdrawals via crypto
What we don’t:
- Credit card deposit fees
- High rollover requirements on sportsbook bonus
BetNow is one of the best betting sites for horse racing with a reputation for offering the best odds on the market. You can find reduced juice -105 lines on sports bets. BetNow tries to ensure that it covers as many races as possible including major horse racing events and tracks. These include the Pegasus World Cup, Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and Kentucky Downs Stakes.
Standard bet types of what horse will finish first, second, or third are of course available here. There is also a wide range of exotic bets available including exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and multi-race bets. BetNow offers a 150% matched welcome deposit together with a 10% horse rebate bonus. This is also backed by an excellent loyalty program where you can earn points on your bets and exchange those points for cash.
What we like:
- Offers the best pari-mutuel payouts on the market
- 10% horse rebate
- Very simple racebook
What we don’t:
- The software is a little dated
- Smaller betting limits than some rivals
3. Bovada – Horse racing betting with great rewards
We rate Bovada as the best all-round betting site for horse racing. It offers a very smooth, user-friendly interface, making it really easy to build your racecard. It covers a huge volume of races from across the country and around the world each day.
Most online betting sites do not allow you to use the welcome bonus on horse races. Bovada also offers an impressive loyalty program. You can also enjoy quick payouts when you bank with one of their many crypto options. There are fiat-based banking options too if you do not want to use crypto.
What we like:
- Clean, easy-to-read racecards and simple bet slip
- Powerful and reliable racebook software
- Racebook bonuses
- Excellent loyalty program
What we don’t:
- No racebook rebate
- Smaller welcome bonus than some rivals
4. MyBookie – The Best Racebook for Beginners
MyBookie is an exciting online betting site with a strong racebook. This is the perfect online horse racing betting site for beginners. It is very simple to navigate, so you can find your way to a race with ease. There is a rebate of up to 8% on racebook losses too.
What we like:
- Offers a racebook rebate
- Very simple and user-friendly site for beginners
- Bet on horse racing along with novelty markets
- Sometimes has market-leading fixed-odds
What we don’t:
- Slower to post fixed-odds than BetOnline and Bovada
- Smaller rebate than some rivals
5. BUSR – The Best Crypto Horse Racing Betting Site
BUSR is another simple, no-frills horse racing betting site that covers action from around the world. You can place bets easily and rapidly on hundreds of races each day. This is a trustworthy, reputable site that guarantees secure payouts if you win.
It offers a rebate of up to 8%, and it also offers a dedicated sign-up bonus for racebook players. You just need to use the appropriate BUSR promo code at checkout, deposit $100, and place $500 worth of wagers. At that point, you will receive $150 in bonus funds, which have just a 1x rollover requirement. That is a very attractive racebook bonus.
What we like:
- Excellent racebook welcome bonus
- Offers a racebook rebate
- Trustworthy, reliable betting site
What we don’t:
- Lower betting limits than some competitors
- Smaller rebate than some rivals
Learn More About Horse Racing Betting Sites in Your State
Our Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared
The table below provides a quick and clear breakdown of the features available at horse racing betting sites:
Sportsbook Live Streaming Secure Withdrawals Mobile App Horse Racing Promotions BetOnline ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ BetNow ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ Bovada ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ MyBookie ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ BUSR ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ Sportsbetting.ag ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ XBet ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ BetUS ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ Mega Dice ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ Lucky Block ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ How We Rank The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites
Betting customers in the United States have an increasing number of betting platforms available to them. It can be difficult to know which sportsbooks to consider and which to avoid. When reviewing online horse racing betting platforms, we consider the following factors:
- Horse Racing Coverage – Horse racing fans are increasingly demanding when it comes to market coverage. It is not only domestic races that they wish to bet on, but international meetings too.
- Horse Racing Betting Apps – $7.4 billion were made through mobile betting apps in 2022, sportsbooks must be accessible on such devices. Make sure the racebook you choose has a mobile-capable website and/or a native mobile app.
- Bonuses & Promotions – It is important that a horse racing betting site has bonuses for new and existing customers. A generous welcome bonus is great but looking after ongoing players with reload bonuses is even better.
- Additional Features – Part of the appeal of horse racing betting sites is the extra features available. Whether it be live streaming, racecards, or horse racing blogs, such features add to the user experience. They also sometimes enhance your chances of winning!
