Best Horse Racing Betting Sites UK 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a complete newcomer, you’ll likely agree that horse racing is among the most popular sports in the UK’s wagering scene!
For those of you looking for a new bookmaker, TheBookmakers’ racing experts have curated an in-depth and exclusive list of the best horse racing websites and offers in the UK.
If you’re unfamiliar with using online platforms to place bets on horse racing, be sure to explore our detailed list of bookies that give you the most value for your money.
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GoldenBet is a popular betting platform that quickly became known as one of the top sports betting sites for races in the UK. With over 180 daily races to choose from, including events in Chile, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa, GoldenBet provides a fantastic 100% welcome sports bonus for new users.
Rolletto gives its users the option to place wagers on both traditional sports and horse races, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced bettors alike.
Mr Sloty is one of the more visually appealing platforms on our list, with a colorful and easy-to-use interface. Its horse racing offerings are competitive compared to other UK betting platforms, with more than 125 daily races to bet on, including events from the UK, US, Ireland, France, Japan, and Australia.
UK bettors can choose between Greyhound and Horse racing options at FreshBet. It’s no surprise that FreshBet is highly regarded in the UK, with over 500 betting markets available for these two sports alone.
MyStake lets you bet on a wide range of horse races. Which events are featured? Naturally, the most prestigious ones, including races in the UK, Ireland, Argentina, Mexico, and many more on the horizon.
At BetNow, you can enjoy live horse race streaming and betting from venues like Churchill Downs, Monmouth Park, and Keeneland. BetNow offers best odds guaranteed, live streaming, promotions, live odds, handicapping tips, and event results.
BetSwagger features 38 different sports for wagering, making it an impressive option for a smaller platform. With competitive odds, you can bet on a variety of high-profile races like the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Kentucky Derby, Grand National, Funabashi, and many more.
If you’re a fan of horse racing, GGBet provides access to major race meetings from the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, and North America, giving you plenty of betting options.
Interesting Facts About Horse Racing In The UK
- The revenue generated by horse race betting in the UK has dropped significantly over the past decade, falling from £5.74 billion in 2009 to £3 billion by March 2022. A steep decline in 2020 was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on sports events.
- Modern horse betting began in the UK during the early 1600s, under the reign of King James I.
- In the UK, most horse race bets are managed by bookmakers, whether through betting shops or online platforms.
- As of 2018, there were around 8,500 bookmakers in the UK. However, this number saw a significant drop following the 2019 regulations on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).
How To Choose A New Horse Racing Betting Site
TheBookmakers’ horse racing experts have considered the following key factors when evaluating the top horse racing betting sites:
The Betting Odds
The better the odds, the higher the potential payout for bettors. We recommend UK bookies with the most competitive odds for horse racing. We compare odds for similar markets across various platforms to ensure you’re getting the best odds guaranteed.
Client Assistance
Top horse racing betting sites should offer round-the-clock customer support. You should be able to contact the support team through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone, whenever issues arise.
Mobile Horse Racing Betting Apps
Your chosen betting site should offer a mobile site or app that’s just as easy to navigate as the desktop version. It should also offer added features, such as notifications for the latest horse racing odds.
Daily Racing Promotions
Leading horse racing betting sites stand out with special promotions. Common offers to look out for include odds boosts, free bet deals, new customer offers, extra places, and best odds guaranteed. For major events like the Cheltenham Gold Cup or Grand National, some bookmakers may even provide enhanced welcome bonuses such as “£30 in free bets”, “3x £10 free bets”, or “£5 free bet builder” promotions.
Big Races Offered
The biggest annual horse races should be the focus of any top-tier betting site. Bettors should see special offers from bookmakers for marquee events like the Grand National, Royal Ascot, and Cheltenham Festival. This may include free bet bonuses, enhanced odds, or additional each-way places for the major races.
Methods of Payment
Ensure the horse racing bookmaker you select accepts the payment methods you prefer for both deposits and withdrawals. A wide range of payment methods should be available, whether it’s debit cards or e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill. It’s also essential to review the deposit and withdrawal limits and processing times to make sure they meet your requirements.
Horse Racing Bookmaker Odds: Why They’re Important
Your winnings depend on the odds you accept when placing a bet. For new UK customers, it’s essential to know that odds are typically displayed as fractional odds; however, some people prefer decimal odds, and betting sites allow you to switch between the two.
For example, if a horse is listed at 2/1 and you place a £10 bet, and it wins, you’ll get your £10 stake back, along with a £20 profit. To pick the best odds, it’s important to compare different odds formats. By understanding how odds work—for instance, knowing that 13/8 is better than 6/4—you can maximise your potential payout by betting at the right time.
Popular Types Of Horse Racing Betting Offers In The UK and Ireland
Both new and returning horse racing fans can enjoy great incentives at the top online bookmakers offering horse racing on our list. Some of the most valuable betting offers to look out for include:
🎁 Welcome Bonus
After making your first deposit and placing an initial bet, the top betting sites for horse racing will reward you with free bets. This bonus is particularly attractive for new accounts. Free bets are a common promotional tool to attract new customers or reward loyal ones.
Free bet offers often pop up during major racing festivals such as the Epsom Derby or Cheltenham Festival. These offers can be used on any race, provided the minimum odds meet the specific terms and conditions. Additionally, free bets can be applied to accumulator bets featuring multiple horse racing selections.
🎁 Best Odds/Price Guaranteed
Some horse racing betting websites offer price guarantees, ensuring that no other bookmaker can beat their offer. Almost all UK bookmakers run the Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) promotion. If you take an early price and the Starting Price (SP) ends up being higher, the bookmaker will honour the better odds.
🎁 Money-Back Specials
Money-back specials offer a safety net by refunding your stake if your bet loses under certain conditions. These refunds usually come as bet credits, and sometimes they come with a 1x wagering requirement before you can withdraw any winnings.
🎁 Live Racing Special Deals
Many leading bookmakers provide live streaming and in-play betting, allowing bettors to watch and wager during the race. At times, you can earn free bets by backing a winner at certain odds in a live broadcast race.
🎁 Free Bets
After making your initial deposit and placing your first bet, the top horse racing betting sites will grant you free bets. This is particularly beneficial for new users. Free bets are also a popular way to retain loyal customers. Free bet offers are often available during major racing festivals like the Epsom Derby or Cheltenham Festival. As long as the minimum odds meet the offer’s specific conditions, any race can qualify for these free bet offers. Additionally, free bets can be used in accumulator bets with multiple selections.
🎁 Additional Places
Online bookmakers that specialise in horse racing often offer better place terms or extra places for each-way bets. If your horse finishes second, third, or fourth in an each-way bet, you’ll receive a percentage of the payout. Some bookies may even extend the offer to fifth or sixth place for specific races. This makes each-way betting more appealing, especially in large, competitive races with big fields.
Popular Horse Racing Bet Markets
The leading UK bookmakers aim to offer as many betting markets as possible. Some platforms even create special promotions or advertising campaigns to highlight their horse racing markets. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular horse racing markets:
- Favourite To Win The Race: This is the most beginner-friendly market, making it a favorite for first-time horse racing bettors. Simply pick the horse and jockey you believe will win the race.
- Each Way: This is one of the reasons horse racing bets are so popular. It involves placing two separate bets. For the wager to succeed, the horse must either win the race or place in one of the chosen spots. You can experiment with various each-way betting options as well.
- Forecast Bet: In this market, you bet on two horses, selecting the order in which they finish the race.
- Tricast Bet: Similar to the forecast bet, but in this case, you bet on the top three finishers. The odds are usually more favorable in this market because predicting three outcomes is more challenging.
- Horse Racing Multiples: Multiples are different from the other betting options discussed. They let you roll over returns from unsettled bets to make new ones. Essentially, you set a series of bets where, if one loses, the whole series is lost. However, if they all win, the payout can be significantly higher.
- System Bets: This strategy allows you to win even if not all your selections are correct. System bets are a more flexible option than multiples.
The Best Horse Racing Events To Bet On
The top horse racing bookies offer hundreds of races every day, especially in the UK and Ireland. However, a few standout events draw the most attention each year. TheBookmakers’ racing experts have compiled a list of the best events for horse racing betting:
The Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is one of the top flat horse racing events in the UK. It is the biggest meeting in Britain and one of the most eagerly anticipated races, with a total prize fund of about £9.5 million.
Royal Ascot features nine Group 1 races: the Queen Anne Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes, the St. James’s Palace Stakes, the Prince of Wales Stakes, the Ascot Gold Cup, the Commonwealth Cup, and the Coronation Stakes. The event’s prestige is enhanced by the presence of the Royal Family, alongside top jockeys, sprinters, stayers, and trainers.
The Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham showcases some of the most thrilling horse racing in the UK. Held every March, it is the most important event on the UK horse racing calendar. The festival hosts 14 of the season’s 40 Grade 1 races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Top hurdlers, chasers, jockeys, and trainers from the UK and Ireland gather for this grand event. Highlights include the Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle, Stayers’ Hurdle, and Ryanair Chase.
It’s worth looking out for special offers and better odds, as bookmakers often step up their game during the Cheltenham Festival to compete for customers.
The Grand National
The Grand National, held in April after the Cheltenham Festival, is the most-watched horse race in the world, with more than 600 million viewers globally, surpassing even Australia’s Melbourne Cup.
Taking place at Aintree, the race covers a grueling four miles and 514 yards, with 40 horses facing more than 30 daunting fences over two laps. Many horses struggle to finish, making it a true test of endurance.
Famous obstacles like The Chair and Canal Turn make the Grand National an unforgettable spectacle.
Why Betting on Horse Racing Is Still Very Popular
Since the early days of civilization, people have been captivated by horses and racing. It’s no wonder that horse racing remains the second most popular spectator sport in the United Kingdom.
✅ Plenty of Information
With so much data available, horse racing fans can make more informed decisions. Experienced bettors know that knowledge is key. You have access to detailed insights on horse races, top jockeys, leading horse breeds, top meetings, race schedules, odds from different bookmakers, various bet types, and much more.
