Home Betting Horse Racing Betting Guide 2023 – Compare Best Sites, Odds Tips for the USA

The best horse racing betting sites offer large sign-up bonuses, generous rebates, and quick, secure payouts. They accept pari-mutuel bets on all the action taking place across the country each day, and they also cover major international racetracks. You will find fixed-odds betting on Triple Crown races, like the Kentucky Derby, and so much more.

This horse racing betting guide will steer you towards trustworthy, secure racebooks. We will also break down your key wagering options, highlight the biggest races to look out for, and explain the difference between pari-mutuel and fixed-odds horse racing betting.

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites USA

We have carefully vetted the racebooks listed below. These horse racing betting sites can all be trusted to pay out on time if you win. They have perfect security records, so you can enjoy a safe online wagering experience. These are the top 10 sites for horse racing wagers right now:

  1. BetOnline – Best overall racebook for American bettors
  2. XBet – Leading mobile site for horse racing betting
  3. MyBookie – User-friendly betting site with great odds
  4. BetUS – Offers large sportsbook bonuses for online betting
  5. Bovada – Generous welcome bonus for racebook users
  6. SportsBetting.agGreat betting site for high stakes users
  7. BUSR – Top crypto sportsbook for horse racing betting
  8. Everygame – Generous fixed-odds futures on big races
  9. Betanysports Reduced juice sportsbook with a cash rebate racebook
  10. Jazz – Offers a 10% racebook rebate and $1,000 welcome bonus

Reviews of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Our top 10 horse racing betting sites are all based offshore, which allows them to welcome customers from across the United States. While they all offer similar sports betting options, our reviews have focused mainly on the points of difference they offer. This way, you can learn more about their payout speeds, betting limits, bonuses, rebates, customer service, and the quality of the fixed-odds they provide on Triple Crown races.

1. BetOnline – Best Overall Racebook for U.S. Bettors

BetOnline Horse Racing Betting

We rate BetOnline as the best horse racing betting site on the market right now. It offers a generous rebate, a smooth user interface and excellent customer service. BetOnline generally provides better fixed odds on Triple Crown races than its rivals, and it is quicker to publish them, which is helpful for sharps.

This is a trustworthy betting site that has been operating for more than 25 years. You can count on BetOnline to pay out if you win. Withdrawals are processed quickly, resulting in same day crypto payouts. It also has a world-class sportsbook, a casino, a poker room, and an esports section.

Choice of Bets

BetOnline provides the same pari-mutuel wagering options as its rivals on this list: win, place, show, across the board, exacta, quinella, trifecta, boxed exactas and trifectas, daily doubles, and other multiples. You will find fixed-odds futures as well on big races, such as the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Kentucky Derby.

Bonuses

The BetOnline promo code earns new customers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. That is for sports betting as opposed to the racebook. You will receive a $25 risk-free bet at BetOnline’s racebook, along with a rebate of 5% to 9% on daily racing losses.

Pros:

  • Generous rebate on  horse racing losses
  • Smooth interface on desktop and mobile
  • Quick and reliable payouts done in 1-2 days
  • High-quality fixed odds on the big races

Cons:

  • Charges credit card deposit fees
  • High bonus rollover requirements

2. XBet – Top Mobile Site for Horse Racing Betting

XBet Horse Racing Betting

XBet has the same racebook as BetOnline, so you will enjoy a user-friendly experience, lots of pari-mutuel betting options, and strong coverage of US and international racing. It is not as quick to release fixed-odds futures as BetOnline, and the odds are not normally as appealing, so we rank it second on our list.

However, XBet is great for mobile bettors. It has a very quick, powerful, and easy-to-use mobile site, so you can always get your racing bets on with minimal fuss.

Choice of Bets

All the same pari-mutuel bets featured at BetOnline can be placed at XBet too, including straight bets and exotics. You will find fixed-odds futures on Triple Crown races in the sportsbook section at certain times of the year.

Bonuses

The XBet promo code earns new customers a 50% sportsbook bonus worth up to $500, which has a 7x rollover requirement. The bookmaker also offers a 3% rebate on straight racebook losses and 7% on exotics.

Pros:

  • Great mobile betting site
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Secure, trustworthy racebook
  • Lots of betting options

Cons:

  • Slow to release fixed odds futures
  • Smaller rebate than some rivals

3. MyBookie – User-Friendly Racebook for Beginners

MyBookie Horse Racing Betting

MyBookie and XBet are sister sites. They are identical in almost every way, so we have them neck-and-neck in our list. These sites offer the same wagering options, banking methods, payout speeds, and customer service.

The only difference is the promotions page. The sign-up bonus at MyBookie is larger, but with a higher rollover requirement. For that reason, we have placed XBet slightly ahead of MyBookie.

Choice of Bets

MyBookie offers the same bets as XBet – straights and exotics, plus occasional fixed odds.

Bonuses

The MyBookie promo code is a 50% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. It has a 10x rollover requirement. The rebate is 3% on straights and 8% on exotics.

Pros:

  • User-friendly betting site
  • Competitive rebate on exotics
  • More than 30 tracks available
  • Solid range of banking methods

Cons:

  • Large rollover requirements
  • Slow to publish fixed odds lines

4. BetUS – Horse Racing Betting Site with a Money Back Special

BetUS Horse Racing Betting

BetUS is the best sportsbook for bonuses. It provides huge welcome and reload bonuses, offering new and existing customers thousands of dollars in site credit. The good news is that most sportsbook bonuses can also be used on the racebook.

Furthermore, there are also some interesting racebook promos, such as a money back special. The site is user-friendly, so it is easy to place bets on horse races. In the BetUS TV section, handicappers can preview big Triple Crown races on video segments, which is a nice touch.

Choice of Bets

BetUS has the same white-label racebook provider, so you can place the same array of bets. You can choose from straights and exotics and quickly add them to the slip. It is reasonably quick to publish fixed odds on Triple Crown races too, and you can find some generous prices on certain runners.

Bonuses

The main BetUS promo code is a 125% deposit match offer worth up to $3,125, divided between sportsbook and casino funds. A money back special promotion is available if you bet $10 or more on certain races each week. If your horse finishes second or third, you get your money back as site credit, but it comes with a 10x rollover requirement.

Pros:

  • Offers large bonuses for sports bettors
  • Previews Triple Crown races with video clips
  • Clean, easy-to-use website for mobile
  • Operator pays out on time and in full

Cons:

  • Large rollover requirement on money back bonus
  • No rebate for racebook losses

5. Bovada – Generous Fixed Odds Futures on Horse Racing Wagers

Bovada Horse Racing Betting

Bovada was formed in 2012 and it is aimed at bettors in the United States. The site includes a superb sportsbook, a large casino, and America’s busiest poker room. It uses different racebook software than most of its competitors, so it is a great option if you do not like that interface, but the betting options are very similar.

The Bovada team is also quick to issue fixed odds betting lines on big races. It provides better odds than its rivals on certain horses, so it is well worth registering with Bovada. Moreover, this site offers same day crypto payouts and it has a great loyalty program.

Choice of Bets

You can put money on win, place, or show bets at Bovada. There is an option for exactas and trifectas on the dropdown menu on each race, and you can use it to easily place boxed exactas and trifectas.

Bonuses

The best Bovada bonus codes earn new customers up to 75% deposit match bonus when using crypto. These bonus funds can be used on horse races, with a 6x rollover requirement.

Pros:

  • Reasonable bonus rollover requirements
  • Same day crypto payouts on the platform
  • Easy-to-use website on desktop & mobile
  • Generous loyalty program for every bet

Cons:

  • No rebate on racebook losses
  • Low $250 sportsbook bonus

SportsBetting.ag Horse Racing Betting

SportsBetting.ag is a renowned betting operator that offers a variety of bet types, limits, banking options, customer service, and bonuses. One drawback however is the interface, which hasn’t been updated in a while.

It is not really an issue if you only use the racebook, as the interface is standard, but the sportsbook section may discourage some frequent bettors.

Choice of Bets

Lots of pari-mutuel and fixed odds betting options are available. SportsBetting.ag offers very broad betting limits, which allows the bookmaker to appeal to casual players and high-stakes bettors.

Bonuses

You will get a great range of bonuses and promotions on the platform. These include a 50% sports betting bonus up to $1,000, a $25 risk-free bet for horse racing, and a rebate of 4% to 9%.

Pros:

  • Competitive racebook rebate
  • Broad betting limits for races
  • Same day crypto withdrawals
  • Sharp fixed odds on Triple Crown races

Cons:

  • Dated web design
  • Credit card deposit fees

7. BUSR – A Leading Crypto Horse Racing Betting Site

BUSR Horse Racing Betting

BUSR is a great site for crypto users. Deposits and withdrawals are easy, secure, and dependable. It offers a sportsbook, casino, and a racebook on a stable platform with a familiar layout.

The customer service at BUSR is strong and the team will gladly answer your questions. If you head into the dedicated racebook section on the site, you will find a variety of futures betting options. For example, many sportsbooks offer fixed odds on the Breeders Cup Classic, but BUSR offers fixed odds on the other races too, such as the Breeders’ Cup Mile and the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Choice of Bets

BUSR has more fixed-odds futures than most of its rivals. There are all the usual pari-mutuel betting options in the racebook section as well.

Bonuses

New customers will receive a $150 racebook bonus. To qualify, you need to make a minimum deposit of $100 and then place $500 worth of racebook wagers. You will then receive $150 in racebook credit, which has just a 1x rollover requirement. There is also a 3% rebate on straight losses and 8% on exotics.

Pros:

  • Generous racebook welcome bonus
  • Offers solid rebate on racebook bets
  • More fixed-odds futures than rivals
  • Trustworthy crypto betting site

Cons:

  • Does not pay out as quickly as some rivals
  • Sportsbook is a little limited

8. Everygame – Simple Online Horse Racing Section

Everygame Horse Racing Betting

Everygame is the world’s oldest online sportsbook. It was formerly known as Intertops, but it rebranded in 2021. It does not have a racebook section, but you can click on the “Horse Racing” option within the sportsbook. You will then see a list of races to bet on.

It is a very basic horse racing section, but if you simply want to place win bets on the biggest US races of the day, Everygame is a solid option.

Choice of Bets

You can bet on which horse will win various races each day at Everygame.

Bonuses

Everygame offers a 100% bonus worth up to $250 on each of your first three deposits. The bonus funds have an 8x rollover requirement, but unfortunately, horse racing wagers do not count towards the rollover requirements.

Pros:

  • Very simple horse racing section
  • Site uses the latest encryption software
  • Covers the most popular races
  • Multiple sportsbook promotions

Cons:

  • Minimal horse racing coverage
  • No bonuses for horse racing bettors

9. Betanysports – Reduced Juice Betting Site with Cash Rebate Racebook

Betanysports Horse Racing Betting

Betanysports is a reduced juice sportsbook. That means it offers odds of -105 on either side of a bet, whereas rivals offer -110. That is a great package for sports fans. It also offers a cashback racebook, which is very generous.

It covers racing from the United States, UK, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. The interface is a little basic, but it is effective. Payouts arrive quickly and without any problems.

Choice of Bets

Win, place, show, quinella, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6 bets are all available. The maximum win goes up to $100,000 on the biggest races.

Bonuses

The cashback racebook offers 6% in cash rebates daily. The rebate is paid on betting volume – including winning and losing bets – rather than net losses. There are no minimum daily volume requirements and there is no maximum on how much you can earn via this promotion.

