Best Horse Racing Betting Sites for 2024

Horse racing betting in the US is allowed in 41 states. A further 30 states have legalized online horse racing wagering, while more than $12.2 billion was bet on events stateside in 2022 alone. That number is going to rise in the future. That’s a safe bet.

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 sites in the US while appraising some of the most popular horse racing betting markets!

The Best Horse Racing Betting Bonus Offers

  • All
  • Crypto Sportsbook
  • Telegram Betting

50% Welcome Bonus Up to $1,000

50% Welcome Bonus Up to $1,000

  • Official betting partner of La Liga, Golden Boy, and the LFA, offering Pick'em and Survivor
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9.8
5 Stars BetOnline Sports US
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$750 Bitcoin Sports Welcome Bonus

$750 Bitcoin Sports Welcome Bonus

  • Rewards Program with points from every wager that are redeemable for prizes
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  • Selective live streaming, & personalized bets with #What'sYaWager feature on X
9.7
5 Stars Bovada Sports US
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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
9.7
5 Stars BetWhale Sports US
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Instant 200% Bonus Up to 10ETH

Instant 200% Bonus Up to 10ETH

  • Exclusively on Telegram Messenger, offering fully anonymous betting with no KYC
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9.7
5 Stars TG Casino Sports US
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Up to $5,555 Welcome Package

Up to $5,555 Welcome Package

  • Improved live betting with multiscreen technology, multiview and halftime betting
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  • Direct SMS delivery of exclusive sports offers to bettors
9.8
5 Stars Everygame Sports US
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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
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9.6
5 Stars BetUS Sports US
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  • Reload bonuses & 8% racebook rebates + risk-free bets & odds boosts via VIP+
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9.6
5 Stars MyBookie Sports US
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NO CODE REQUIRED

200% Crypto Bonus

200% Crypto Bonus

  • 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 BetNow Sports US
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125% Welcome Bonus + Contest Starting Kit

125% Welcome Bonus + Contest Starting Kit

  • Racebook with exclusive bonus covering US and international racing
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9.5
5 Stars Jazz Sports US
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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
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  • Sports reload bonus of 25% and ongoing promotions for registered bettors
9.7
5 Stars Sportsbetting US
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Show More Offers+

List of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

  1. BetOnline – The Best Horse Race Betting Site
  2. Bovada – The Best for Bonuses and Wagering
  3. BetNow – The Horse Racing Site for Customer Support
  4. BetUS – The Best Horse Racing Site for Live Streaming
  5. MyBookie – The Best Horse Racing Betting Odds
  6. BUSR – The Best for Horse Racing Coverage
  7. SportsBetting.ag – The Best Live Horse Racing Betting Site
  8. Jazz Sports – The Best Crypto Horse Racing Betting Sites
  9. XBet – The Best Horse Racing Betting Interface
  10. Everygame – Exceptional Coverage of US Race Meetings

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared

Rank Online Operator Welcome Bonus Promo Code Live Streaming
#1 BetOnline 50% Deposit Match up to $1000 BET1000
#2 Bovada 50% Deposit Match up to $250 BV100
#3 BetNow 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 BN100
#4 BetUS 125% (100% Sports and 25% Casino) up to $3125 JOIN125
#5 MyBookie 50% Deposit Match up to $1000 MYB50
#6 BUSR 100% Deposit Match up to $2500 SPORTS100FP
#7 SportsBetting.ag 100% Deposit Matches Across Your First Two Deposits up to $500 DOUBLEUP
#8 Jazz Sports 50% Deposit Match up to $1,000 JAZZ50
#9 XBet 50% Deposit Match up to $500 N/A
#10 Everygame 100% Deposit Match up to $500 WELCOME500

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 Sports Betting

  • Website: www.betonline.ag
  • Established: 2004
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Bank Transfer
  • License: Panama Gaming Commission
  • Restricted States: None

Betting Options: 5/5

BetOnline is our pick of the best horse racing betting sites, which covers horse racing alongside 22 other sports. It certainly offers an extensive range of horse racing futures, while the site’s dedicated ‘Racebook’ also provides extensive live and in-play betting. BetOnline also allows increased track limits and maximum payouts at special category races, including the Kentucky Derby.

Streaming & Features: 4/5

While BetOnline doesn’t offer live streaming, there are plenty of racing betting promotions available. For example, the site offers up to 9% in daily rebates across selected bets, while there’s also a $25 risk-free bet for new customers. This allows you to wager up to $25 on a selected runner, and if they fail to win, your stake amount will be refunded as a free bet.

Registration Process: 5/5

The registration process is straightforward at BetOnline. You simply have to hit the ‘JOIN’ button  in the top right-hand corner of the homepage, before confirming a unique email address and username. Then, you’ll have to enter your name, DOB and physical address on a single screen, and if your identity is verified, you can head straight to the cashier and make your first deposit.

Payment Methods: 4.5/5

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 within a couple of hours.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

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. BetOnline also operates a toll-free telephone number ((1-888-426-3661), which is a welcome feature that’s relatively responsive, too.

Pros:

  • Accepts a large number of cryptocurrencies
  • Daily 9% rebates on selected horse race bets
  • Generous track limits
  • A straightforward registration process

Cons:

  • There’s no live-streaming platform

2. Bovada – The Best for Bonuses and Wagering

Bovada Sports Betting

  • Website: www.bovada.lv
  • Established: 2011
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Wire Transfer, MatchPay
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Restricted States: Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware

Betting Options: 4.5/5

Of the 24 sports categories available at Bovada, horse racing is one of the most competitively priced and widely covered. Here, you’ll find fixed odds and futures 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.

Streaming & Features: 4.5/5

You can also livestream selected races at Bovada, while the site’s Facebook offers accurate, real-time track odds throughout. You’ll also find a variety of prop betting options and exotic wager types available, many of which are incredibly competitively priced. The Bovada welcome bonus also offers exceptional value when betting on horse racing, as this matches your first deposit by 50% up to $250 and carries wagering requirements of just 5x.

Registration Process: 4.5/5

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.

Payment Methods: 4/5

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 selected credit cards, while withdrawals are also available via bank transfer.

Customer Support: 5/5

Bovada really excels from the perspective of customer support, thanks largely to its impressive ‘Help Centre’. This includes a detailed FAQ page and a ‘Community’ feature through which engaged users can answer your queries. There’s also a responsive live chat feature and email channel ([email protected]), while you can make contact via a toll-free telephone number (1-844-823-8669).

Pros:

  • Live streaming and real-time track odds
  • A superb range of horse race betting futures
  • Welcome Bonus wagering requirements of just 5x
  • An excellent Help Center for customer support

Cons:

  • Limited withdrawal options

3. BetNow – The Horse Racing Site for Customer Support

BetNow Sports Betting

  • Website: www.betnow.eu
  • Established: 2015
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Checks, MoneyGram
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Restricted States: None

Betting Options: 4.5/5

BetNow is a highly trustworthy offshore sportsbook, and one that puts horse racing at the center of its sports coverage. It has also created 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.

Streaming & Features: 4.5/5

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’ wager. This requires you to make a pick of the first races on any given day and can deliver exceptional rates of return.

Registration Process: 4/5

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’!

Payment Methods: 4/5

You’ll enjoy an excellent range of banking methods at BetNow, including popular debit and credit options and MoneyGram (which is a peer-to-peer payment platform). You can also withdraw using selected cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum. You can also credit your account using crypto, although Ethereum has a minimum deposit limit of $250.

Customer Support: 5/5

The speed of response through the BetNow customer support is impressive, as queries processed through live chat 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 streaming
  • Live odds from than 200 tracks across the world
  • High maximum payouts for ‘Track A’ races
  • ‘Daily Double’ wager options

Cons:

  • High wagering requirements

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
  • Restricted States: None

Betting Options: 4/5

BetUS also 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 races daily, including futures on high-profile meetings like the Kentucky Derby. You may also find dedicated racebook promotions too, including a $250 cash bonus when you deposit $100 or more.

Streaming & Features: 5/5

You’ll also find the excellent BetUS TV channel here, which offers extensive coverage of selected races and dedicated shows across multiple sports. When you place either ante post or in-play exacta or trifecta bets, BetUS will issue a partial refund if one of your picks is scratched. This can help you to minimize losses when engaging in horse racing betting.

Registration Process: 4.5/5

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, including your current state, name and date of birth. So long as you enter your information accurately, your identity should be verified immediately. If you prefer to register by speaking to an agent, call BetUS toll free on 1-800-973-6659.

Payment Methods: 4/5

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 transfer, although the latter two options can take up to 15 days to process transactions. Crypto withdrawals (through Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum) should be processed within 24 hours.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

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. There’s an FAQ link at the bottom of the homepage as well, and while this includes valuable information, the site would benefit from expanding this section.

