How we evaluate horse racing betting sites
We often use particular criteria when evaluating the best horse racing betting sites. This is done by analysing various sections of the bookmaker and coming up with a conclusion. Some of the features we review when evaluating a suitable horse racing bookmaker include:
Reputation
Reputation is critical when choosing a bookie for horse race betting. It can quickly help you determine a bookmaker's track record. Trusted horse racing betting sites often have clean records, with only minor complaints resolved. Moreover, they have excellent customer reviews and ratings. If you come across such a betting site, be sure you will have the best user experience.
Payouts
Overlooking a bookie's payouts is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Most bookmakers do not make payouts on time after placing a qualifying bet settlement. Some of the main things we consider include payout frequency and payout speeds. We also look at the general probability of receiving a payout since not all horse racing sites guarantee payouts. The best horse racing bookmaker will ensure you receive your payout quickly.
Betting features
A bookie must have betting features to be attractive and exciting. For instance, it should offer live streaming services and allow cash out. Most bookies even offer live animations, especially if the event is unavailable for live streaming. These features assist with placing bets. A function like a bet builder streamlines multi-bet betting by shortening the betting process.
Welcome bonuses and promotions
A bookie with a substantial welcome bonus is essential, especially when betting on UK horse racing and Irish races. With a signup offer, you will surely place multiple horse racing bets while spending less. However, a welcome bonus is only suitable with favourable terms and conditions. That is why you should keenly go through the bonus terms.
- No code required Claim bonus
How to sign up and bet on a horse racing betting site
Signing up for an account to bet on horse racing is trouble-free. Most horse racing bookies only require a few details before acknowledging you as a member. But if you are new to the horse racing betting scene, here are steps to take.
Choose a horse racing betting site
You need to select a suitable bookie for your horse racing bets. Check the available betting features and the bookie's coverage. A good horse racing bookmaker should cover meetings around the globe and marquee races such as the Grand National. If you are having trouble finding the ideal bookie, use oddspedia Reviews.
Create your betting account
You must sign up for an account to fully utilise the best horse racing betting site. To open an account, load the site on your computer, open the registration form, and follow these steps.
- Provide your full names.
- Share your email and contact details.
- Provide your permanent address.
- Create your login password.
- Submit the information to the operator.
After registering for an account, you need to verify the account by emailing copies of your documents to the operator.
Choose a payment method and make a deposit
Once an account is created, access the cashier page and make a deposit. However, ensure you observe the deposit limits the operator allows. You should also confirm the deposit processing speeds to know how long it will take for the deposit to reflect in your account.
Make Your Bets
Finally, go through the available horse racing events and select a suitable race to bet on. It can be from the UK or Irish races. After that, select the likely outcome, compare the odds and place a bet. This is also the section where you research before completing horse racing match betting.
How to start betting?
Everything you need to know in 5 easy steps!
Find the right bookmaker for you and sign up.
Make a deposit with the payment method you prefer. Consider responsible gambling features and bankroll management.
Many betting sites have a welcome bonus or free bet, which you can claim after making the first deposit. *never forget to read the small print!
Find an event you are interested in, select a betting market that appeals to you the most and "click" on the odds.
Go to the bet slip and input the details of your desired bet and confirm the wager.
What to look for in a horse racing betting site
Before making a pick, there are many things to look for in a horse racing betting website. However, you may not have the time to go through every section of the book. This read will list the main things to look for when searching for the best horse racing betting bookmaker.
Available betting markets
Finding a top horse racing betting site should ideally start by evaluating the diversity and depth of the betting markets available. Many markets characterise a reputable betting site and promise a fulfilling betting journey.
Significance of wide-ranging betting markets: Why are diverse markets important? The extent of betting markets equates to more options, allowing you to enrich your betting experiences with variable bets and adding excitement and intrigue to your horse racing betting.
Essential horse racing betting markets: A quality horse racing betting platform should cater to the basic betting needs of every punter. Here are some of the fundamental horse racing betting markets that should be on offer:
- Each Way: An Each Way bet is essentially two bets in one - betting on a horse to win and to place.
- Head to Head: In this bet, you predict which of two horses will finish ahead of the other, regardless of the overall race result.
- Winner: As the name suggests, you bet on which horse will cross the finish line first in this market.
Additional betting markets: Besides the basic markets, advanced betting options enhance the horse racing betting platform. These include:
- Ante-Post: Refers to placing a bet in advance on a race, often at least a day before the race.
- Winning Distance: In this bet, you predict the distance by which the winning horse will defeat the runner-up.
The advantage of broad markets: A bookmaker with ample horse racing betting markets ensures a more streamlined and less stressful betting experience. Often, you can peruse the available betting markets without creating an account, enabling you to effortlessly compare different sportsbooks and select the one with the most comprehensive market list.
