Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK for 2025

After football, horse racing is the UK’s second biggest spectator sport with over 6 million people heading to the track each and every year. If that sounds impressive, it is nothing compared to the number of armchair followers of the sport of kings; an estimated 550 million people watch the Grand National each year in over 140 countries.

Top Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK Reviewed

The best horse racing betting sites offer several perks for their customers to take advantage of. These usually come in the form of insurances, free bets or best odds guarantees. Though these sound nice, don’t overlook all the other features out there. With so much competition between bookmakers, many focus on specific features to attract their ideal customers.

1. BetVictor Horse Racing Betting

BetVictor offers a top selection of horse racing events to bet on. You can easily find different wagers from, win or each-way bets to forecasts and tricast bets. Furthermore, for those looking for something different, they also have a “Lucky Dip” bet, where you can get races selected randomly to wager on. They offer live streaming of races too. They also have form stats and previous odds listed for some races.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available – usually every 4 minutes
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes, periodic bonuses avaialbe. Daily specials and boosts.

2. bet365 Horse Racing Betting

bet365 is probably one of the biggest horse racing brands. They offer a great horse racing betting selection. They have races all over the world. They offer best odds guaranteed starting prices, bet boosts, pay outs on disqualified horses and each way extra places. A really cool feature they have is the “My horses” stable. Basically, you can save your favourite horses, and then you receive alerts and reminders when they are due to run. They also have live streaming on most races. Overall, they are one of the best.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Bet Boost, Early pay outs, Daily offers

3. Unibet Horse Racing Betting

Uinbet offers a good horse racing betting selection. With Naps and Tips, racing guides, and a rules section to help you out too. They have extensive race coverage, including live streams. They also have Daily Uniboosts, where you can increase the odds on your horse three times in one day. Tehy also have other smaller offers too, such as getting your stake back in a free bet if your horse finished second.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes, such as Uniboosts

4. William Hill Horse Racing Betting

Looking at William Hill’s horse racing betting options, we discovered a well-rounded selection of races from the UK and the world. William Hill stands out with its in-depth race analysis and tips. They also have a live commentary option that provides real-time updates and insights during races. They are continuiously offering promos for the horses, and also sponsor many events, so they are a good option.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes. Periodic promotions, such as enhanced odds

5. Coral Horse Racing Betting

Coral had an abundance of horse racing markets and they also cover them will live streams. They also have best odds guaranteed. They have a decent welcome bonus and other ongoing promos, which can be worth it. You can build your own racecard, find odds boosts, and they even have a specials section. They also stand out when there is a big event on the horizon, with many offers available throughout an event. You can also bet in-race with Coral, which is a new addition.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available – every minute
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes, e.g. odds boosts

6. Ladbrokes Horse Racing Betting

Ladbrokes is basically the same as Coral, but with different colours – they are sister companies after all. They have very similar features, and also offer specials. They have slightly different welcome offers, and also may offer different promos during events. They currently have money back guaranteed available when your horse is a non-runner.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: Available – every minute
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes, e.g. odds boosts

7. Grosvenor Horse Racing Betting

Grosvenor is another well-known brand. They also offer race coverage across the world, with live streams. They have best odds, and ongoing promos. They like to offer things like “cash back” if your horse is beaten by a length. They don’t have has much variety in terms of betting options as some of the others, but overall they are also a good choice.

• Best Odds Guaranteed: Yes
• Live Streaming: Available on most races
• Virtual Racing: n/a
• Horse Racing Bonuses: Yes, e.g. non-runner money back

How to Judge a Horse Racing Betting Site

With so many different betting sites on the market all professing to be of the highest quality, it is a potential minefield out there! Therefore, before you go ahead and sign up with a horse racing bookmaker there are a few important things you should keep in mind, especially when you’re on the hunt for a quality horse racing betting service.

Odds Levels

Before you start wagering with a horse racing bookmaker, you should take into account their average odds levels. Usually differing between flat races and hunt races, the odds levels represent the value you will get for your bet. While bookies will never offer you odds of 100% – this would put them out of business! – the best operators will give you value of around 90%.

