Top Horse Racing Betting Sites: Best Online Racebooks Reviewed

Author Image Author: | Last Updated: August 2024

Even if you don’t live close to a race track, you can still bet on horse races online. We’ve picked out the best horse racing betting sites for novices and pros alike, and vetted each option against our stringent ranking criteria. 

On this page, we explain how we rank horse racing betting sites, discuss the biggest races to wager on, and share our top tips for betting on horse races. Let’s start by checking out the best racebook overall.

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Why BetNow is the Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site

Why BetNow is the Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site

Looking for the very best racebook online? Look no further than BetNow. All of our recommended horse race betting sites are excellent options for many reasons, but we’re confident that BetNow is the pick of the bunch. 

Best Overall Horse Race Betting Site

BetNow
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
betnow screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Blackjack, Roulette +4 more Baccarat, Craps, Video poker, Live dealer.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: MasterCard, Bitcoins, Visa +2 more American Express, Bitcoin Cash.

BetNow allows you to wager on both thoroughbred and harness races from around the world. Not only can you bet on North American events, but you can also bet on races in the UK, Ireland, Australia, France, South Africa, Sweden, Japan, and Dubai. Plus, you can choose from a variety of wagers, including straights, exactas, and trifectas.

We also love the attention to detail at the BetNow racebook. They provide tons of information about each race, from the race length and track condition to the horse weight and trainer. You can even use the search bar to look for races at specific tracks.

In addition to their generous 150% welcome bonus, BetNow offers racebook rebates and ongoing promotions. They’re also renowned for their betting contests, so keep an eye out for horse racing contests when the major events roll around.

  • Flexible welcome bonuses
  • Weekly NFL, MLB and NBA contests with $10,000 giveaways
  • Comprehensive sportsbook with great odds
  • Great live dealer casino
  • Variety of banking options including multiple cryptocurrencies
  • Lacking slots and table game variety
  • Payout fees and restrictions on some banking options
  • Outdated UI design

Ranking the Best Online Racebooks 

We rank BetNow as the best racebook on the internet, but it’s not the only site that we recommend.  

In this section, we highlight the rest of our top-rated horse race betting sites. As you’ll see, each of our recommendations specializes in a specific area. 

Best Horse Racing Betting Site for Beginners

Bovada
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
bovada screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 more Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Keno, Live dealer.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoins +6 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Secure Voucher, Bank Transfer, Check.

If you’re new to betting on horse races, Bovada is the ideal place to start. Their beginner-friendly racebook is super-easy to use, so you can select a race, view the available bets, and place your wagers without any problems.

Bovada also offers low minimum deposits of just $5, enabling you to get started without breaking the bank. They accept multiple debit/credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and bank transfers, and you can take advantage of a 50% sports welcome bonus up to $750 on your first deposit.

Better still, most of Bovada’s promotions come with a generous 5x rollover for horse racing betting. This is another reason why Bovada is the best racebook for beginners.

  • Multiple welcome bonuses to choose from, including sports, casino, and poker
  • More than 300 slot machines from Rival Gaming
  • Extensive sportsbook with props builder and live betting
  • No fees for withdrawals
  • Dedicated racebook for horse race betting on worldwide races
  • Bitcoin Exclusive membership, regularly offering you more promotions such as 50% reload bonuses
  • Lacks multiple bitcoin withdrawal options

Best Site for Horse Racing Bonuses

MyBookie
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
mybookie screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +4 more Baccarat, Roulette, Keno, Scratch tickets.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoins +10 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, Cardano, Dogecoin, MoneyGram, Person2Person Transfers, eCheck, Bank Transfer.

MyBookie boasts a big array of bonuses and promotions, many of which favor horse racing bettors. You can start by claiming the 50% sports welcome bonus up to $1,000, which is subject to a favorable 10x wagering requirement.

Returning customers can access a 50% sports reload bonus and a 200% referral bonus. What’s more, MyBookie offers an exclusive 8% rebate on horse racing action. As long as you adhere to the terms and conditions, the funds will be deposited into your account the very next day.