Competitive betting odds
Horse racing odds vary from one bookmaker to another. While some turf accountants offer average betting odds, others provide competitive odds. You should compare the bookies and consider the betting site with incredible odds levels. A bookmaker with competitive odds sizes guarantees massive payouts in case of a win. That is why the size of horse racing odds is essential. While analysing bookies with incredible odds, consider horse racing bookmakers with the best odds guaranteed or BOG. Such bookies often provide the highest odds price if the starting price exceeds the early selection.
Regular bonus offers
It would be best to opt only for a bookmaker with regular bonuses. For instance, the bookie should provide horse racing betting offers such as cashback, free bet stakes, and reload bonuses. Additionally, it should offer no deposit bonuses, which you can claim without funding your account. Such amazing horse racing bonuses will allow you to benefit from the bookmaker. That allows you to wager on multiple horse races while maintaining your bankroll.
In-play betting and live-streaming
Live betting is one of the trending forms of horse racing betting. However, when selecting a bookie, do not just look for a site that allows live betting. Instead, go for a platform that offers fantastic live betting features, such as a live streaming function. Most, if not all, live horse racing events must have live streams. Those that lack should have live animation or live score. These features will assist you when placing live bets. Also, the bookie should have many live horse racing bet types and competitive live odds.
Mobile applications
Many UK online bookmakers have mobile websites, but not all have mobile apps. While selecting the best online horse racing betting site, consider one with Android and iOS applications. With the apps, you can place horse racing bets, whether they are on steeplechase or flat racing events. But then, the mobile app should have exciting betting features. It should also give you access to horse racing betting offers if available. With such an app, you will never miss an event, regardless of location.
Deposit and withdrawal options
Every horse racing betting site has online deposit and withdrawal options. However, not all of them cover the best banking solutions. You must review the cashier page to see which payment options are available. An ideal horse racing bookie should cover all the major betting markets. That includes card payment options and eWallets. It should also offer access to bank transfer methods and, most importantly, cryptocurrency options like Bitcoin and Ethereum. In addition to the payment methods available, check the payment limits—for instance, the minimum and maximum deposits. Lastly, confirm the deposit and withdrawal speeds. The best payment methods should offer instant deposits and fast withdrawals.
User interface
Most betting sites have fantastic website designs with the best user interface. Pick a bookie with a unique theme and a simple layout if you want to enjoy horse racing betting. The arrangement of components should also be great to avoid clutter. The controls are another essential aspect to consider when analysing a bookie's" user interface. The best bookmaker will have many responsive controls that make navigation effortless. All these aspects, put together, make up the user interface.
Betting features - Specific for horse racing bets
Lastly, looking for a bookmaker with the best features to assist with horse racing betting would be best. For instance, the site should offer a bet builder for placing horse racing tote bets. The bookie should also have a cash-out function if you want to withdraw your wager from a live bet. With such features, you will have complete control of your bookmaker.
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Special bookmaker bonuses for horse racing
Unlike most sports, horse racing usually offers more bonuses. Read the information below to learn more about the top horse racing betting offers. Note the bonus features that make the offers unique.
ACCA Insurance
ACCA insurance is a horse racing betting bonus that allows you to protect part of your stake when placing an accumulator bet. In most cases, the bet will apply if you place a Trifecta, a Quinella, or an Exacta bet—all horse racing accumulator bets. But before you consider the horse racing bonus, look at the bonus terms the operator offers.
Faller
The Faller offer is a distinct insurance bonus only for horse jump races. The bonus lets you insure your stake and receive cashback if the horse unseats the jockey or falls. The offer is designed for horse racing punters, making it one of the best bonuses. Moreover, the promotion usually has minimum terms and conditions.
Enhanced Odds/Boosted Odds
Many horse racing bookies offer enhanced odds bonuses. The promo allows you to enjoy price boosts on select horse racing odds. However, enhanced odds usually apply in select markets. Make sure you confirm the offer with the racing markets before you proceed. The advantage of an enhanced odds bonus is that it guarantees a significant payout if you place qualifying horse racing odds.
Enhanced ACCAs
Enhanced ACCAs are a bonus for enjoying enhanced odds on multiple horse racing markets. In short, the bonus only applies if you place accumulator bets. Since more markets are involved, you receive payouts if you can place all winning bets in the accumulator. But first, check if the operator has additional terms you must meet before opting for enhanced ACCAs.
2nd Place
2nd place is another unique bonus only provided to horse racing betting fans. The bonus is applicable on place bets. For instance, you get a bonus if you predict that the horse will finish first but instead end up in the second position. Note that the size of the 2nd place bonus you receive varies depending on the bookie.