Horse Race Selection

For the most part, you can be sure that the operators we’ve featured in our review cover all the most high-profile races from the British Isles. There are, however, a whole host of professional races taking place all around the world in North & South America, Asia and beyond. To ensure that customers are spoiled for choice, the best operators will always offer bets on a wide range of horse races from all around the globe. Here are the top 20 races for horse racing betting:

• Grand National (Aintree Racecourse, UK)
• Cheltenham Festival (Cheltenham Racecourse, UK)
• Gold Cup (Cheltenham Racecourse, UK)
• Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs, USA)
• Epsom Derby (Epsom Downs, UK)
• Melbourne Cup (Flemington Racecourse, Australia)
• Breeders’ Cup (Various Tracks, North America)
• 2000 Guineas Stakes (Rowley Mile, UK)
• 1000 Guineas Stakes (Rowley Mile, UK)
• Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham Racecourse, UK)
• Dubai World Cup (Meydan Racecourse, UAE)
• Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Longchamp Racecourse, France)
• Ascot Gold Cup (Ascot Racecourse, UK)
• Epsom Oaks (Epsom Downs, UK)
• King George VI Stakes (Kempton Park, UK)
• Stayers’ Hurdle (Cheltenham Racecourse, UK)
• Queen Mother Champion Chase (Cheltenham Racecourse, UK)
• Hennessy Gold Cup (Newbury Racecourse, UK)
• St Leger Stakes (Doncaster Racecourse, UK)
• King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot Racecourse, UK)

Since there are so many ways to bet on horse racing, understanding the race types, tracks and events is crucial to your bottom line. What works in steeplechase won’t work on a flat track, and what works for three-year-old fillies won’t work for open age groups. It’s important to find styles of racing that you like, otherwise, you won’t get as much enjoyment out of horse racing as you should. Plus, focusing on a few types of horse racing is important for being profitable. It’s hard to bet on several different formats successfully.

Tote Pools

Getting involved with a tote pool is a great way to ease yourself into horse racing betting. Also known as parimutuel betting, it works by pooling bets together into one big jackpot. After the race is run, this money is then shared out among all customers with a winning bet. Some critics may argue that Tote betting doesn’t offer you the same starting prices as regular betting, yet it can allow for massive jackpot wins. Therefore, when looking for an operator to bet with, it is worth considering how many tote pools they offer, as these can represent big value bets.

Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

Popular horse racing events draw a significant amount of interest from punters in UK. Because of this, it is well within bookmaker’s interests to offer special bonuses and promotional deals that coincide with the most high-profile events that can offer bettors the chance to pick up some extra funds. The most common type of bonus is the sign-up offer, which usually comes in the form of free bet. Not a bad way to start off your new accounts with horse racing bookies.

Using horse racing betting welcome offers is one of the easiest ways to start placing bets on the races. Just make sure you use any promo codes that are required, and that you meet the terms and conditions laid out by the operator. The fine print contains everything you need to know about claiming bonuses, like what qualifying bets are, how long you have to claim a promotion and the wagering requirements you need to meet before you can withdraw.

Horse Racing Apps

Although it is rare to find special apps solely dedicated for betting on horses, operators usually optimise their general sports betting apps to perform to a high standard placing bets on horse races. The best apps, however, come with a whole host of extra added features that make betting on horses just that more enjoyable.

Live Horse Racing Streaming

Live streams are a great way to get directly involved in the action by watching it as it unfolds. Live streaming platforms and live streaming archives allow you to study competitor’s past form and really sharpen your handicapping processes. In addition, live commentary provided by the betting site’s own radio channels allow you to get closer to the race than ever before. Most bookies require at least a minimum of £1 before you are allowed to view the stream.

Virtual Betting

Virtual sports betting has rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s most profitable betting markets. Nowadays, any operator worth its salt will make sure it has a high-quality virtual horse racing platform complete with state-of-the-art graphics, smooth functionality and races starting at regular intervals. In addition, operators have now optimised their mobile apps to support virtual horse racing platforms.