Pros:

  • Extensive live streaming through ‘BetUS TV’
  • Partial refunds for combination bets
  • Dedicated Facebook promotions

Cons:

  • Lacking a detailed FAQ page

5. MyBookie – The Best Horse Racing Betting Odds

MyBookie Sportsbook

  • Website: www.mybookie.ag
  • Established: 2014
  • Deposit methods: Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies, Person 2 Person
  • License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
  • Restricted States: Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania

Betting Options: 4/5

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, while MyBookie regularly uses price boosts to create further value for bettors.

Streaming & Features: 4/5

While the live streaming platform at MyBookie lacks the depth and coverage of BetUS, 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 be worth $2.20 or more. There are no wagering requirements associated with this promotion either.

Registration Process: 4.5/5

To sign up at MyBookie, you’ll need to click through the website listed above and hit the ‘Join Now’ button. Then 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, while you’ll need to enter any relevant promo codes at this time too.

Payment Methods: 4/5

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 transfer, and the site would benefit from adding more options in this respect.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

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’ complete with FAQ resource. This is also home to various instructional, how-to videos, which explain basic facets of sports betting and may resolve some of your more basic queries.

Pros:

  • Highly competitive horse racing betting odds
  • Horse racing rebate offer of up to 8%
  • An excellent Help Center with How-to Videos

Cons:

  • A shortage of withdrawal options

How We Rate Horse Racing Sites

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

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

Deposit & Withdrawal Options

All of our five recommended horse racing betting sites accept cryptocurrencies, alongside traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards or ewallets. Regardless, we’ll ensure that sites use secure and trusted banking methods to process payments, while comparing the average payout times and transaction limits for each one.

Safety and Security

While all the sportsbooks and horse race betting sites on our list may be based offshore, we’ve ensured that they’re licensed by a recognized and reputable authority (such as the Curacao e-Gaming Authority). At the same time, sites should boast 128-bit SSL encryption as a minimum standard, in order to secure your personal and transaction data.

Payout Speeds

Payout speed has a significant bearing on your horse racing betting experience, while this also varies from one payment method to another. Individual betting sites also have their own internal processing procedures, so we’ll strive to identify accurate payout times for every sportsbook and banking method covered.

Bonuses

When you sign up at an offshore betting site, you’ll want to know precisely what to expect from the welcome bonus. While this tends to take the form of a deposit match, it can vary in terms of value, minimum deposit limits and wagering requirements, so we’ll review every available offer and its unique T&Cs.

Races Available

Each of our recommended horse racing betting sites also vary when it comes to the amount of races that they cover. While some may focus on domestic meetings, for example, sites like BetNow cover action from more than 200 tracks across the globe. So, our reviews will include information on both race coverage and the range of wager types available.

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 31 states have legalized online wagers.

Federal laws may prohibit you from wagering at offshore horse racing betting sites, but it’s important to check to see if your state has its own legislation that prohibits this practice.

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

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.

Of course, online horse racing betting is available in virtually every US state through either native brands or licensed offshore operators. This offers a much more convenient horse racing betting experience, but it’s by no means the only way of backing your preferred runners and riders!

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 to help you get started!

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

    Click through 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 left or right-hand corner of the homepage.
  2. BetOnline Sports Betting

  3. Step 2: Open Your Horse Race Betting Account

    At this stage, you’ll have to confirm an email address and unique username while also entering a secure password. Once confirmed, you can enter the details of your brand-new account!
  4. Step 3: Securely Enter Your Personal Details

    With sites like BetOnline, you’ll usually have to enter your personal information across two secure screens. Key information includes your legal name, DOB, state of residence, and physical address, while some sites may ask you to create a security question and answer.
  5. BetOnline sign up forms.

  6. Step 4: Verify Your Account Information

    So long as you enter the required information honestly and accurately, your horse racing betting site should automatically confirm and verify your identity. If not, they may ask you to provide proof of your address or identity, such as a utility bill, passport, or social security number.
  7. Step 5: Process Your First Deposit

    With BetOnline, you’ll be immediately transferred to the cashier page once your identity has been verified and your account information confirmed. If not, you’ll have to seek out the ‘Cashier’ or ‘Deposit’ page to credit your account while ensuring that you deposit the minimum amount and enter the right promo code to qualify for a specific welcome bonus.
  8. Bonus add on at BetOnline

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.
  • Superfecta: This 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.

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

Image of horse racing, including jockeys, at a racecourse. Flutter Entertainment has posted strong revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023.

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!

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. These include the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which has comprehensive online resources and can be reached through 1-800-GAMBLER. The important thing is that you reach out as soon as possible!

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?

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors 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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