Best Horse Racing Betting Sites for 2025

Horse racing betting in the US is allowed in 41 states live on track through pari-mutuel (tote) betting. 30 of these states have legalized online horse racing wagering as well.

More than $8.8 billion was bet on events stateside from January to October 2024, and that number is expected to inflate to close to $12 billion with the Breeders Cup World Championships taking place at Del Mar in November 2024.

In states that haven’t formally legalized sports or horse racing betting, there are usually no laws that prohibit you from wagering at offshore sportsbooks. We’ve compared and rated the best offshore horse racing betting sites in the US while also appraising some of the most popular horse racing betting markets where you can place wagers on the ponies!

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$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins

  • Official betting partner of La Liga, Golden Boy, and the LFA, offering Pick'em and Survivor
  • The earliest moneylines, with access to odds before events commence
  • Cutting-edge live in-play sportsbook, with multi-view options
9.8
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100% Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000

100% Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000

  • Up to 25% in re-up bonuses when adding funds
  • Bitcoin and Bitcoin cash payment require a minimum deposit of $10
  • 2% rebate on sportbook losses, 10% rebate on racebooks
9.6
5 Stars
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125% Deposit Bonus - Up to $1,250 to Bet on Sports

125% Deposit Bonus - Up to $1,250 to Bet on Sports

  • Esports from CS:GO to FIFA to NBA2K to Call of Duty with Twitch video feeds
  • 50% bonus on your sportsbook wagers once a day with Winstreak
  • Various markets, including parlays, player props, futures and spreads
9.4
NO CODE REQUIRED
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100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

  • Improved live betting with multiscreen technology, multiview and halftime betting
  • Promotions exclusive to parlay betting, like Parlay Prince and Parlay Free Bets
  • Direct SMS delivery of exclusive sports offers to bettors
9.8
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Get 200% Welcome Bonus Up to $30,000 + 50 Super Spins

Get 200% Welcome Bonus Up to $30,000 + 50 Super Spins

  • Brand new sportsbook with iOS and Android apps
  • Extensive coverage of US sports
  • Competitive odds and excellent in-play offering
9.8
5 Stars
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50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $1000

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $1000

  • Reload bonuses & 8% racebook rebates + risk-free bets & odds boosts via VIP+
  • Contests for NFL/NBA/NCAAF betting, including Survivor and Squares
  • MyBookie VIP treatment with 24/7 support, top bonuses, and bigger bets
9.6
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125% Sign Up Bonus + Up to 30 Risk Free Bets

125% Sign Up Bonus + Up to 30 Risk Free Bets

  • Nearly 30 years of experience in the North American market
  • Exclusive sports blogs, picks and previews from The Locker Room and BetUS-TV
  • Sports contests with free entries like Ironman, 12th Man and Gridiron Guru
9.6
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Double Your Money Up to $500 on Your First 2 Deposits

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  • High betting limits and seamless re-bet options, perfect for high rollers
  • Access to the earliest lines with top-tier odds
  • Sports reload bonus of 25% and ongoing promotions for registered bettors
9.7
NO CODE REQUIRED
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First Deposit Bonus Up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip

First Deposit Bonus Up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip

  • 25% sports reload bonus and a 7% daily rebate on horse racing wagers
  • Betting with low minimum crypto deposit of $20 + free picks and tips from pros
  • The best horse racing markets for bettors
9.5
5 Stars
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9.9
5 Stars
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List of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

After comparing some of the best US sportsbooks that offer horse racing betting, we believe that the 10 listed below offer the most when it comes to competitive odds, markets, bonuses, and racing rebates.

