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Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Ireland

By Victoria Michael | ⏲️ Reading time: 17 minutes
Fact checked by Martins Lasmanis
CEO Martins Lasmanis
Fact checked by
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With more than 10 years of experience in online marketing, and special focus on the gambling affiliation sector over 5 years, Martin Lasmanis is a true expert in his niche. Today, Martin's vision is to build the largest lead generator company in the world. Fortunately, we have the perfect team to make his dream come true!

Horse race betting is an activity that is as old as the sport itself. This is a betting form that seems to age like fine wine. With the use of technology, betting on this sport has never been easier. Irish bettors now have access to international horse racing events and the stats that accompany them.

The flip side to technology’s influence is the frequent creation of bookies. These operators come up with attractive deals for new and loyal customers. This might interest newbies, but the number of available sportsbooks may be daunting to them. The issue of safety might be a problem for the most adventurous bettors. Join us as we share an in-depth analysis of Ireland's best horse racing betting sites.

List of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Rank Bookmaker Rating Bonus Get bonus
1
4.5/5
100% deposit match bonus up to €1,500
PlayRead review
2
4.8/5
100% “Hunting Bonus” up to €1500
PlayRead review
3
4.5/5
100% First deposit bonus up to €200
PlayRead review
4
4.5/5
300% match bonus up to 4,400 BGP!
PlayRead review
5
4.5/5
50% up to 100 EUR in free bet; 200% up to 3,000 EUR Hunting Bonus
PlayRead review
6
4.9/5
100% welcome bonus up to €100
PlayRead review
7
4.8/5
Bonus Up to 300% For The First Three Deposits
PlayRead review
8
4.8/5
Welcome bonus 100% up to 100 EUR
PlayRead review
9
4.8/5
100% first deposit bonus up to €200
PlayRead review
10
4.8/5
150% Welcome Bonus
PlayRead review

History Of Horse Race Betting in Ireland

Horse racing might be one of the first sports in Ireland. It unofficially dates back to the third century, but the history books recorded the first public horse racing event in the 17th century. Legal betting was only allowed at the horse racing venue. Bettors would come to the event, locate a bookie, and place bets on their favorite horses.

Unfortunately, transportation was difficult, so many bettors worked with the illegal bookies close to home. A new Act was released in the middle of the 20th century, which banned illegal betting. This didn’t reduce betting activities until the 21st century when online betting replaced on-site horse race betting.

Best Horse Racing Bookmakers in Ireland

After analyzing various bookmakers in the Irish iGaming industry, we’ve identified the top five horse racing bookmakers in Ireland.

Billybets

billybets home page

The sportsbook page offers horse racing in popular racecourses around the world. These events are filled with neck-breaking speed and high winning potential. Players could try their hands at popular racecourses ranging from the Uttoxeter to Dundalk. Users of Billy Bets have access to the 100% deposit bonus for new bettors and weekly reload 50% bonus match up to €500. Accumulator boosts, cashback, and enhanced odds are available to all bettors.

FeatureDetails
📢 Site URLBillybets.com
💰 Welcome Bonus100% deposit bonus up to €100
⚽️ SportsShort football, ice hockey, tennis, eSports, volleyball, boxing
💳 Payment MethodsNeteller, Jeton, Bank cards, Paysafecard, Rapid transfer, Skrill, Mifinity, cryptocurrencies
💵 Minimum Deposit€20
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal€20
Pluses
  • Easy website navigation
  • Easily accessible payment options
  • Great bonus packages
  • Live streaming
Minuses
  • Deposits made through Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for the welcome bonus.

 

22Bet

22Bet Betting Experience

22bet adds racecourses in France, Turkey, and South Africa to its list. This gives Irish bettors a larger playing field and more betting markets. Iconic tracks like Chantilly, Adana, and Greyville deliver exciting moments and excellent betting opportunities.

Existing users can take advantage of the 100% reload bonus and rebate bonus. Additionally, the accumulator saver package offers a 100% refund if one out of seven selections loses—provided the other six bets are successful.

FeatureDetails
📢 Site URL22bet.com
💰 Welcome Bonus100% deposit bonus up to €122
⚽️ SportsHorse racing, football, badminton, field hockey, table tennis, chess, volleyball
💳 Payment MethodsNeteller, Bank cards, Payeer, Skrill, Entropay, Payz, and cryptocurrencies.
💵 Minimum Deposit€1
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal€1.50
Pluses
  • Huge number of sports and events
  • Competitive odds are available on less common events
  • In-depth live betting facility
  • Lots of payment methods are available
Minuses
  • Wagering requirements are attached to some promos

 

Sportaza

Sportaza Sports

This bookie has a separate icon for horse racing betting. Players don't have to check the 'all sports' section to find the registered races. Races from the UK, Ireland, Australia, France, Italy, and many others provide players with high winning potential.