Cashback Bonus
Lastly, horse racing websites often have cashback bonuses, but only if you qualify. The offer involves receiving a particular percentage of your cashback, usually in bet credits to be used as a free bet if you place a losing bet. Cashback bonus percentages vary depending on the bookmaker. Also, most operators usually state the applicable minimum and maximum cashback bonuses. Unlike most horse racing bonuses, you may be required to meet a wagering requirement to get the free bets credited and to make the bonus profits withdrawable.
Coverage of festivals and meets
Horse racing has evolved over the years, creating multiple festivals and meets. It would be best to have a bookie who gives you access to events from different festivals and meets. For clarification, below is a detailed classification of horse racing festivals.
UK and Ireland
You need to consider a bookie with enough Ireland and UK meetings. For instance, it should cover top festivals such as:
- Dublin Racing Festival: The Dublin Racing Festival is a two-day spectacle at Leopardstown that blends exhilarating horse racing with Irish culture. Marquee events such as the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Irish Gold Cup beckon, offering lucrative betting opportunities and attracting prestigious thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers.
- Cheltenham Festival: This four-day event boasts a series of Grade I races, including the Gold Cup. Its diversity and prestige coalesce to cater to an array of betting tastes, making it a favourite among horse racing punters.
- Aintree Festival: The Aintree Festival is a three-day horse racing extravaganza held at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. The event’s crown jewel, the Grand National, offers robust betting opportunities, attracting a global audience, top-class horses, revered jockeys, and celebrated trainers.
- The Epsom Derby Festival: The Epsom Derby Festival represents British horse racing at its finest. Spanning two days at the Epsom Downs Racecourse, the festival culminates in the Derby Stakes. This lucrative, prestigious race offers high-stake betting prospects and attracts the cream of thoroughbred talent.
- Royal Ascot: A prominent event in the British social calendar, this festival boasts 18 Group races and merges aristocratic charm with high-stakes thrill, offering ample opportunities for strategic wagers.
These are all competitive events that feature prestigious races, generally with high odds. The events also have excellent media coverage, so you will enjoy researching.
Furthermore, you should expect coverage and betting markets for the five biggest Flat races, the Classics. These races attract the most attention from horse racing fans:
- 1,000 Guineas – 1-mile race run at Newmarket
- 2,000 Guineas – 1-mile race run at Newmarket
- The Derby – 1 mile, 4 furlongs race run at Epsom
- The Oaks – 1 mile, 4 furlongs race run at Epsom
- St Leger – 1 mile, 6 furlongs race run at Doncaster
If the bookie does not have all the mentioned races, ensure it has most of them.
International
Additionally, the bookie should cover international events happening in countries like Dubai. So far, some of the top global meets you should look out for include
- Kentucky Derby: Known as 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports', this US race forms part of the esteemed Triple Crown. Betting on this race is a tradition as deep-seated as the mint julep.
- Melbourne Cup: Often referred to as 'the race that stops a nation,' the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most prestigious annual thoroughbred horse race and a prime opportunity for punters to test their betting acumen.
- Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: One of Europe’s most illustrious horse races, it attracts some of the globe’s top equine talent and is a marquee event on the betting calendar.
- The Everest: Australia's richest race is an ideal betting ground for high rollers looking to partake in significant wagers.
All the races are widely televised, which means you will not struggle to do your research. Check the horse racing section to determine whether a bookie covers international festivals and races. You should have a complete view of the events and festivals covered.
The punters' favourite - The Grand National
The Grand National is the UK public's most popular race to bet on, thanks to its rich heritage, thrilling unpredictability, and wide media coverage. Regardless of their usual betting habits, people across the nation place their annual wagers on this spectacle, drawn in by its drama and the prospect of a sizeable return from even the smallest stake.
Names such as Ginger McCain, trainer of the renowned Red Rum, or AP McCoy, a legendary jockey, become woven into the fabric of the sport. Therefore, identifying the Best Grand National bookmaker is like pinpointing the finest conductor for a symphony orchestra. Expertly picked by Oddspedia, these bookmakers play an essential role in giving you the highest odds, well-rounded market coverage, sterling bonuses and robust security measures, harmonising your betting symphony to perfection.
It's the race where the regular punter and the occasional bettor unite in a common quest for racing glory. This truly inclusive event captures the nation's spirit and attention.
Conclusion
Placing horse racing bets is fulfilling, especially if you do it on a feature-rich betting site covering all major horse racing festivals. That is why this read will take you through some of the best horse racing betting sites with an acute focus on the functions that make bookies great. Read on to understand what a world-class horse racing bookmaker should look like.
Horse racing betting is quite complex, so only select bookmakers offer it. But not all bookies will give you the horse racing betting experience you seek. This piece details what you must look for when determining the best bookmaker for horse racing betting. You will also find top horse racing bonuses that you do not know. In summary, the read is designed to help you make informed choices when selecting the best horse racing betting site. Gallop Towards Winning Bets with oddspedia!