Website Security & Legalities

Your safety is our number one priority, which is why we check that all the sites listed here are licensed with the UK Gambling Commission, Britain’s primary betting regulatory body. It’s responsible for making sure that horse racing betting sites operate a fair and transparent service.

You can check a bookmaker’s licence by going to the UK Gambling Commission website and searching for the company, or by locating a clickable link in the footer of your chosen horse racing bookmaker. The UKGC website shows you whether or not a licence is active or expired.

You should also ensure that the website itself is secured by a reputable IT security company, e.g. Norton, or Thawte, to ensure maximum customer safety. To check a horse racing betting website’s security certificate, click the padlock on the left side of your browser’s address bar and then the “Certificates” button. These certificates verify a site is using the correct protocols and encryption technology to safeguard your data and banking information.

Another way to assure peace of mind is to check whether the operator partnered with the British Horseracing Authority. This seal of approval not only shows that a site is 100% fair and regulated, but also that it’s giving back to the sport by offering financial support in the form of prize money, assistance with veterinary science and industry education.

Customer Support

Customer Support may not be the first thing that you think of before betting, yet it is still one of the most important parts of betting to think of before wagering. It is of paramount importance that you feel taken care of when punting on a horse race. Knowing a bookmaker allows you to contact them on your preferred contact method, is available around-the-clock, and are helpful and informative when answering any queries that you might have makes all the difference when betting on horses. It can actually be the distinction between a good betting experience and a great one.

Payment Methods

The best horse racing bookies have several ways with which you can deposit and withdraw your funds. This is important because you are trusting these sites with your hard-earned money. Therefore, you should select highly secured and encrypted payment options when conducting your transactions. Here are the most popular payment methods accepted by horse racing bookmakers:

*Limits may apply from the payment processor.

Extra Features

Although you may think that a horse racing betting site’s extra added features are not the be-all and end-all when it comes to assessing the quality of the service, they can very often prove to be extremely useful when you have to make calculated decisions. Up-to-date and informative blog pages or comprehensive form guides are great for providing betting tips and insider knowledge that can tip the scales in your favour when the time comes to lay your stake They may not be the be-all and end-all, but their ability to allow you to make more calculated and informed wagers should not be overlooked.

Must Have Features at Horse Racing Betting Sites

There are several features every horse racing betting site you come across should have. While great welcome offers are always attractive, there’s more to worry about when you’re punting on the sport of kings. Here are the must-have features you should look for in a quality horse racing bookmaker:

• Great Odds: Finding the best odds is the best way to maintain healthy bankroll growth.
• Market Variety: A wide variety of markets helps you find more opportunities for value bets.
• Race Selection: Finding the best races at the top tracks helps you find better wagers to make.
• Live Streaming: Live streaming lets you watch the action as it unfolds.
• Virtual Racing: Virtual horse racing platforms let you keep punting even when the nags aren’t running.

By finding a horse racing bookie with these features, you’re guaranteed to have a better experience than you would at one without them. The best horse racing betting sites in the UK have all these features and more to provide you with a comprehensive punting platform.

Differences Between Betting on Horse Racing and Other Sports

In many respects, betting on horses is not so unlike betting on other sports. In order to make calculated decisions, you have to take the time to study the field to ensure that you have as much information on the competitors as possible. Horse racing takes this to a new level, however, with experts dedicating large amounts of time to studying the horse’s daily training habits, stable conditions and breeding history. Here you can see a few of the aspects of betting on horses that makes it unique from other sports.

• Gender Neutral Sport – Both female and male horses and jockeys compete against one another.
• Surgical Race and Preparation Analysis – Everything from the owner’s history to the horse’s breeding to the jockey’s success is important in picking a winning selection.
• Try Before You Buy – At a horse race you have the chance to observe the horse’s behaviour and physical condition to see if it merits a bet.
• 100% Legal – Alongside greyhound racing, it’s one of the only sports where you can legally wager on an animal.

