Horse Racing – Full Guide 2025

Online sports betting is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the variety of betting options and the convenience of playing from the comfort of your home. Horse racing is among the favorite sports of online betting enthusiasts. If you are one of them, make sure you have chosen the right online betting site for you. Below are some factors to look for to make the right choice.

• Casino license – make sure that the site is licensed and regulated by regulatory authorities, as it guarantees the safety of your funds, fair and unmanipulated bets.
• SSL encryption system – many online betting sites use it, ensuring the user that their personal and financial data is fully protected
• Types of bets and variety of competitions (international and local major races)
• Competitive betting odds and bonuses – good casinos try to offer better odds to increase the chances of winning for players and to retain them. The presence of bonuses such as a welcome bonus or free bets is also inherent in reputable casinos.
• Look for a casino with a user-friendly mobile version if you prefer to gamble on the go
• Don’t forget to research opinions and reviews from real users to track the bookmaker’s history.

Horse racing offers a variety of bets. Below, you will see the most common ones and what they represent.

Win market

If you are not yet experienced enough and are looking for an easy-to-understand bet, Win market will definitely appeal to you. You don’t need any strategy here – you just bet on which horse will be the winner, and if you win, you enjoy a high percentage of return.

It is advisable to monitor the condition of the horse, as well as its performance in previous races. Also pay attention to the form of the jockey and whether he has a winning tendency. This will help you make a more informed choice and avoid surprises. The chance of winning is 50/50, but the adrenaline and thrill are guaranteed.

Each-way betting

The each-way bet consists of two parts. You are betting on which horse will be the winner (bet) and at the same time whether this horse finishes among the first positions (place). So, if you bet €30 on each way, you are betting €60 : €30 on each part. If your horse wins, you win both bets, and if it finishes in second or third place, you win only the place bet. The horse just need to not lose and be among the first positions.

This bet is choosen by those players who like measured risk and want to have a better chance of even a minimal profit. Each way is suitable for horses with higher odds, as they have a better chance of winning or at least finishing in a good position and therefore often bring profit.

Place betting / Top 3 finish

With Place betting, you bet on which horse will finish in the top 2, 3 or 4 positions. The rules are easy and simple to understand, and the chances of winning are higher, since your horse simply needs to finish in the top positions.

Here, the odds are lower, but the possibility of success is greater, so this bet is preferred by more conservative players who do not like risk. Place bets can be part of a larger strategy and combinations in horse racing, including multiples and each-way bets.

Forecast bet

The Forecast bet requires predictions on which two horses will finish first and second in the horse race, in the correct order. This bet is for more experienced bettors as it requires a complex strategy and is harder to predict. The Forecast requires in-depth analysis, but if you manage to win the bet, the profit can be very large, even with a small stake. Despite its complexity, many betting enthusiasts go for the forecast bet because the thrill is definitely greater.

Reverse forecast

This is an extended version of the regular forecast bet. Here you bet on which two horses will finish first and second, regardless of the order. This type of bet is actually two separate forecast bets – one for each possible order of the two selected horses, which means that the bet amount is doubled (e.g. if you bet €10, you actually bet €20 ).

This bet is suitable for bettors who are sure about the chances of two horses, but cannot say which one will finish first. It is enough to know only two strong horses to win the bet, however, the reverse forecast is suitable for more advanced players who know the history of horses.

Winning distance

Here you predict by what margin the winner will outrun the horse finishing in second place. This margin is measured in lengths, and websites usually offer different ranges – for example, “under 1 length”, “between 1 and 2 lengths”, “over 3 lengths”, etc.

This bet requires more strategy and is riskier, but it adds a thrill, as you are not only betting on which horse will be the winner, but also on how it will win. Tips for winning this bet are to monitor statistics, the form of the horses, as well as the condition of the track. If you win the bet and are experienced enough in online sports betting, you can win large sums with small stakes.

Multiples

Multiples are combined bets where you can include two separate selections (usually from different races) on one slip and all selections must be successful for a winning bet. The most popular types of multiples include doubles, trebles and accumulators, which can contain 4 or more selections.

The main advantage of multiple bets is that each bet’s winnings are carried over to the next, creating the potential for extremely high payouts from a small initial stake. However, keep in mind that even one wrong prediction will cost you your bet.

Reputable platforms strive to offer a variety of bonuses with competitive terms.

Free Bets

Free bets are one of the most common bonuses that online bookmakers offer to new and active customers. With this bonus, you receive a certain amount to bet without risking your own money. For example, if you make a first bet of €10 , you receive a €10 free bet. If your bet with this money wins, you usually only receive the profit, but not the value of the bonus itself. Free bets are a great way to try out the platform and bet on horse racing without much risk. They are especially suitable for new players who want to get their bearings without investing much of their own budget.