✅ Quick Outcomes
Horse racing offers some of the fastest results in the world of sports. Since most races last less than 15 seconds, it’s ideal for fast-paced betting, especially for those on the go. With constant races happening around the globe, quick decisions can be made using the available data. If you enjoy mobile betting, horse racing should definitely be at the top of your list.
✅ It Makes Betting Fun
Horse racing is a beloved tradition in the UK and Ireland, bringing fans and families together for exciting events like Royal Ascot and Cheltenham. Betting on races fosters lively discussions among fans as they exchange tips and insights on different horses and races. Whether at home or on the track, these events create a fun and social atmosphere.
✅ It Gives Bettors A Rush Of Adrenaline
The speed and intensity of horse racing events are what makes them so thrilling. When there’s a bet involved, the excitement of following the horses is even greater. For those who love quick outcomes, horse racing offers the perfect blend of fast-paced action and immediate rewards.
✅ Massive Wins
Horse racing offers better odds compared to many other sports, especially when betting on UK and Irish platforms. Huge events like the Kentucky Derby or the Belmont Stakes present opportunities for bettors to land big wins.
✅ Promotions and Bonuses
Due to the immense popularity of horse racing, more betting platforms are including it in their offerings. UK betting sites provide incredible incentives and promotions to attract new bettors. New users can enjoy free bets, bonus money, and odds boosts to enhance their betting experience. These deals and promotions increase your chances of winning and make the experience more enjoyable.
How To Raise Your Odds Of Selecting A Horse To Win
Picking a winning horse requires more than just guessing and hoping for the best. You can increase your chances by carefully analyzing the competition. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a horse to bet on:
- Physical condition: Is your horse in good shape and has it been performing well in recent races? Horses go through both good and bad phases, so look for those that are currently running in top form.
- Race Circumstances: The conditions of the race are crucial in determining the outcome. Is your horse comfortable with the current race conditions, or do they pose a challenge? Always take the track and weather conditions into account.
- The Horse’s Weight: In handicap races, horses carry different weights to ensure a fair competition. Is your horse carrying too much weight, or is it manageable for its ability? Make sure to check if the assigned weight is suitable.
- Race Distance: Races vary in distance; is the distance suitable for your selected horse? Ensure the race length matches the horse’s stamina and running style. Some horses perform better over longer distances, while others excel in shorter sprints.
Easy Horse Racing Tips For Betting
When placing your next wager, consider these simple but effective tips to help improve your chances of picking a winning horse.
✔️ Consider The Horse’s Current Form
You don’t need to be an expert to analyze a horse’s form. Simply looking at horses that have recently won or consistently placed near the top can be a good starting point for identifying potential winners.
✔️ Don’t Ignore The Track Conditions
The racecourse conditions, or “going,” play a significant role in a horse’s performance. Some horses prefer soft ground, especially in winter, while others perform better on firmer tracks. Look at how your horse has performed on similar ground conditions in the past to help narrow down your choices.
✔️ Keep An Eye On The Jockey
The jockey is often an important factor in a race. Top jockeys tend to be paired with the best horses, usually from larger stables with bigger budgets. These jockeys often work with high-quality horses, giving them a better chance of winning.
Safest vs. Most Profitable Horse Racing Bet
When betting on horse racing, there are two approaches: playing it safe or aiming for big profits. While there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to bet, it’s important to understand how each method works and what you need to do to succeed.
If you go for the most profitable bet, you’re usually betting at high odds, hoping for a big payout. Your strike rate doesn’t need to be high, as a win can yield significant returns.
The safer strategy involves placing bets at lower odds and sometimes picking two or three horses in the same race. This approach requires a much higher strike rate because you’re winning smaller amounts more frequently. Favourites often have lower odds, so the payouts are smaller, meaning you’ll need to win more often.
If you choose two horses in a race, your returns will be smaller as your stake is split between the two.
Final Words
At this point, you should have all the information needed to confidently place a horse racing bet. All the bookmakers listed here are worth trying, as TheBookmakers.co.uk only recommends trustworthy platforms for horse racing. If you need more details, feel free to check out our in-depth bookmaker reviews before making your choice.
FAQ
Is horse race betting legal in the UK?
Yes, horse race betting is legal in the UK, and it’s one of the most popular betting sports.
What are the most well-known horse racing competitions?
The Grand National is probably the most famous horse race in the UK. Other major annual events include the Epsom Derby and the Cheltenham Festival’s Gold Cup. You can bet on dozens of races every day, both in the UK and internationally, at any of the horse racing sites mentioned in our guide.
What are the crucial things to consider when placing a horse racing bet?
The most important factor when placing a bet is the horse racing odds. Before making a large wager, it’s wise to compare the odds across different bookmakers to find the best value. A horse’s current form, the jockey, and the horse’s past performance at that particular track are also key considerations.
What is an each-way bet?
With each way betting, you place a bet on a horse, and you can still win money even if it doesn’t finish first. For example, if your each-way horse finishes second, you’ll still receive a payout. However, the odds for your return will be lower—usually 1/5 or 1/4 of the win odds.