MyBookie’s racebook serves up a range of markets for both thoroughbred and harness racing, with wagers available for events in the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Plus, their News section features useful previews, predictions, and picks.

  • Casino and sports betting site offering the best of both worlds
  • Sports betting bonus of 100% up to $1,000
  • Wide range of cryptocurrency banking options including Bitcoin
  • 130+ slots from BetSoft, Nucleus Gaming, BGaming, and more
  • Impressive selection of table games including craps and rummy
  • High turnover requirements on casino bonuses
  • No live dealer poker games, just an online poker room

Best Online Racebook for Bet Variety

BetUS
125% up to $2,625 Welcome Bonus
Casino Games: Blackjack, Slots, Video poker +2 more Roulette, Baccarat.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +7 more American Express, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bank Transfer, Bankwire, Check.

All of our top-ranked horse racing betting sites offer multiple bet types, but BetUS stands out from the crowd in this category. In addition to straight wagers, BetUS offers exotic wagers like exactas, trifectas, superfectas, daily doubles, and pick 3.

On top of that, BetUS consistently dishes up horse racing futures and props. Head to the Locker Room to get up to speed on all the latest developments from the world of horse racing, and then use the information you’ve collected to take advantage of the impressive variety of markets.

It is also worth noting that BetUS has multiple welcome bonuses for both cash and crypto users, as well as many evergreen promotions for frequent bettors.

  • Several different welcome bonus options including a 200% crypto bonus
  • 300+ casino games, including slots and live-dealer
  • Sports Betting options include: pro football, college football, live betting and more
  • Same-day payouts up to $5000
  • Limited time (14 days) to clear bonus playthrough requirements
  • Money you wager on casino games does not count towards the loyalty program
  • BetUS is not available in Washington state

Best Range of Banking Methods

BetOnline
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
betonline screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 more Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Live dealer, Progressive jackpot.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +14 more Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Interac e-Transfer, Person2Person Transfers, Money Order, Bank Transfer, Check, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ripple, Tether, Usdt.

BetOnline is the best racebook when it comes to the variety of banking methods available. Whether you’re a traditional debit/credit card user or a modern crypto fanatic, BetOnline has the banking option for you.

You can deposit with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. BetOnline also accepts 18 different cryptos, from popular options like Bitcoin and Ethereum to niche options such as Polygon and Shiba Inu. Most cryptos have a $20-$100,000 deposit limit, which is ideal for bankrolls of all sizes.

BetOnline also allows you to withdraw funds via bank transfer, money order, check by courier, and Person 2 Person transactions. So, grab a welcome bonus and explore their giant selection of horse racing betting markets.

  • All-in-one casino and sportsbook with excellent live poker rooms
  • 100% welcome bonus up to $1000 can be claimed up to three times
  • Excellent range of deposit methods including crypto, credit cards, and transfers
  • Free deposits and withdrawals with Bitcoin and other cryptos
  • Dedicated racebook with live betting
  • Wide range of video poker and obscure/ specialty games
  • Available to players in all 50 US states
  • Bonus turnovers are as high as 45x
  • Limited options for non-cryptocurrency withdrawals
  • 9.75% charges on deposits made with cards
Comparing Our Favorite Racebooks

Comparing Our Favorite Racebooks

SportsbookWelcome BonusHorse Rebate?Min DepositRead Review
BetNow150% up to $22510% weekly rebate$1BetNow Review
Bovada50% up to $750Up to 5% weekly cashback$5Bovada Review
MyBookie50% up to $1,0008% weekly rebate$20MyBookie Review
BetUS100% up to $2,500N/A$10BetUS Review
BetOnline50% up to $1,0009% daily rebate$20BetOnline Review
How We Rank the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

How We Rank the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

You will be pleased to learn that we don’t just recommend any old racebook. Our process for rating and ranking gambling sites is thorough and stringent, so you can rest assured that we only endorse the very best racebooks. 

Our top-rated horse race betting sites score top marks in each of the following areas:

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Horse Racing Betting Coverage

Naturally, all of our recommended online racebooks provide extensive horse racing betting coverage. This means that you can wager on a wide variety of events from around the world. On top of that, our favored sites offer an unrivalled range of horse racing betting markets and competitive horse racing odds.

jackpot

Attractive Bonuses and Promotions

We only endorse racebooks that offer attractive bonuses and promotions with honest terms and conditions. All of our top-ranked sites for betting on horse races serve up an array of deals, from generous welcome bonuses to ongoing promotions. Plus, the best racebooks have horse racing-specific offers, such as weekly or daily rebates.

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Safety and Security

If you want to bet on horse races online, you should always prioritize safety and security. Thankfully, our recommended sites are 100% trustworthy. Not only are they licensed and regulated by legitimate gambling organizations, but they also utilize TSL and SSL encryption technology to protect your private data.

hand-with-money

Fast Payouts

Horse racing is a fast-paced sport, with dozens of races taking place around the world each day. Accordingly, our favored online racebooks deliver speedy payouts. Better still, you can choose from a wide variety of withdrawal methods with no processing fees.

How to Choose the Best Online Racebook

How to Choose the Best Online Racebook 

Before you choose a site to bet on horse races online, you need to make sure that it suits your wants and needs. The information in this section will help you pick the best racebook for you, considering betting limits, markets, banking options, and other key factors.

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What Races and Events Do You Want to Wager On?

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Answer

Ben Morris, Author at GamblingSites.ORG,

Some sites only offer US races, while others offer events from across the globe. You will also come across varying options for thoroughbred and harness races. Before you join a racebook, be sure that it has the races and events you want to wager on. BetNow is an excellent option for race variety. 

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Which Horse Racing Betting Markets Do You Want to Target?

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Answer

Ben Morris, Author at GamblingSites.ORG,

If you’re serious about betting on horse races online, you should choose a site that offers a variety of markets and bet types. Are you happy with the traditional outrights, futures, and props? Or do you want access to exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas? 

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Are You Willing to Shop Around for Competitive Horse Racing Odds?

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Answer

Ben Morris, Author at GamblingSites.ORG,

Most gambling sites offer some kind of horse racing betting, but odds can vary drastically from racebook to racebook. That’s why we recommend shopping around to find the best prices before deciding where to place your wagers. 

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Which Horse Racing Betting Limits Suit You?

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Answer

Ben Morris, Author at GamblingSites.ORG,

Before you sign up to an online racebook, you should consider how much you want to wager. MyBookie is a great option for beginners, with minimum bets starting at just $0.05. If you’re more of a high roller, you can place wagers up to $20,000 at BetOnline. 

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What Banking Methods Do You Want to Use?

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Answer

Ben Morris, Author at GamblingSites.ORG,

Some racebooks offer multiple debit/credit card options, while others specialize in crypto. Many betting sites also accept bank transfers, e-wallets, and other digital payment methods. BetOnline has the most flexible range of banking methods out of our suggested racebooks. 

Blacklisted Sports Betting Sites

Top Horse Racing Events to Bet On 

The top online sports betting sites allow you to wager on all the biggest horse races from around the world. Below, we highlight the best events in the world of horse racing and explain how to find interesting races for yourself. 

  • Kentucky Derby – Widely regarded as the most prestigious horse race on the planet, the Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The annual event is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the most-watched horse race in the United States. 
  • Preakness Stakes – The Preakness Stakes is held annually on Armed Forces Day at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. First run in 1873, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the “Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing”, which also comprises the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. 
  • Grand National – Arguably the most popular horse race in the UK, the Grand National is a National Hunt event held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, England. Inaugurated in 1839, the handicap steeplechase sees horses jump 30 fences over two laps of the four-mile course. 
  • Melbourne Cup – Known in Australia as “The Races That Stops the Nation”, the Melbourne Cup is an annual Group 1 Thoroughbred event held at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse. The 3,200-meter turf race has been run every year since 1861, cementing its status as one of the world’s great horse races. 

Of course, betting on the most popular horse racing events is always fun. But we also recommend exploring the race calendar to find other opportunities. The best racebooks have schedules that highlight upcoming events, enabling you to target countless races.  

The sport of horse racing is hugely popular across the globe, from England and France to Australia and Hong Kong. If you’re serious about betting on horse races, we encourage you to consider all the different options. After all, niche races often serve up greater betting value. 

Top Tips for Winning at Sports Betting Sites

Essential Tips for Betting on Horse Races 

Now that you’re familiar with the best racebooks online, it’s time for us to share our top tips for betting on horse races. Choosing the right racebook is a vital part of the process, but you also need to have a strategy in place before you start wagering with real money.

Study the Form Guide

Before you bet on any horse race, you need to study the form guide. This will tell you how each horse has performed in recent races, and it will also give you a good idea of which horses might perform well in upcoming races. 

 

The form guide shows you where a horse placed in a race, if they had to pull out due to injury, the condition of the track, and much more. Collecting as much statistical information as possible will only increase your chances of winning money.

Consider Track Conditions and Distance

Different race courses have different track surfaces, such as turf, dirt, and synthetic. On top of that, each surface is impacted by the weather. Turf courses can become extremely boggy after heavy rain, while dirt tracks can dry up in hot conditions.

Certain horses perform better in specific conditions, so it’s important to consider the state of the track before parting ways with your cash. It is also worth noting that different horses perform better at different distances, so always check the course length.

Learn About Jockeys and Trainers

Of course, the horses are the stars of the show in the world of horse racing. But jockeys and trainers also play a key role in the sport. Certain jockeys specialize in specific events, while certain trainers are renowned for producing winning horses. 

 

With that in mind, we recommend looking out for in-form jockeys and trainers. If a trainer has produced a string of winners in recent races, it shows that the horses from their yard are in good health, making them a good bet as a result.

Don't Always Bet on the Favorite

One of the best things about horse racing betting is that the favorite doesn’t always win. In fact, the favorite typically wins around 30-35% of the time, with the second favorite winning around 18-21% of the time. This means that there is always plenty of value to be found. 

Sure, you can back the favorite if you’re confident that it’s the right bet. But don’t always wager on the favorite without rhyme or reason. Instead, study the form guide and look out for in-form horses with more favorable odds.

Horse Racing Blogs 

We have a range of useful resources to help you bet on horse races online. Our horse racing experts are always trying to develop new methods to beat the bookies, so be sure to check out the latest blog posts:

Responsible Gambling at Sports Betting Sites

While we love sharing the best horse race betting sites with you, it would be remiss of us not to highlight the dangers of gambling addiction. Betting on horse racing is supposed to be a fun pastime. But unfortunately, problem gambling remains within the community. 

If you or anyone you know struggles with gambling addiction, we urge you to make use of the following responsible gambling resources: 

  • National Council on Problem Gambling – The NCPG offers a range of responsible gambling tools for members of the public, as well as operators, regulators, and legislators. 
  • Responsible Gambling Council – The RGC is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling. 
  • Gamblers Anonymous – Find a GA meeting in your local area and beat gambling addiction by sharing your experience with others.

Racebooks Summary 

Our top-rated horse race betting sites offer an unrivalled selection of markets, attractive bonuses, and competitive odds. We rank BetNow as the best racebook overall, but we encourage you to explore each of our recommended sites. 

Remember that it’s important to pick the right horse racing betting site for you. Consider how often you plan to wager, how much you want to bet, and what your favorite kinds of bets are before choosing a site. 

Once you’ve found your preferred racebook, be sure to implement our top horse racing betting tips to gain an edge over the bookies. Good luck – we’re rooting for you!

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About the Author

Ben Morris is a sports and casino writer who started with GamblingSites.org in 2024. However, he has more than a decade of experience in the industry. He has a particular interest in European soccer, but also enjoys betting on tennis and playing online slot games. His work has appeared in Sportico and TheSportsGeek.