  1. BetOnline – Racebook with a 9% daily rebate and a $25 risk-free wager on your first bet.
  2. Bovada – Racebook markets from the US, UK, Australia, Asia, and South Africa
  3. BetWhale – Unique range of Win, Place, and Show parlay bets available
  4. BetNow – Up to 200% in welcome bonuses, and a 10% weekly racebook rebate
  5. Everygame – 50% Crypto welcome bonus up to $1000
  6. MyBookie – 8% horse racing rebate and top futures odds on all major races
  7. CoinPoker – Wide range of sports betting options and up to $2,000 welcome bonus
  8. BetUS – Moneyback special if your horse win bet finishes 2nd or 3rd
  9. SportsBetting.ag – 50% welcome bonus up to $500 + $25 risk-free horse racing bet
  10. XBet – Great range of exotic horse racing bets including Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared

Before you decide on which site to start betting on, we recommend taking the time to consider what each sportsbook has to offer. To help you out, we’ve provided more information about live-streaming opportunities and welcome bonuses available to bettors who decide to register at our recommended betting sites.

Rank Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Promo Code Live Streaming
#1 BetOnline 50% Risk-Free Bets Deposit Match up to $250 + 100 Free Spins FREE250
#2 Bovada 75% Deposit Bonus up to $750 BTCSWB750
#3 BetWhale 125% Deposit Bonus up to $1,250 for global thoroughbred and harness racing NO CODE NEEDED
#4 BetNow 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip MB100
#5 Everygame 50% Crypto Bonus up to $1,000

100% Non Crypto Bonus up to $500

CRYPTO1K

WELCOME500

#6 MyBookie 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 + $10 Casino Chip MB100
#7 CoinPoker Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $2,000 NO CODE NEEDED
#8 BetUS 125% (100% Sports and 25% Casino) up to $2,625 JOIN125
#9 SportsBetting.ag 50% Welcome Bonus up to $500

100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

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#10 XBet 50% Deposit Match up to $200

100% CrytoDeposit Match up to $200

XBWELCOME50

XBCRYPTO100

Top 5 Horse Racing Betting Sites Reviewed

There are some familiar and incredibly popular horse racing betting sites in our top 10. But what exactly do the top five have to offer, and how do they compare with one another?

1. BetOnline – The Best Horse Race Betting Site

BetOnline Horse Racing Wagering

  • Website: www.betonline.ag
  • Established: 2004
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Bank Transfer
  • License: Panama Gaming Commission
  • Top Horse Racing Offer: Up to 9% Rebate on Horse Racing Wagers

BetOnline is our pick of the best horse racing betting sites. They cover not only horse racing but 20+ other exciting sports to bet on. For racing fans, they offer a fantastic rebate program which is a generous 9% returned daily on exotic wagers and 4% daily on win, place, and show wagers. If you like placing wagers by phone, BetOnline offers a 5% daily rebate.

As well as the rebate scheme, they offer futures bets on all of the big racing events, but their unique bet type for race fans is their horse racing match-ups where you can back one horse against another.

BetOnline also allows increased track limits and maximum payouts at special category races, including the Kentucky Derby which are payouts up to $100,000 at Category A tracks, $25,000 at Category B Tracks, and $15,000 at Category C tracks.

While BetOnline doesn’t offer live streaming, there are plenty of racing betting promotions available. One of the best outside the standard $250 welcome bonus is a free $25 bet credit. If you place a horse racing wager and your selection loses, BetOnline will give you a free $25 bet credit to wager again. A great bonus to wager on an event like the Breeders Cup.

BetOnline is primarily a crypto horse racing betting site and one that accepts tokens such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano. Four of these tokens enable you to credit your account for as little as $10, although the minimum deposit limit for Ethereum is higher ($250). Typically, crypto withdrawals are processed instantly.

Customer support is available 24/7 at BetOnline through both an interactive live chat feature and email address ([email protected]). Your email queries will typically be answered within 24 hours and chat within minutes. BetOnline also operates a toll-free telephone number ((1-888-426-3661) for support and bet placement.