How to Register at a Horse Racing Betting Site

Creating an account with horse racing betting sites is a straightforward process. Go to your operator of choice and click the sign-up button. You will be prompted for your personal information like your name, address and mobile number. Here’s a step by step guide to registering with horse racing betting sites in the UK:

Things To Consider Before Betting On Horse Races

Do you know your horses? Or are you completely new to this racing game? Whether you need to refresh your knowledge or are planning to start from scratch, this site covers everything you need to consider before betting on horse races, including the types of bets on offer and the types of races you can bet on, as well as those all-important betting strategies and systems which shall start helping you to pick a winner.

Preparation

Preparation is key, but finding the right info is hard. We here at this site might be seasoned pros when it comes to the world of horse racing, but we found that those at the top are loathe to share information with youngsters. We wanted to change that, and help newcomers gather as much knowledge as they can so they can prepare themselves before punting on the races. You should read about the different bet types you can expect, the types of races prevalent in horse racing, and the key strategy to help you win.

Horse Racing Bet Types

At first glance the different names of horse races can be rather confusing, butin reality its actually rather simple. Its worth keeping in mind the two biggest bets. There is the ‘to win’ bet – the most straightforward – where you bet on which horse you think is going to win. Then there is the each-way bet, where if your horse wins, you get paid due to your horse winning and placing (finishing between 1st and fourth). But then, if you horse comes 2nd, 3rd or 4th, you will get paid back at a relative fraction of your original odds.

Here are the most popular horse racing bet types:

• Win/Each-Way: The most straightforward wager where you simply predict horses to win, place or show.
• Win Without the Favourite: Another straightforward wager where you bet on which horse wins without the favourite for reduced odds.
• Single: The most popular bet type where you wager on a horse to win a specific race.
• Double: A double is a stake on two horses to win two different races.
• Treble: The same as a double but including a third horse to win a third race.
• Accumulator: Also known as an “acca”, this is the same as a double or treble but with four or more legs.
• Trixie: A system bet with three horses spread across four wagers – three doubles and a treble.
• Yankee: The same as a trixie but with four horses, increasing the total wager to four bets – six doubles, four trebles and a four leg acca.
• Forecast: Requires you to pick the two horses that finish first and second in a specific race.
• Tricast: The same as a forecast, but you choose another horse to make it the top three finishers.

Race Types

The UK Horse Racing calendar is usually split into two seasons: the Summer Season, which is dedicated to Flat Racing, and the Winter Season, which is dedicated to National Hunt Racing. Of the hunt races, there is both the hurdle (over fences) and the steeplechase (a long race over hedges). Horses who partake in hunt races are between grades 1-3, while the flat races accept horses going down all the way to grade 7. Naturally, grade 1 races, such as the Grand National or Royal Ascot, are few and far between, with only 30 taking place each year.

Horse Racing Betting Strategy

Unless you are blessed with the luck o’ the Irish, you won’t pick winners betting on the horses without a clear strategy. Some have built a system which they use to make value wins over a long period. Whether this is the statistical lay, the Back the Beaten Favourite System or the Dutching System, being smart with your bets dramatically increases your likelihood of getting success. Always remember, before planning out your horse racing strategy, that you should only bet money that you can afford to lose. Here are some other tips and tricks:

• Use Data: Find statistics for previous races horses have run and make your wagers accordingly.
• Consider Form: Consider giving more weight to the most recent race results in events a horse has run.
• Think About Post Position: The positions horses start in can give you an advantage.
• Use Jockey Results: Being a jockey requires skill, so some jockeys tend to have better results.
• Assess Track Types: Horses perform better on certain surfaces over various distances, so take advantage of this fact.

Conclusion

While most of the sites listed here are great in their own ways, our number one horse racing betting site was BetVictor. It has great promotions, solid odds and accepts several of the most common payment methods. Other operators however, most notably William Hill, also excelled in these areas. However, we believe that BetVictor stands out above the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Interesting Topics

Though we try to make our guides as comprehensive as possible, perhaps there is a topic you would like to learn about in more depth. Bonus hunters can check out our list of the best horse racing betting welcome offers, while weekend warriors might want to take a look at our horse racing events guide.

You can also check out our guides to all the top horse racing tracks for a breakdown of surfaces, lengths and types of tracks that each event is run on. Otherwise, here is a complete list of our most popular horse racing betting guides: