Horse racing betting is one of the most popular forms of placing bets online in the UK, but what are the best sites for doing so, and why is horse racing such an exciting betting opportunity? We’re here to help find all the answers in this article. Horse racing has become so popular due to its range of exciting events, top betting options, unique strategy, and, of course, the thrilling experience of watching the races. 

Top Horse Racing Betting Sites UK For April

  • bet365 - Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

T&Cs: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. View Significant and Full Terms and Conditions.

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required. GambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission

Disclaimer: The promotional terms and conditions for the above offers are displayed at the bottom of this page.

Best Betting Sites for Horse Racing

Listed below are the best horse racing betting sites in the UK, according to our experts. Check them out to decide which is the best for you.

bet365

Next on our list is a powerhouse in the sports betting industry, especially for horse racing. bet365 is a household name in the UK, so you have likely heard it mentioned as a top horse racing platform before, but what makes this the case? For starters, bet365 offers in-play betting and live-streaming services for the sport, including top events like Cheltenham. In addition to this, the site offers a range of ways to bet on the sport and top competitive odds. 


Pros:

  • Largest selection of sports markets we’ve seen

  • Years of experience in the industry

  • Also a great casino platform

  • Available in various languages

Cons: 

  • The size of the site can be overwhelming


Criteria:

Rating:

Site Design

8/10 - A large site can be confusing to new customers

Mobile Compatibility

10/10

Horse Racing Markets

9/10

Other Sports Markets

10/10 - Niche, popular, and speciality markets

Promotions

8/10

Payment Methods

7/10

Spreadex

Spreadex is an online betting site that bettors automatically associate with horse racing so it shouldn’t be surprising that the site has been deemed by our experts to be one of the best horse racing betting sites. While betting at this top site, users can enjoy a vast range of bet types to make their betting experience that much more exciting; options include spread betting, match bets, favourites, place betting, insurance, and price boosts, among others. In addition to this, the site offers a range of betting options for horse racing events such as Cheltenham and The Grand National.


Pros:

  • Live streaming options

  • Safer gambling tools

  • Generous welcome promotion

  • Various social media accounts

Cons: 

  • A limited number of payment methods


Criteria:

Rating:

Site Design

8/10

Mobile Compatibility

9/10 - App available on iOS and Android.

Horse Racing Markets

10/10

Other Sports Markets

8/10

Promotions

8/10

Payment Methods

7/10

NetBet

Up next on our list is NetBet, which is great for horse racing for a vast number of reasons, but most notably, it is excellent for novice online bettors. NetBet is great for inexperienced customers due to its easy-to-navigate interface, great range of promotions, excellent help features, a cool Bet AI feature, and a large range of betting markets, alongside the all-important horse racing options. In addition to this, the site provides regular tips to help bettors make more informed betting decisions. 


Pros:

  • Great selection of payment options

  • Range of alternative betting markets

  • Decent promotional page

  • Casino game selection

Cons: 

  • More contact options would improve the site


Criteria:

Rating:

Site Design

9/10

Mobile Compatibility

8/10 - App for iOS and Android

Horse Racing Markets

9/10

Other Sports Markets

9/10 - 50+ markets available

Promotions

8/10

Payment Methods

10/10

CopyBet

CopyBet is another online betting platform associated with horse racing in the UK, so we’re sure it isn’t a shock that this site has also secured a position on this list. It doesn’t get its excellent reputation for nothing. While betting at CopyBet, users will enjoy a vast range of betting options for horse racing as well as live streaming options, which allow users to watch and bet on their favourite racing events in real-time. On top of this, there is an excellent tipster page on the site where users can copy the bets of successful bettors, hence the name.


Pros:

  • Great tipsters

  • Decent selection of bonuses

  • Multiple social media accounts

  • CopyBet Bot

Cons: 

  • Long terms and conditions


Criteria:

Rating:

Site Design

8/10 - Easy to navigate site

Mobile Compatibility

8/10

Horse Racing Markets

9/10

Other Sports Markets

9/10

Promotions

7/10 - Promotions offers on various markets but long T&Cs

Payment Methods

9/10

William Hill

Customers who are looking for a site which offers a range of casino games alongside horse racing options and other sports betting markets should check out William Hill, which offers the best of both worlds. But more importantly, why is William Hill Sports so great for horse racing? For starters, the site offers top competitive odds for the market. In addition to this, the site offers a decent welcome promotion, various casino bonuses, and a vast range of payment options.


Pros:

  • Range of casino and sports betting options

  • Various types of payment methods

  • Responsible gambling tools available

  • Easy signup process

Cons: 

  • Large site can be overwhelming


Criteria:

Rating:

Site Design

7/10

Mobile Compatibility

8/10

Horse Racing Markets

9/10

Other Sports Markets

8/10 - Over 30 markets offered on the site

Promotions

7/10

Payment Methods

10/10

What Makes a Top Horse Racing Betting Site?

According to our experts, all online betting sites that want to be considered top horse racing betting platforms must meet the following criteria. 


For a list of other sites which meet the criteria for the best horse racing betting site, click here.

Site Design and Security

While betting at one of the top horse racing betting sites, users will want to have an enjoyable all-around betting experience. The security and design of a site have a lot to do with this. For starters, the site should be easy to use and navigate with clear categories, helpful search bar functions, and quality graphics. In addition to this, the site should be highly secure. This means that it needs to have all of the appropriate security measures, such as encryption technology, a licence from the UKGC, two-factor authentication, and a range of secure payment methods, among others.

Mobile Compatibility

Being compatible with mobile devices is another feature we look out for before recommending a horse racing betting site. This is because, in recent years, mobile betting has become just as popular as desktop betting. As such, the best horse racing sites should offer their services via a dedicated mobile app (iOS and/or Android) or through mobile internet browsers. The platform should work just as well on these mobile versions and offer all the same great features if not more.

Horse Racing Betting Options

As you would imagine, the number of horse racing betting options will greatly impact whether or not a site is considered one of the best by our experts. Customers should be able to find a range of markets available for top horse racing events, such as Cheltenham and The Grand National. In addition to this, there should be a vast amount of bet types available for these markets. Options should include win bets, each way, place bets, forecasts, accumulators, and more. A site is made even betting if it also offers in-play betting markets so users can place wagers while a race or event is happening.

Alternative Sports Markets

Of course, betting on horse racing is fun, but it can become boring and monotonous if it is your only option. As such, our experts prioritise a site which also offers a range of alternative betting markets. We expect to find niche, popular, and speciality markets such as football, basketball, American football, TV, tennis, F1, and esports. We would also like to see a range of in-play betting options. Customers should be able to place various types of bets on top sporting events.

Promotions and Bonuses

One feature that will boost a customer's online betting experience is the ability to claim a range of bonuses and promotions. The promotions should be available to both new and existing customers on the site and come in various sizes and forms. We would like to see a range of sports and casino offers. Promotions we’d like to see include free bets, matched deposits, free spins, bonus funds, reload bonuses, cashback, and insurance bets. A horse racing betting site is made even better if it also offers a range of horse racing promotions, particularly during top events.

Payment Methods

When betting online, you will be using payment methods regularly, which is why it is important for a site to offer a range of payment options. There should be a range to make sure that users can find their preferred payment option or to allow users to test out a range before deciding which best suits their needs. Options should include debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, mobile exclusive methods, and bank transfers. These should have decent maximum and minimum deposit and withdrawal limits and should be secure with fast processing times.

Betting Options for Horse Racing

There are many types of bets users can place on horse racing, so many that they can be confusing to less experienced bettors. To help readers, we have explained the most commonly found betting options for horse racing below.


  • Win Bet: A wager on what horse you think will win a particular race.

  • Place Bet: Pick a horse you think will finish in one of the top 3 places.

  • Each-Way: Select a horse to either win or place in a particular race. Made of two bets: a win and a place. Both will pay out if the horse wins.

  • Forecast: Predict the horses in the first and second place in the correct order.

  • Reverse Forcast: Place a bet based on which horses you think will come first and second in any order.

  • Tricast: A bet on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place horses in the right order.

  • Accumulator (Acca): When users combine a selection of bets into one wager. All bets must win for the Acca to be successful.

  • Double Bet: Combine two selections into one wager. Both must win for a double bet to pay out.

  • Treble Bet: Same as the above but with an additional bet.

  • Trixie Bet: Combine four bets across three selections: one treble and 3 doubles. At least two must win for payout.

  • Lucky 15: Combination bet of 15 bets across 4 selections: four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold acca. One selection must win for payout.

  • Ante-Post: This is a bet placed well before the start of an event.

Top Meetings in the Horse Racing Calendar

Horse racing is a highly regarded sport with fans up and down the country. This is partially due to the high-calibre events that take place every year. Below, we have discussed the best horse racing events for bettors.

Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival is a four-day event held every March. It began in 1860 and attracts the highest-calibre racehorses in the UK. Seven races are run each day of the event. It is the most popular event for betting, and with a range of markets and promotions for the event, users are spoilt for choice.

The Grand National

This exciting event takes place every April at the Aintree Racecourse. It is a three-day event which started in the early 1800s. Much like the Cheltenham Festival, the event features some of the best racehorses across the UK. Grand National really is an excellent betting market, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Goodwood Races

Goodwood Races has a long and interesting history; in fact, the first public race meeting took place here in 1802. It quickly became a summer highlight through the nineteenth century, and now it is one of the more popular horse racing events for betting. Though not as popular as The Grand National and Cheltenham Festival, it is still a great betting opportunity.



Horse Racing Live Streaming

Live streaming horse racing is a great way to get involved in all the action without having to spend loads of money on attending the events or leaving the comfort of your home. There are various options for streaming the festival, but we think that the most exciting is the fact that many top horse racing betting sites will offer streaming for these events, in addition to in-play betting markets. Both of these features allow users to enjoy the races in real-time whenever and wherever they wish, so when you partner this with mobile betting, customers will be able to experience all the action on a whim. Many sites offer streaming options. Listed below are our personal favourites:


  • Tote

  • CopyBet

  • bet365

  • talkSPORT BET

  • William Hill

Betting Promotions and Bonuses for Horse Racing

Users looking to boost their betting experience will want to look for promotions and bonuses. Below, we have listed and explained the top options for horse racing.

Extra Places

This type of promotion pays out an additional place to users who wager on specific races or events. Typically, a site will only pay the first three spots, but in the case of this offer, the site will return if the horse comes 4th or sometimes even 5th. An extra-places promotion is a type of insurance bet loved by many horse racing bettors, but it will not be available on all races. Be sure to grab this promotion whenever possible.

Best Odds Guaranteed

A best odds guaranteed bonus, commonly referred to as BOG, is a well-loved horse racing promotion. This offer does exactly what it says: pays out at the best possible odds on your selected market, even if this is the starting price (SP). The best odds guaranteed are the most commonly offered horse racing promotion, so you are likely to find it at the best horse racing betting site of your choice.

Faller Insurance

These promotions are great for customers who like to have a fallback on the bets they place online. Faller insurance will return some or all of a user's bet in the case that the horse they have selected falls during the race. This ensures that users don’t experience the frustration of losing their money if and when the horse falls.

Odds Boosts

Odds boosts are exactly what you’d imagine: a boost on the odds of a selected market, event, or race. An odds boost will increase a user's payout if the bet is successful. The odds and market that will be boosted will depend on the site and, likely, any upcoming events. Be sure to keep an eye out for this exciting promotion.

Responsible Gambling

When gambling online, users should stay aware of the tools available to them that help them gamble responsibly. These tools include time-outs, self-exclusion, deposit limits, and more. Users can also check out gambling control organisations like those listed below.

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required. GambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission


Terms and Conditions

Spreadex:

T&Cs: Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets. 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet.


NetBet:

T&Cs: New players only. Bet £10 min. odds 1/1 (2.00). No cash-out. Free Bet available on Bet Builder. 25 Free Spins on Big Bass Splash, each valued at 10p without wagering requirement. Terms apply.


CopyBet:

T&Cs: BET 20 GET 60 offer is available starting from 07 January 2025. Opt in through the Copybet App or Web to claim your free bets. Copybet App login required to claim your free bets. Complete your first deposit using your Instant bank payment to unlock the offer. The qualifying bet should be a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20 and have 1.9 or higher odds. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout - £500. T&Cs apply.


William Hill:

T&Cs: 18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad


Betfred:

T&Cs: New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply,


Coral:

T&Cs: 18+ New Customers only, Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.


Ladbrokes:

T&Cs: 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.


Betrino:

T&Cs: New Players Only. Min £ 25 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £ 50, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £ 200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.


Tote:

T&Cs: New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org .Full T&Cs apply.


Midnite:

T&Cs: New customers only. Bet £10+ on pre-match accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get 4x £5 Horse Racing Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. Restrictions and T&Cs apply.


talkSPORT BET:

T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any horse racing at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Frequently Asked Questions