Pros:

  • Accepts a large number of cryptocurrencies
  • Daily rebate of up to 9% on selected horse race bets
  • Generous track limits at category A, B, and C tracks
  • Simple registration process

Cons:

  • There’s no live-streaming of horse racing
BetOnline Sports US
9.8

2. Bovada – The Best for Bonuses and Wagering

Bovada Horse Racing Wagering

  • Website: www.bovada.lv
  • Established: 2011
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Wire Transfer, MatchPay
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Top Horse Racing Offer: Horse Racing First Deposit Bonus Up to $750

Of the 29 sports categories available at Bovada, horse racing is one of the most widely covered with some of the best odds available. Here, you’ll find fixed odds and futures odds across a huge selection of Grade I thoroughbred races, including the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup. There’s an excellent live betting feature online too for selected sports.

Bovada does offer streaming of selected races, while the site’s Facebook offers accurate, real-time track odds throughout.

The Bovada welcome bonus also offers exceptional value when betting on horse racing, as this matches your first deposit by 75% up to $750 and carries wagering requirements of just 5x which is low for US sportsbooks and racebooks.

Your journey at Bovada starts when you click through the ‘JOIN’ button at the top of the page. You can then enter your personal data across two secure screens, including your state location (which will determine whether you can access the Bovada site). Then, just click ‘Register’ and head straight to the deposit page.

Bovada also accepts a generous range of payment methods, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. These options unlock low minimum withdrawal limits of just $10 (there’s no maximum crypto withdrawal limit at this site). At Bovada, you can also credit your account using VISA and Mastercard.

Bovada really excels from the perspective of customer support, thanks largely to its impressive ‘Help Centre’. This includes a detailed FAQ page, where you will also find a dedicated horse racing section. There’s a responsive live chat feature and email channel (https://www.bovada.lv/help/contact-us), while you can make contact via a toll-free telephone number (1-844-823-8669).

Pros:

  • Detailed horse racing FAQ section
  • A superb range of horse race betting futures
  • Welcome Bonus wagering requirements of just 5x
  • Excellent help center for customer support

Cons:

  • Limited options for horse racing parlays
Bovada Sports US
9.6

3. BetNow – The Horse Racing Site for Customer Support

BetNow Horse Racing Wagering

  • Website: www.betnow.eu
  • Established: 2015
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Checks, MoneyGram
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Top Horse Racing Offer: 10% Racing Rebate Direct to Your Account Weekly

BetNow is a highly trustworthy offshore sportsbook and one that puts horse racing at the center of its sports coverage. It has also a superb live betting experience, which combines extensive live streaming with real-time odds from more than 200 US-based and international race tracks. These odds are also highly competitive in the North American market.

BetNow offers generous payout limits too, with a maximum return of $30,000 available when betting on ‘Track A’ category races. You can also access extensive multi-race horse racing betting at BetNow, including the popular ‘Daily Double’ and potentially big win bets like the Pick 5 and Pick 6 wagers. The latter bets require you to pick either five or six consecutive winners at a selected race meet.

While the registration process at BetNow requires slightly more data, it’s still relatively easy to follow. Hit ‘JOIN’ and start to enter selected datasets, including your legal name, state, and DOB, before adding your mobile number and personalized security question. Then confirm whether you want to receive marketing messages and hit ‘Join’!

You’ll enjoy an excellent range of payment methods at BetNow, including popular debit and credit card options which include VISA, Mastercard, and Amex. You can also use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum. Add to that bank transfer, person-to-person, and Zelle payment options, and you’ll never be stuck for choice.

The speed of response through the BetNow customer support is impressive, as queries processed through live chat (you will need to be logged in) are typically answered within 60 seconds. Any emails that you send via email to [email protected] should be answered well within 24 hours too, while you can also make contact via the site’s toll-free number (1-844-823-8669).

Pros:

  • Extensive live sports streaming
  • Live odds from more than 200 tracks across the world
  • High maximum payouts for ‘Track A’ races
  • Industry-leading 10% horse racing rebate every Monday
  • Quality horse racing blog

Cons:

  • High wagering requirements
  • Low maximum payouts at international tracks
BetNow Sports US
9.6

4. BetUS – The Best Horse Racing Site for Live Streaming

Best Online Sportsbook in the USA - BetUS

  • Website: www.betus.com
  • Established: 1994
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Checks, MoneyGram
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Top Horse Racing Offer: Money Back if Your Horse Finishes 2nd or 3rd

BetUS covers a broad range of US and international races, which are featured as part of the site’s dedicated sportsbook. This may feature an average of 20+ thoroughbred racing and harness racing meets daily, giving you a choice of between 150 – 200 races each day. You can also take advantage of the “Money Back Special” on selected races. If you bet a horse to win and it finishes second or third, you’ll get your money back as a free bet credit.

You’ll also find the excellent BetUS TV channel here, which offers extensive coverage of selected races and has dedicated shows across multiple sports, including channels covering general sports betting strategy.

To sign up at BetUS, click the ’Get Started’ tab at the top of the screen. Then, enter your personal information as usual across three secure screens. Include your current state, name, and date of birth. Enter your information accurately, and your identity should be verified immediately.

You can instantly credit your BetUS account using accepted debit and credit cards, including American Express. You can also withdraw using cryptocurrencies, MoneyGram, and bank transfers, although the latter two options can take up to 15 days to process transactions. Crypto withdrawals (through Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum) are normally processed instantly if the blockchain is not too busy.

BetUS also offers extensive and 24/7 support through live chat, email, and toll-free telephone, while it boasts some of the best response times around too. You’ll find a wide range of informational links in the footer that cover the racebook, sportsbook, and casino, so you should not be lost for answers to any questions.

Pros:

  • Extensive live streaming through ‘BetUS TV’
  • Extensive selection of exotic bet types to choose from
  • Money back special if your horse does not win
  • Low minimum bet of $1 on horse racing

Cons:

  • Lacking a detailed FAQ page, but does have strong informational links in the website footer
  • 7-day bonus expiry
BetUS Sports US
9.6

5. MyBookie – The Best Horse Racing Betting Odds

MyBookie Horse Racing Wagering

  • Website: www.mybookie.ag
  • Established: 2014
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Person 2 Person
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Top Horse Racing Offer: 8% Horse Racing Rebate Credited Every Morning

Not only does MyBookie cover a huge range of horse races, but this selection also includes both thoroughbred and harness meetings. You’ll also find that the site offers some of the most competitive horse racing betting odds around, and their parlay betting options are one of the best in the industry with bettors being able to place win, place, and show parlays.

While the live streaming platform at MyBookie lacks the depth and coverage of BetUS and other sites, the site does run a generous horse racing rebate promotion. This offers a regular rebate of up to 8% depending on your betting frequency while qualifying wagers must return at least a $2.20 pari-mutuel or tote return to qualify for the rebate. There are no wagering requirements associated with this promotion either.

To sign up at MyBookie, you’ll need to click through to the website which you can do at the bottom of this review. Hit the ‘Join Now’ button. Next, provide a secure email and password, before adding additional personal details and a mobile number. Once your identity has been verified, you can complete your first deposit, and take advantage of one of the best set of horse racing markets available online.

You can complete MyBookie deposits via Visa, Mastercard, and selected cryptocurrencies, as well as the Person 2 Person (P2P) Platform (which processes deposits between $100 and $500). However, you can only withdraw funds using Bitcoin and bank transfers.

In addition to offering standard support options such as live chat, email, and phone (1-844-866-2387), MyBookie also boasts a comprehensive ‘Help Center’.

Here you’ll find various instructional, how-to videos, which explain basic facets of sports betting and may resolve some of your more basic questions.

Pros:

  • Highly competitive horse racing betting odds
  • Horse racing rebate offer of up to 8%
  • An excellent Help Center with How-to Videos
  • The best site for Breeders Cup Odds

Cons:

  • A shortage of payment options
MyBookie Sports US
9.6

Is Horse Racing Legal?

As we’ve touched on, a total of 41 states allow some form of brick-and-mortar horse race betting in the US, while 37 states have legalized online wagers on the sport.

So, where exactly can you bet on horses, and how does offline betting compare to the readily available online alternative?

How We Rate Horse Racing Sites

While each of our recommended horse racing betting sites here at ReadWrite offers different features and USPs, we use the same criteria to review and rank sportsbook operators every single time.

This enables you to directly compare operators quickly and efficiently, while you can also focus on the criteria that are most important to you. Here are the following metrics we use to rate horse racing sites.

Where Can I Bet on Horse Races?

Of the 41 US states that allow offline horse racing betting, 32 operate authorized and professional horse racing tracks. In total, there are over 300 such tracks across the length and breadth of North America, which can provide an immersive betting experience as you watch the action unfold!

Other states may feature so-called ‘racinos’. These refer to combined race tracks and casinos, where you can access selected horse racing betting markets and slot machines. Increasingly, you’ll find that racinos also offer more diverse casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

While racetracks tend to host a wider variety of meetings, racinos enable you to engage in casino gambling, too. They also played a key role in revitalizing the horse racing industry after attendance and popularity dwindled in the 1990s, particularly after the legalization of slots in Pennsylvania in 2004.

These Racinos provide revenue which is put back into the sport of horse racing in the form of purse money.

Of course, online horse racing betting is available in many US states through either tribal casinos or licensed offshore operators. This offers a much more convenient horse racing betting experience.

How to Sign Up for a Horse Racing Betting Account

If you decide to wager online, you must know how to register at your chosen horse racing betting site. While this process varies slightly from site to site, it’s usually relatively straightforward, so here’s a step-by-step guide using BetOnline as an example to help you get started!

  1. Step 1: Choose Your Online Horse Racing Betting Site

    Click through to the URL of your chosen horse racing betting site and hit the signup button. This may be titled ‘Join Now’ or ‘Register’, which is usually located in the top right-hand corner of the homepage.
    Step 1: Choose Your Online Horse Racing Betting Site
  2. Step 2: Register for Your Horse Race Betting Account

    At this stage, you’ll have to enter a name or unique username while also entering a secure password and email address.
    Step 2: Register for Your Horse Race Betting Account
  3. Step 3: Make Your First Deposit

    Once you have registered you will receive an email to confirm your account. Click the link to confirm and you’ll then be able to log in and make your first deposit and claim your bonus.
    Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
  4. Step 4: Start Betting on the Ponies

    You are now good to go, and can start placing your favorite horse racing bets and wagers.
    Step 4: Start Betting on the Ponies

Types of Horse Racing Bets and Markets

If you’ve ever read a horse racing betting guide, you’ll know that various wager types and markets are available. The horse racing betting system is unique in terms of the number of options available to bettors, including both standard and exotic wagers. Here are some examples:

Standard Wagers

We’ll start with standard wagers, among the most common and easiest to understand. They include:

  • Win – A ‘win’ or ‘moneyline’ bet requires you to pick the winner of a specific race. Depending on the size and quality of the field, this may unlock highly competitive ante-post odds.
  • Place – With a ‘place’ bet, you’ll back a horse to finish in one designated place (usually second, third, or fourth). The number of places may also increase, depending on the size of the field and any promotions that may be in play.
  • Show – This is also a straightforward bet, in which you’ll back a runner to either place first, second, or third in a particular race. This is available at most horse racing betting sites.
  • Across the Board – A slightly more complex but popular wager, this sees you place bets on a horse to win, place, and show in a single race. If your runner finishes first, you’ll win all three bets and an exceptional payout. A second-place finish will see the place and show bets payout while finishing third will secure a reduced show bet payout.