Best Odds Guaranteed

Best Odds Guaranteed is a special offer that gives you the highest possible return on your bet if the odds change after you have placed your bet. For example, if you bet on a horse at odds of 5.00, but during the race it increases to 6.00 and the horse wins, you will receive the return at the higher odds. This is an excellent way for players to protect themselves from market fluctuations. This offer is especially valuable for early bettors because it eliminates the risk of missing out on better odds.

Reload Bonuses & VIP Offers

Reload bonuses are offered to already registered players when they make a new deposit. For example, you can get 50% extra on your deposit amount, up to a certain limit. This is a way for bookmakers to encourage you to keep betting on horse racing. Apart from that, many sites have VIP programs or loyalty clubs that offer special rewards – such as cashback, exclusive offers, faster withdrawals and a personal account manager. These programs are especially suitable for regular bettors who want more value from each bet.

Live betting on horse racing is becoming increasingly popular as bettors watch the race in real time and feel part of it. There is a dynamic here – bettors can change their bet during the event depending on its development. Live betting requires quick reactions and a good platform that offers accurate and timely information. Many bookmakers now provide special live betting sections with visualisations, commentary and options for different types of horse racing bets.

In-Play Markets

In-play live betting markets allow you to bet not only on who will win, but also on how the event will unfold. Some of the most common options include bets on the leading horse at any point in the race, the position of a specific horse at a certain point, the difference between first and second place, and many more. These markets are desirable to bettors with good observational skills who follow every move of the jockeys and the behavior of the horses on the track. In-play markets make betting more engaging and strategic, as you are not relying solely on preliminary predictions.

Live Streaming Features

The live streaming feature on betting sites is valuable for anyone who follows horse racing. It allows punters to watch the races in real time directly through the platform, without the need for a TV or additional apps. This makes it easier to make informed decisions, especially when betting on a horse race. Many leading bookmakers provide access to streaming with a minimum stake or an active account. The video is usually high-quality, without significant lag, making the experience even more realistic.

Track Data & Real-Time Stats

Real-time data shows how horses are moving during the race – their position, speed and the condition of the track. This information helps bettors better assess what is happening and when to place a bet. This increases the chances of more accurate predictions and better profits.

You wonder which are the most popular horse racing events for betting? Below is a brief description of them.

The Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most famous horse racing events in the UK. The event is held annually and attracts bettors from all over the world with its length of over 4 miles, which makes the course unpredictable and exciting. Due to the high odds and dramatic twists and turns, many bettors are looking for the opportunity to make big profits with small stakes. It’s one of the big meetings that always appear in tipster lists and media coverage, even outside the legal states.

The Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious steeplechase in the UK. It is held every year, bringing together the best horses, trainers, and hockey players. The race tests endurance and is highly competitive, which is why it has become one of the most popular sports betting events. Many bettors look for exacta combinations and consult tipsters to improve their chances.

The Derby

The Derby, held at Epsom Downs, is the premier race for three-year-old horses and is considered the ultimate test of young riders. It is part of the British Triple Crown and is held every June. The event attracts bettors from all over the world for its fierce competition and undeniable prestige. Like the Breeders Cup in the U.S., The Derby draws huge attention and offers attractive ticket options even in legal states with regulated online gambling.

Below, you will see the best betting markets and what attracts bettors.

United Kingdom

The UK is a favourite destination for horse racing and many punters bet on events held there. The UK offers both National Hunt and Flat Racing throughout the year, and bookmakers strive to offer competitive odds and attractive bonuses.

Last but not least, the Gambling Commission is strict, making betting safe and reliable. Events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot attract punters of all levels.

France

France is also a key market for horse racing, famous for a number of events, including the Arc de Triomphe Prize – one of the most important flat races in the world. The races are held on all types of terrain and the tactical approach attracts betting enthusiasts worldwide. Sports betting websites aim to offer good odds and guaranteed winnings. Bettors often choose the French market for its stability, international reach and high quality of racing. While some types of online gambling may be prohibited, horse racing betting remains popular even outside legal states through international platforms.

Ireland

Ireland is home to some of the best trainers, jockeys and racehorses in the world, making it a true hub for horse racing. Events such as the Irish Derby, Punchestown Festival and Galway Races are among the most respected in Europe. Irish racing is renowned for its high quality and competitive spirit, making it extremely attractive to bettors. Bettors love the Irish market for its dynamism, tradition and the opportunity to make good profits, even on lesser-known races. Some Irish punters also follow international events like the NFL