Different Horse Racing Betting Markets at the Best Racebooks
When it comes to the best horse betting sites, players have a variety of markets to select from. Things are much more diverse than simply staking on the winner of a specific race. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular online horse racing betting markets:
Winner
Betting on which runner and rider will win a particular race remains the most popular market. Available right up until the start of the race, each entrant is given a price, which will likely change in the build-up.
Bettors must consider the full race card when wagering. The odds are determined by a number of different factors, including form, going, and head-to-head records. An example of this bet type would be to bet on Corniche to win the Kentucky Derby at +1400.
Each-Way
For times when the runners and riders involved in a race are just too close to call, an each-way bet may well be worth considering. Such bets are effectively broken down into two parts. One half wagered on your selection and the other on it placing. The specific number of places paid out varies between sportsbooks.
Head-to-Head
An increasingly popular horse racing market is head-to-head. Here, players are betting on the battle between two specific entrants. Simply put, if your pick finishes ahead of the other horse in question, your bet will win.
This type of bet offers the most value when there are two evenly-matched runners and riders. However, betting on the favorite to overcome a rank outsider is unlikely to deliver any significant profits.
Winning Margin
Available on some horse racing betting sites, players can also bet on the margin of victory. The options will differ from sportsbook to sportsbook, whether it be 1+ lengths or 20+ lengths. When there is a clear favorite, this market is a good option for those looking to bump up the odds. As you would expect, the narrower the winning difference predicted, the higher the returns will be.
Exacta
This bet type involves predicting the first two horses to finish in a race, as well as the correct order. The exactа market is generally reserved for high-profile races, however, its availability differs between horse racing betting sites. Your bet will lose if you successfully predict the top two, but it was in the wrong order.
Trifecta
Similar to an exacta, a trifecta involves betting on the first three race finishers, as well as in the correct order. So, you are betting on which runners and riders will finish first, second, and third. Of course, this is a risky bet. However, the potential rewards are significant.
A good example of this bet took place ahead of the 2016 Belmont Stakes. One lucky player walked away with winnings of $2,751 from a stake of just $2.
Parlay
A parlay is also known as an accumulator. In these bets you combine a series of single bets to make one larger overarching bet. All of your selections must win in order for the overall bet to payout.
Finding the Best Horse Betting Odds
We have already alluded to just how important horse betting odds are. Often, prices found at the leading racebooks are very similar. However, even the slightest fluctuation can make a big difference when it comes to potential winnings.
Odds are available in an American format, although decimal and fractional formats may also be available. Having compared the odds at our top-ranked online sportsbooks, it is the following that comes out on top consistently:
Online Horse Racing Betting on Mobile
The best horse betting sites are all fully optimized for mobile browsers. Some operators have even developed horse racing betting apps. For those looking to bet on the go, the following are among the best mobile horse racing platforms:
The Best Horse Racing Betting Offers
Offers are found on most horse racing betting sites, helping players to maximize winnings and minimize losses. Each promotion is slightly different, even if the basic premise appears to be the same. Terms and conditions surround offers too, impacting their level of appeal. We will now outline some of the most appealing horse racing betting offers awaiting customers in the US:
XBet 7% Horse Racing Rebate
At XBet, players will receive an automatic 7% rebate on horse racing bets placed on selected tracks. Available to all existing customers, funds will be paid immediately into your account the following day. No rollover requirements are in play, with no rebates being paid on Win, Place, or Show bets that pay $2.20 to $2 or less.
BetNow Horse Rebate
Similarly, players at BetNow will receive an automatic 10% weekly horse racing rebate. You will receive your rebate by 12pm each Monday.
MyBookie 8% Horse Rebate
Available on selected tracks, players at MyBookie will receive a horse racing rebate of 8%. Returns will be deposited into user accounts the following day after betting, with 1x rollover requirements being required. No rebate will be given to those that cancel wagers.
BUSR Horse Racing Reload Bonus
Players at BUSR will receive $250 every time they make a deposit via an eligible payment method. You must enter promo code “HORSES10” when you deposit. There is a 5x rollover associated.
GT Bets 10% Horse Rebate
Get a 10% rebate on horse racing net losses each week at GT Bets. Bonus funds will be deposited into your account automatically every Monday. There are no other strict terms and conditions to worry about.
The Top Horse Racing Betting Strategies
When placing odds at the top horse racing betting sites it is important to have a waterproof strategy. You should only bet on horses for fun and never to make profit. However, if you can take steps to help you collect winnings, why not give them a go. Take a look at some of the standout strategies surrounding horse racing betting:
Dutching Strategy
This strategy does take some time to get your head around. So, for those who do not enjoy math, Dutching may not be for you. When carried out correctly, players will win at least their money back when online wagering on a certain number of horses.
Start off by deciding how much you are looking to spend, before working out how to split your budget in order to guarantee returns. For example, when backing two runners and riders with a $15 budget, the simple thing to do would be to back both at $7.50. However, Dutching requires more in-depth thinking.
Value Betting
This strategy will suit those who have expert knowledge of horse racing. Sometimes the odds will be inaccurate. Those who are able to locate markets where prices are too generous will be in a good position to reap the rewards.
For example, a potential pick is given odds of +500. However, based on your knowledge and research, you believe they should have been priced at +700.
Online Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained
When signing up at an online sportsbook, players will likely come across a host of terms. Some will be new, while others will be more recognizable. Check out some common terms before you start betting on horse races:
- Acceptor – A runner that has been officially listed to start a race.
- Age – Thoroughbreds count January 1st as their birth date.
- Banker – Highly anticipated to win.
- Blanket Finish – When the horses finishing in the top positions are too close to call by the naked eye.
- Buck – A bet of exactly $100.
- Dead Heat – When two or more horses finish equal.
- Dime – A bet of exactly $1,000.
- Filly – A female horse aged 4 or younger.
- Going – The condition of the race track.
- Handicap – Runners are given different weights in order to ensure a fair contest.
- Inquiry – A post-race review to ensure no rules have been broken.
- Juvenile – A two-year-old horse.
- Mare – A female horse aged 5 or over.
- Nose – The smallest margin of victory.
- Outsider – A runner who is not expected to win.
- Protest – When an allegation of infringement is made by a jockey, owner or trainer.
- Steeplechase – A race involving runners and riders jumping over obstacles.
- Stud – A male horse used for breeding.
- Value – Getting the best horse racing odds.
Betting On Horse Racing Betting Sites v Betting In Person
There is nothing quite like betting on horse racing at the track itself. However, there is a reason that the majority of bets are now placed on horse racing betting sites. So, what are the main benefits and limitations of online horse racing betting:
Pros:
- Convenient – There is no denying that horse racing betting sites are hugely convenient. Rather than joining the line at your local track, players can browse markets and place bets with ease. Available on both desktop and mobile, the best sportsbooks make life very simple for bettors.
- Promotions – Online horse racing betting offers also add to the appeal of wagering online. Look for promotions with realistic terms and conditions. Both new and existing customers can benefit.
- Best Odds – When operating online, players can benefit from nothing but the very best horse racing odds. The same cannot be said of betting in person, where you must take the odds offered. There is nothing to stop players from signing up on a host of horse racing betting sites, ensuring that the greatest prices are utilized time after time.
- Additional Features – Features found at horse racing betting sites also make operating online more appealing. Cash out, live streaming, and race cards are all likely to be useful to players along the way.
Cons:
- Responsible Gambling – Sportsbooks do make it more difficult to bet responsibly. With markets being accessible at all times, sticking to your budget is no mean feat. We recommend taking advantage of the deposit limits available at most of the top horse racing betting sites.
- Social – Of course, betting online does not deliver any of the social advantages found at the track itself. Bettors will often laugh and joke amongst each other while watching their punts come home.
The Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events In The US
The United States is home to some of the best-known and historic horse races in the world. Let’s take a look at some of the events that attract major interest from bettors during the calendar:
Triple Crown Races
The Triple Crown is made up of three races taking place between May and June. The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown Races are not to be missed when it comes to Horse Racing Betting in the USA.
Kentucky Derby
This Grade One meeting is held annually on the first Saturday in May. Taking place at the famous Churchill Downs, the race is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The prize pool tops $2 million, with the race dating back to 1875. Runners and riders battle it out over 1 ¼ miles, with Medina Spirit having come out on top in 2021.
Don’t miss our pages about the Kentucky Derby:
Belmont Stakes
As part of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is run over 1 ½ miles. Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, the race is for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The race has been nicknamed “The Race of the Champion”, with the total prize pool sitting at $1.5 million. Essentially Quality was the winner in 2021.
You can find more detailed information about Belmont Stakes Betting in our comprehensive guide on this topic.
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is the second race out of the three in the Triple Crown Races. The race is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
Check out our new dedicated page for the upcoming race here: The Preakness Stakes Betting Guide.
Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup, officially know as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, is a series of 14 Grade One thoroughbred races. Since 1984, the multi day event hastaken place every fall. The meet takes place at a different venue every year and there are prize pools of at least $1,000,000 per race.
The event acts as the end-of-year meet for the US, but horses come from all over the world to compete in the race. So naturally, interest in betting on the Breeders’ Cup is high.
The Biggest Horse Racing Events Around The World
Those signing up at US horse racing betting sites will also be able to wager on meetings from other areas. Meetings from the UK, Australia, and the Middle East are regularly found, with the following being the most high-profile:
Grand National
Founded in 1839, the Grand National is held at Aintree in the UK. The Handicap Steeplechase takes place over 4 miles, with the winner taking home £375,000. The 30 fences make for an entertaining and competitive race, with the famous Red Rum having won a record three times. Meanwhile, it was Minella Times who came out on top in 2021.
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the most famous race in Australia. The annual thoroughbred race takes place at the Flemington Racecourse, over a distance of 3,200m. The race is worth over A$8 million, with its history dating back to 1861.
Dubai World Cup
Founded in 1996, the Dubai World Cup is an annual thoroughbred race held at the Meydan Racecourse. Runners and riders compete over 2,000m on a dirt track, with over $12 million being up for grabs. Mystic Guide won in 2021, with Thunder Snow having come out on top in both 2018 and 2019.
Racebooks with Live Streaming and Horse Racing Betting
The ability to watch horse races live online only adds to the appeal of betting on the sport. While only a select few horse racing betting sites in the US offer live streaming, the service is very much in demand. Horse racing streams are generally delivered in HD, with commentary being available too.
Whether it be on desktop or mobile, a small bet may need to be placed in order to gain access. However, the exact qualifying terms will vary between operators. Those looking for live horse racing streams should check out the following sites:
Our Top 5 Horse Racing Betting Tips
Unfortunately, even our detailed horse racing betting guide cannot provide a formula that will guarantee success. However, players can give themselves a good chance of coming out on top by following these simple tips:
Tip 1: Do Your Homework
A good amount of information is available when it comes to runners and riders today. So, pre-race, and ensure that you have looked closely at potential picks. This will include their form, trainer, and head-to-head records. Racecards feature on many of the top-rated horse racing betting sites.
Tip 2: Don’t Bet on Everything
With horse racing betting sites covering meetings from across the globe, races are available to stake daily. However, it is important that players do not bet on everything. Instead, focus on tracks and runners that you have a good knowledge of.
Tip 3: Utilize Horse Racing Bonuses
Bonuses are available to collect when betting on horse racing. A welcome bonus is available to new customers, while rebates feature on many sites too. Bonus funds can be used to fund bets, giving you a better chance of backing a winner. Ensure that the T&Cs are realistic beforehand though.
Tip 4: Stick to a Budget
Being responsible is hugely important when betting on horses. So, before getting started, set yourself a budget and stick to it. Deposit limits can be set in order to assist with this tip.
Tip 5: Track Your Progress
Regularly look at your bet history in order to see where you have been successful, as well as where improvements can be made. This will allow players to see what types of bets and markets have heeded returns. There is no excuse to miss this step, with sportsbooks making it easy.
Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In The USA?
Although horse racing betting is now regulated in most US states. There are some states in which online horse racing betting is not regulated. However, in those states you can use offshore sportsbooks and racebooks to place these wagers.
Off-track betting was legalized back in 1978, thanks to the formation of the Interstate Horseracing Act. Since then, bets have been legally placed at off-track locations, as long as stakes went directly to race prize pools. In 2000, the US Congress made changes to allow bets via the telephone and other electronic media.
Horse Racing Betting FAQ
Is online horse racing betting legal in the United States?
What types of bets are there in horse racing?
Are there horse racing betting promotions available online?
Can I place horse racing bets on mobile?
Which are the most popular markets on horse racing betting sites?
Is live streaming available on horse racing betting sites?
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