Exotic Wagers

Betting on horses also unlocks so-called “exotic wagers”, which can prove highly valuable for experienced bettors or those who know how to read form. Here are some of the most popular exotic bets:

  • Exacta – An exacta bet requires picking the runners that will finish first and second (in order) in a specific race. This is a simple bet to comprehend, similar to a ‘Trifecta’ bet that prompts you to predict the first three in official order in a single race.
  • Quinella – A quinella bet is similar, but you don’t need to predict the order, while it also asks you to pick the top two finishers in the race. So, it offers a far greater chance of winning but at less enticing odds.
  • SuperfectaThis is one of the more challenging horse racing bets, requiring you to predict the first four finishes in a race. Moreover, you’ll have to get the order exactly right so it can unlock potentially huge returns and requires significant knowledge of the competitors.
  • Super High Five – This is an extension of the Superfecta, as it asks you to predict the runners that will finish first, second, third, fourth, and fifth in a race. Once again, you’ll have to get the order in which they’ll finish right.
  • Daily Double – We’ve already touched on the ‘Daily Double’, an online and parimutuel wager type requiring you to pick the runners of two different races. This will be from selected races by the betting site, while some may allow you to pick three, four, five, or more winners at extended odds.

Horse Racing Betting Track Categories – Maximum Payout Comparison

Each online betting site or racebook will have its own maximum payouts for the various categories of sites. As an example, a track like Churchill Downs which hosts the Kentucky Derby each year is a Category A track, while a provincial track like Fort Erie would be a Category C track.

Let’s look at how each of our top 10 racebooks compare for maximum payouts. This can play a part in deciding which horse racing betting site to join.

Rank Racebook Category A Category B Category C
#1 BetOnline $100,000 $25,000 $15,000
#2 Bovada $30,000 $15,000 $10,000
#3 BetWhale N/A N/A N/A
#4 BetNow $30,000 $15,000 $10,000
#5 Everygame N/A N/A N/A
#6 MyBookie $40,000 $15,000 $5,000
#7 CoinPoker N/A N/A N/A
#8 BetUS $40,000 $20,000 $10,000
#9 SportsBetting.ag* $50,000 $25,000 $15,000
#10 XBet $20,000 $15,000 $5,000

* Sportsbetting.ag has a maximum payout limit of $100,000 on the Breeders Cup, Triple Crown, and selected Grade 1 races in the US and from international tracks.

Types of Horse Racing Bonuses

Depending on your choice of horse racing betting site, you’ll encounter various bonus types. Here’s a summary of the most common examples:

Welcome Bonus 50% to 200% Welcome Bonus

First deposit match offers

Minimum deposits and bonus codes may apply

Wagering requirements of between 4x and 30x the bonus value

BetOnline – 50% up to $1,000
Horse Racing Betting Rebate Bonuses Rebate on wagers placed and weekly losses

Up to different values

Minimum wager requirements

BetNow – 25% deposit match up to $250
Sportsbook Rebate Bonus Sportsbook rebate on weekly losses

Between 1% and 2% in returned losses

MyBookie – 8% weekly horse racing rebate

On qualifying wagers worth $2.20 or more.

Free Bet Offers Free bets up to a specified value

Usually matches a qualifying deposit or wager

Minimum odds apply

N/A

Our Top Horse Racing Betting Tips

 

While understanding the available wagers and bonuses is one thing, it can be hard to bet successfully and make the most of your bankroll. So, we’ve prepared some expert betting tips to help you on your way!

  • Check the Form (But Be Selective) – While ‘check the form’ is a generic betting advice, it still holds considerable merit. It’s important to be selective and analytical when considering form by focusing on factors such as a horse’s performance in specific categories, how they fare over a particular distance, and whether they prefer a particular type of going. This will lead to more informed decision-making over time.
  • Understand the Bet Types – As you’ve seen, many markets and wager types are available when betting on horses. However, it’s important to understand different types of bets before you wager your hard-earned cash, as you’ll need to select options that suit your knowledge base and underlying appetite for risk.
  • Look at Past Track Performances – This is another key consideration, as some trainer and jockey combinations are known to perform particularly well at certain tracks. Past performances may bear this out, so studying racecourse can identify runners that may offer tremendous value in a particular race.
  • Don’t Chase Losses – Disciplined bankroll management is key in horse racing betting. More specifically, you’ll need to ensure that you wager an amount you can comfortably afford to lose within a specific timeframe, while it’s important not to chase losses by betting more aggressively or outside of your means.

Banking Methods Available for Horse Racing Bettors

Different types of banking methods are available when betting on horse races, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and various cryptocurrencies. Here’s a breakdown of each payment type and its unique pros and cons!

Payment Method About Examples
Cryptocurrencies No fees

Payout within hours

Large withdrawal limits

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Litecoin

Ethereum

USDT

Traditional Payment Methods Fees may be applied on larger transactions

Not always accepted for withdrawals

Competitive deposit limits

Debit cards

Credit cards

Bank transfers

eWallets Payout within 24 hours

No or minimal fees applied

Skrill and Neteller may be ineligible to receive bonuses

PayPal

Skrill

Neteller

ecoPayz

The Biggest Races in the United States

Most Americans are familiar with the so-called “Triple Crown” in horse racing, which includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes. But are there any other iconic races you can wager on in North America?

Kentucky Derby

  • Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
  • When: May
  • Age of the Horses: 3-year-old thoroughbreds
  • Race Distance: 1¼ miles

The Kentucky Derby is America’s most famous horse race, usually taking place in the first week of May. It’s the first leg of the iconic Triple Crown, first hosted in May 1875.

The Preakness

  • Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
  • When: May
  • Age of the Horses: 3-year-old thoroughbreds
  • Race Distance: 1+3⁄16 miles

The Preakness Stakes is another Grade 1 thoroughbred race in the third week of May, shortly after the Kentucky Derby. It’s the second leg of the Triple Crown and outdates the Derby by two years, inaugurated in 1873.

Belmont Stakes

  • Where: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York
  • When: June
  • Age of the Horses: 3-year-old thoroughbreds
  • Race Distance: 1+1⁄2 miles

This is the third leg of the Triple Crown and is typically held during the first two weeks of June. It’s the oldest race in the Triple Crown, launched on June 19th, 1867, and is typically contested over one-and-a-half miles. The winner here can bank a cool $2 million.

Haskell Stakes

  • Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport, New Jersey
  • When: August
  • Age of the Horses: 3-year-old thoroughbreds
  • Race Distance: 1+1⁄8 miles

The Haskell Stakes is also a Grade 1 thoroughbred race for three-year-olds, while it’s the signature event for the Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey. It’s contested over a mile, usually in good-to-firm going.

Breeder’s Cup World Championship

  • Where: Various
  • When: December
  • Age of the Horses: Various
  • Race Distance: Various

The Breeder’s Cup World Championship features a series of G1 races at different locations, with the final one held at the iconic Churchill Downs track in Kentucky. It’s one of the world’s most prestigious and lucrative events, with a variable annual prize fund of between $1 and $6 million.

The Best Horse Racing Betting Site

Horse racing betting remains incredibly popular in the US, while there are several domestic and international events that offer access to a huge range of betting markets. In states that haven’t officially legalized horse racing betting, you can usually wager at licensed offshore sportsbooks, including those recommended in this guide!

Our pick as the best horse racing betting site is BetOnline, which offers a superb all-round experience and excellent race coverage. However, we’d also recommend that you compare our comprehensive reviews to make your choice so that you can find the site that best suits you!

Editors' Choice

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Responsible Gambling

Like any form of sports wagering, horse racing betting is incredibly risky and challenging. This is why it’s important to practice responsible gambling at all times, whether you consider your bankroll management or your approach to dealing with losses.

Remember, if you do start to gamble outside of your means or spot signs of problem behavior, there are resources you can lean on for help.

Related Online Betting Guides

Horse Racing Betting FAQs

Is horse racing legal in the US?

What is the best horse racing betting site?

What is the most profitable way to bet on horse racing?

What is the best bet to place in horse racing?

Which US racetrack hosts the Breeders Cup?

 

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Lewis Humphries
Sports Betting Expert

Lewis is a seasoned sports writer and betting expert at ReadWrite. He has been written about sports, remote betting and sportsbooks for more than 10 years, with his work featuring in publications such as The Boot Room, Yahoo Sports and 90min. He writes most extensively about soccer, basketball, American football and boxing, but retains an interest in a huge range of sports.

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