Pros:

  • Cash rebate on races each day
  • Accepts Bitcoin deposits online
  • Offers a reduced juice sportsbook
  • Reliable payouts if you win

Cons:

  • No welcome bonus for horse racing betting
  • Interface is a little basic

10. Jazz – Offers a Very Generous Racebook Rebate

Jazz Horse Racing Betting

Jazz Sports offers a rebate of up to 10%, which is market leading. That rebate is available on straight bets placed on A Tracks, and it is applied to your betting volume. Moreover, there are no minimum daily volume requirements and there is no maximum on how much you can earn.

The Jazz Racebook is user-friendly and it covers lots of action. Payouts are reliable and customer service is excellent.

Choice of Bets

Jazz offers all the usual pari-mutuel betting options. You will find fixed odds on big races in the sportsbook section too, including win bets, head-to-head matchups between individual horses and props.

Bonuses

New customers receive a 10% racebook cash bonus worth up to $1,000. A minimum deposit of $100 is required to qualify and it has a 3x rollover requirement. The 10% cash rebate is also very impressive.

Pros:

  • Excellent welcome bonus for horse betting
  • Market leading racing rebate of 10%
  • High-quality website available on mobile
  • Lots of deposit and withdrawal options

Cons:

  • High minimum deposit required for bonuses
  • First credit/debit card deposit has 72-hours hold

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Comparing the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

The chart below helps you quickly compare the bonuses and features of the top 10 college basketball betting sites. You can read more about them above, but this chart could be useful if you are in a rush.

Racebook Best Racebook Bonus
Horse Racing Promos US Racing International Racing Same Day Payouts
BetOnline $25 Risk-Free Bet & 9% Rebate
XBet 7% Rebate
MyBookie 8% Rebate
BetUS 100% Bonus up to $2,500
Bovada 50% Bonus of up to $250
SportsBetting.ag $25 Risk-Free Bet & 9% Rebate
BUSR $150 Welcome Bonus
Everygame 100% Sports Bonus up to $250
Betanysports 6% Rebate
Jazz 10% Cash Bonus up to $1,000

One of the best parts of online horse racing betting is that you have quick access to the various markets. The range provides something for every type of player, from simple winner bets to the more advanced exotics that require a lot more research to get right.

Winner

A win bet on a horse race is the most straightforward one. As the name suggests, you are betting on the horse/jockey that you believe will win the race. A place bet adds a bit of room for error as the selected horse can also come in second for you to win. Then, a show bet covers the top three positions.

Each-Way

An each-way bet is a combination between a win bet and a place bet. It is popular with UK races, but not so much in the US. You may see it included as a quick betting market on some online racebooks. If the bet is successful, you will receive a higher payout since you have two bets combined into one.

Head-to-Head

The head-to-head bet in horse racing refers to a competition between two selected horses. You are simply betting on which of the two horses will finish first, not necessarily winning the race. These markets aren’t available for all races however.

Winning Margin

The winning margin is the distance between the winning horse and the one that comes in second place. Betting markets for major races allow players to wager on this winning margin, which can range from a photo finish to a full length of a horse.

Exacta

Exacta is an exotic bet in horse racing where you have to select the two top finishers in the correct order. Since it is difficult to predict, it comes with a higher payout than normal markets.

Trifecta

The trifecta bet takes things one step further and allows bettors to exactly predict the three winners of a race in order. If any of the selections is wrong, the bet is lost. If you want even longer odds, the superfecta covers the top four finishers in the exact order.

Parlay

A parlay is commonly found in sports betting and it is a combination of two or more bets into one. The odds are multiplied and can generate a much higher payout. However, all selections on the parlay must be correct for you to win the bet.

How we Rank the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Most offshore betting sites offer an identical pari-mutuel service for horse racing wagers, because they share a software provider. For that reason, we also focus on additional attributes when ranking the best horse racing betting sites.

Reputation

We only recommend trusted horse racing sites that have been paying customers out on time for many years. The racebooks featured on this page are all legit. You can count on them to grade bets fairly, stick to the rules laid out, and deliver secure withdrawals when you win.

Bonuses & Promotions

This is the main way for offshore racebooks to differentiate themselves. The best sites for horse racing wagers provide generous rebates on any losses you might incur. They may also provide free bet tokens. Some sites, such as Bovada, also allow you to use their welcome bonuses on horse races.

Betting Limits

The best racebooks provide broad betting limits that allow players to bet small on loads of races, and it also provides high rollers with the opportunity to place large wagers. The limits will vary depending on the track, but our top-rated horse racing betting sites generally provide appealing limits.

Quality of Fixed-Odds

Pari-mutuel payouts are always the same, regardless of where you place your bets, but fixed-odds differ from one site to the next. They are only available on the biggest races of the year, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont. There can be some significant differences between the odds on offer, so sites like BetOnline stand out in this regard.

Payout Speeds

It is frustrating to spend several days waiting for your winnings to arrive. That is not an issue at sites such as Bovada and BetOnline, as they are very quick to process withdrawal requests. You will then get your money in minutes if you go for a crypto transfer.

Mobile Site

Mobile sites are the most convenient option for players. The best sports betting apps offer secure, user-friendly mobile sites, which have been optimized for iOS and Android users. The mobile sites are fast and reliable, so you never miss out on a bet you would like to place.

Customer Service

An attentive customer service can be very helpful if you have an issue. The best racebooks provide 24/7 customer support. You can contact the multilingual team over the phone, by email, or via live chat, and they will answer quickly with helpful, concise and clear information.

Horse racing betting is legal in most states. Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah are the only states that forbid online horse racing betting. In any other state, you can place bets on horse races via mobile apps or websites.

If you live in one of those states, you can use an offshore horse racing betting site instead. Operators such as BetOnline, XBet, BetUS, and Bovada accept customers from states such as Texas and Georgia. It is perfectly legal for you to place bets at those sites, and they can be trusted to provide a safe, legit online wagering experience.

Horse racing bettors living in other states can use onshore racebooks such as TwinSpires and TVG. However, many prefer offshore sportsbooks because they offer a wider range of betting options, better bonuses, and other perks.

How to Sign Up & Bet on Horse Racing

1. Visit Our Top-Rated Sportsbook

Visit BetOnline, the best overall horse racing betting site. Hit the green “JOIN” button to the right of the homepage to bring up the registration form.

BetOnline Homepage

2. Complete the Registration Form

Fill in the form with your name, email address, country and ZIP code. Choose a strong password, which you have not used elsewhere. Hit confirm to send in the form.

BetOnline Sign Up Form

3. Verify Your Account

A link will be sent to your email address to verify it. Click that link to complete the registration process. After that, you can sign in on the site.

BetOnline Mobile Betting App Sign In

4. Fund Your Account

Make an initial deposit using a credit card, crypto, a bank transfer or an alternate method. This will entitle you to a welcome bonus.

BetOnline Cashier Deposit

5. Place Your First Bet

You can now find a race you want to bet on. Type in your bet amount in the win, place or show boxes, or choose an exotic market, and add it to the bet slip. You can then confirm the bet, and you will be paid out after the race if you win.

BetOnline Horse Race

How to Read Horse Racing Betting Odds

The odds and the betting options can seem overwhelming when first jumping into horse racing betting. We will cover the main types of betting odds to help you better understand the interface.

Pari-Mutuel Betting Odds

Most horse races are paid out on a pari-mutuel basis. The money wagered on a market goes into a pool. The industry takes a small cut. The remaining money is then divided between bettors with winning tickets.

A dividend is revealed for each market. It tells you the total return you will earn for every $1 or $2 or $0.50 you wagered. For example, if the dividend for a $1 win bet is $7.50 on a horse, and you wagered $10, you will be paid out $75.

American Odds

Leading racebooks such as BetOnline, Bovada, and BetUS offer fixed-odds futures on big races, such as the Kentucky Derby. They will normally be presented in the American format. These odds will start with a plus or a minus.

If they start with a plus, it tells you the payout available for a $100 bet. For example, if the odds are +800, a $100 bet would win you $800. You get your stake back too, so your return would be $900. You can bet any amount, such as a $10 wager to win $80.

If the odds start with a minus, it is a heavy favorite. The numbers tell you the amount you would need to lay down to win $100. For example, odds of -150 explain that a $150 bet would be required to win $100. Your total return would be $250. Once again, you can bet any amount, such as a $30 bet to win $20.

Fractional Odds

Horse racing betting odds may occasionally be presented in the fractional format. Morning Line odds, which are predictions on the dividend each horse will pay, tend to take this format too.

You just need to multiply your bet amount by the fraction to calculate your potential winnings. For example, a $10 bet at 8/1 would earn you $80 in profit. Fractional odds of 8/1 are equivalent to American odds of +800.

The Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events in the US

You can bet on races taking place across the United States each day. However, a handful of races stand out. These are the most prestigious races, which garner the most attention from casual horse bettors each year.

Triple Crown Race - Belmont Park

Triple Crown Races

As the name suggests, there are three Triple Crown races each year. They are only open to three-year-old thoroughbreds and the qualifying process is fiercely competitive. These are the three Triple Crown races:

The Kentucky Derby

America’s most famous race takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May each year. It is run over 1 and a quarter miles on the left-handed dirt track. The race has a $3 million prize purse and it is extremely prestigious, so it is difficult to qualify for. Horses must earn points at a series of prep races during the spring to earn a place.

The Preakness Stakes

The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown. It takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore over a slightly longer distance of 1 and 3/16 miles. The Preakness is held just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. That is a quick turnaround time, so lots of Derby horses no longer contest the Preakness.

The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown, held three weeks after the Preakness. It is the longest of the three races, with a distance of 1 and a half miles. Thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown, from Sir Barton in 1919 to Justify in 2018. Various horses have also won the first two legs and then come unstuck in the Belmont.

Breeders’ Cup

This is a series of Grade 1 races that takes place at a different venue each year. It is a two-day event, featuring many important races. The most popular one is the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is the most prestigious race of the year in the United States, with a $6 million prize purse. The Breeders’ Cup Turf is also a big deal.

The Biggest Horse Racing Events Around the World

The best racebooks also take bets on meetings from around the world. These are the three biggest races to look out for:

Grand National

The Grand National receives more worldwide viewers than any other race. It is an epic steeplechase that takes place in Britain each April, run under handicap conditions. The horses slog it out over 4 miles and 514 yards. They have to jump 30 fences during that time, and many horses fall, failing to finish the race.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is known in Australia as “the race that stops a nation”. It also racks up hundreds of millions of global viewers. It is a Group 1 flat race for horses aged three and older, run over 3,200 meters (1 mile and 1,740 yards), which makes it a true staying test. Many of the world’s leading horses jet in to compete.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is the second richest race in the world, after the Saudi Cup. It has a prize purse of $12 million, which ensures a superstar field each year. The race’s first winner was an American Hall of Fame thoroughbred, Cigar. Dubai World Cup Day is the richest race day in the world, with $30.5 million spread over nine races.

Racebooks with Live Streaming

Certain racebooks offer live streaming. That allows you to watch the race and place bets in one place. Examples of racebooks with live streaming include TwinSpires and TVG. They provide streams of racing in the United States and around the world.

Offshore betting sites do not have live streaming of horse races. Some have Twitch plugins, which allows them to stream esports, but they do not stream racing or sporting events. You can simply place your bets at offshore sites and then stream the action at another site in a separate tab.

Top Horse Racing Betting Strategies

Some experienced horseplayers pursue a few advanced strategies in a bid to gain an edge on the racebooks. These are some of the most popular systems:

The Dutching System

Dutching involves placing bets on multiple outcomes within the same event. It is normally referred to as arbitrage in the United States, but dutching is the correct term.

This system requires you to follow the line movements and exploit the differences between the fixed odds available at rival betting sites. For that reason, it cannot be used on pari-mutuel bets, which is why it has not really taken off in America. However, it can be a useful strategy when placing fixed-odds futures bets on Triple Crown races.

Value Betting

This approach simply requires you to bet on horses when the chances of winning the race are greater than the odds available. You need to work out the probability of the horse prevailing by delving into the past performance data of a horse and his or her rivals, and then cross reference it against the odds on display.

Once again, this approach is reliant on fixed odds, so it does not apply to 99% of races taking place in the United States, but it can be valuable when fixed odds are available on the biggest events of the year, such as the Kentucky Derby.

The Beaten Favorite System

This system encourages you to bet on a favorite that was beaten last time out. The idea is that the owner and trainer will be keen to quickly make amends and rack up more winnings to make up for the shortfall in the last race. It is not a foolproof approach, but lots of beaten favorites bounce back quickly in their next races.

Our Top 5 Horse Racing Betting Tips

These horse racing betting tips can help you enjoy success:

1. Study Past Performance Data

You can study the past performance data of each horse in a bid to work out the order in which they will finish. Make a note of the distance of the race, the track conditions, the caliber of the race, and the venue.

The next step is to assess how well each horse has performed in previous races of a similar nature. This is easier when the horses are older and experienced, but you can generally find useful data to inform your betting decision. Focus on which horses are improving, which horses are fatigued and the recent record of the trainers and jockeys too.

2. Look for Expert Picks

Expert picks can help you come up with horse racing wagers. Expert handicappers will highlight a horse they think will win the race, and they will explain why. You can then conduct your own research to confirm you agree with the picks and place your bets.

3. Claim Rebates

Rebates can significantly boost your chances of long-term success. You will receive a percentage of any net losses you incur each day or week – generally in the form of site credit, but sometimes in cash. Rebates soften the blow when you lose and improve your overall margins across the year.

4. Consider Across the Board Bets

Betting on the favorite in every race is a surefire way to failure. Some favorites deserve their status and others do not. The trick is to pick the deserving favorites and find hidden gems further down the list in most other races.

An across the board bet is a great option on a long-shot, as it divides your total stake equally on the win, the place and the show. All three parts of the bet pay out if your horse wins, but you still get a payout if it finishes second or third too.

5. Avoid Exotics

Exotic bets like trifectas sound exciting because they offer the opportunity to earn a large profit from a small stake. However, the odds are further stacked against you on exotic bets, and the house edge increases.

That is why racebooks provide larger rebates on exotics than on straight bets. They are keen to encourage exotic bets, because they are so profitable, which is why you should only use them sparingly.

Horse Racing Racebook Promotions & Bonuses

You can claim a variety of bonuses at online betting sites. They give you the chance to bet with house money, but you need to complete rollover requirements on the bonus funds. These are some of the common bonuses to look out for:

Sign-Up Offers

Most offshore betting sites match a percentage of your first deposit amount with site credit. You then need to complete rollover requirements on the bonus funds before withdrawing. Some sportsbook promo codes also apply to the horse racing betting, as is the case with Bovada’s 75% up to $750 crypto bonus.

No Deposit Bonuses

Every so often, you may find a betting site that gives new customers site credit, with no deposit required. It is always a small amount of credit, such as $10, and it comes with high rollover requirements, but there is a chance of cashing out a profit. This type of bonus is rarely available for horseplayers.

Free Bets

Some racebooks give you free bets. They are normally issued as a reward for placing a certain volume of wagers. For example, you might get a $10 free bet if you wager $100 on races during a set period of time.

Risk-Free Bets

For example, SportsBetting.ag will give you a $25 risk-free horse racing bet after you sign up. If your bet loses, you will receive up to $25 in site credit as a refund. You must then complete a 6x rollover requirement on the funds before cashing out.

Rebates

The best online horse racing betting sites offer rebates on any net losses you incur. For example, BetOnline will give you a 5% rebate on straight bet losses each day and a 9% on any losses you suffer on exotic bets.

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps & Mobile Sites

You can simply pick up your smartphone and place a bet on a race in seconds thanks to the advent of mobile wagering. Most horseplayers prefer desktop sites, as the larger screen makes it easier to absorb stats on past performances, but mobile options can be very quick and convenient at certain times.

Some operators can have native mobile apps, but they are only available in certain states. Offshore racebooks welcome bettors from across the country, but they do not have downloadable mobile apps. However, they have built high-quality, mobile-optimized betting sites, which operate similarly to apps, providing a fast, reliable mobile wagering experience.

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Virtual Horse Racing Betting

When there is no real racing taking place, you can bet on virtual horse races. They are similar to casino games, such as video slots, as they are powered by Random Number Generators.

The RNG software dictates the finishing order of the virtual horses and you can watch on as the action unfolds. Many of the standard horse racing wagers are available on virtual races.

Bovada Virtual Horse Racing

Horse Racing Betting Terms

  • At the post – The race is about to begin and betting on it is no longer available.
  • Dead Heat – A photo finish shows that two or more horses finished at the exact same time.
  • DQ – A horse that has been disqualified from the race.
  • Exotic bet – A market that is not a straight bet such as the win, place, or show.
  • Favorite – The horse given the strongest chance of success in a race.
  • Fixed Odds – A bet where you know the precise payout available if you win.
  • Furlong – One eighth of a mile.
  • Harness – A race featuring horses that pull a two-wheeled cart behind them.
  • Maiden – A race featuring only horses that are seeking a first win.
  • Morning Line – The on-track handicapper’s best estimation on the pari-mutuel dividend a bet on each horse will pay. It is not the same as fixed odds.
  • PariMutuel – The primary way in which horse racing wagers are settled in the United States, with all the money going into a pot, which is divided up among winning bettors after the race.
  • Purse – The prize funds that will be split between the horses’ owners.
  • Quarter-Horse – A breed of horse that performs well over short distances.
  • Steeplechase – A jumps race. This form of racing is popular in the UK and Ireland during the winter months.
  • Thoroughbred – The main horse breed used in racing, which is renowned for speed and endurance.
  • Tote Board – A board at a racetrack that highlights the dividends paid on each market on the last race.
  • Triple Crown – The three most leading races for three-year-old races in the USA, comprising the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
  • Wager – Another name for a horse racing bet.

Online Horse Racing Betting vs Betting In-Person

Betting on horse racing in-person can be an exhilarating experience. You can soak up the atmosphere, watch the horses warming up, discuss picks with fellow bettors, and gain insight from contacts.

However, online horse racing betting is much cheaper, easier and more convenient. You do not have to spend time and money traveling to a racetrack. You also receive bonuses when you bet online, and you can bet on action from across the world in the palm of your hand.

Best Horse Racing Betting Site

BetOnline is the best horse racing betting site. It offers a generous rebate, a user-friendly mobile interface, 24/7 customer service, and same day payouts. BetOnline also releases fixed odds on Triple Crown races before its rivals, and the odds tend to be more generous than those found at competitor sites.

If you sign up for a BetOnline account today, you will receive a $25 risk-free racebook bet. It will also give you a 100% deposit match sports betting bonus of up to $1,000 and access to other promotions. So, visit BetOnline, register, and begin your horse racing betting journey today.

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Jackson Holland

Jackson Holland

Jackson Holland is an experienced sports writer and handicapper based in Pennsylvania. He worked part-time at a racetrack and casino while majoring in English Literature at college, and that inspired a passion for gambling. Holland spent a decade as a journalist working for several regional newspapers before joining the sports betting industry. He writes long-form betting guides for a variety of leading websites.