Sportaza's responsive website and live betting features deliver an immersive betting experience. The bonus options on the sportsbook include a 100% accumulator boost. Cashback and boosted odds increase bettors' betting activities and payout potential.

FeatureDetails
📢 Site URLsportaza.com
💰 Welcome Bonus100% deposit bonus up to €100
⚽️ SportsIce hockey, horse racing, tennis, eSports, handball, futsal, rugby
💳 Payment MethodsNeteller, bank card, jeton, Binance Pay, Mifinity
💵 Minimum Deposit€10
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal€10
Pluses
  • Sportaza features one of the best-looking interfaces in Ireland.
  • A dedicated sportsbook section.
  • A wide range of bonus offers.
Minuses
  • No mobile app.

 

Megapari

megapari

Bettors of this bookmaker have a large playing field. From the racecourses of Australia to the horse racing events of Brazil, bettors can enjoy great cash-out opportunities and live-streaming options.

The Advance Bet bonus allows players to place bets on live events or those scheduled for the next 48 hours. The free bets promo requires interested users to deposit at least €30 before it can be activated.

FeatureDetails
📢 Site URLmegapari.com
💰 Welcome Bonus200% welcome bonus on the first two deposits up to €200
⚽️ SportsFootball, Basketball, Ice hockey, horse racing, tennis, eSports
💳 Payment MethodsVisa, Mastercard, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies
💵 Minimum Deposit€1
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal€1.5
Pluses
  • Supports multiple languages for foreign players.
  • Players can use cryptocurrency and several popular payment methods in Ireland.
  • Features a well-designed mobile gaming interface.
Minuses
  • The wagering requirements for the signup bonus are quite high for newcomers.

 

20bet

20Bet sports betting interface

This bookmaker recently expanded its offerings to include horse racing, showcasing an impressive list of events for the sport. Operated by Tech Solutions and licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, the website features an easy-to-navigate layout. New users can quickly access the bookmaker's welcome bonus, payment options, and other features conveniently located at the top of the site.

FeatureDetails
📢 Site URL20bet.com
💰 Welcome Bonus100% deposit bonus up to €100
⚽️ SportsHandball, cricket, rugby, American football, Badminton.
💳 Payment MethodsNeteller, jeton, Interac, Perfect Money, Skrill, bank cards, cryptocurrencies.
💵 Minimum Deposit€10
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal€10
Pluses
  • Fantastic mobile app
  • Many payment methods
  • Good bonus offers
  • Flexible payment terms
Minuses
  • Wagering requirements on bonuses can be high
  • Poor odds on some sports

How We Rate Horse Racing Bookmakers in Ireland

Every high-ranking sports betting website must have certain provisions for their bettors. The presence of these items could make or mar the bookmaker’s success rate. Some of these provisions, like license, fair odds, reward system, payment options, and available sports, are cross-checked by our analysts. The team confirms that these betting websites online follow the required betting standard.

  • License And Regulations

    Reputable horse racing bookmakers have licenses from credible regulatory bodies. This is the first proof of users’ safety. The licenses indicate that all activities of the bookmaker are supervised and regulated by the licensing body.

    Terms and Conditions icon
  • Sports And Betting Markets Diversity

    There are several sports betting websites in Ireland, but the quality of their sports library determines the quality of entertainment. Betting markets like win, exacta, and trifecta are very common horse racing markets in the Irish online betting scene. Hence, top sportsbooks should provide these markets for their clientele.

    Availability icon
  • Bonus

    Since horse racing could be the national sport of Ireland, sportsbooks with offers tailored for horse racing bettors get a pass in this segment. Other offers with fair conditions are also considered.

    bonuses allbets
  • Payment Channels

    Recently, the use of e-wallets for digital transactions has fairly increased. Therefore, the provision of trusted e-wallets, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies are also investigated. Several payment options give a convenient experience.

    Payment Options icon
  • Client Protection and Support

    The best online bookmakers offer convenience, speed, and security to their users. This means inquiries are swiftly handled, vital details are protected, and the user experience is smooth.

    support allbets
  • Competitive Odds and Features

    Each sport has an acceptable range of odds, which online bookmakers use. Our team verifies the odds for these sports at each betting site.

    Odds icon

Legality Of Horse Race Betting in Ireland

Horse racing betting is extremely popular in Ireland, with the 1926 Betting Act established to ensure all betting houses were properly licensed and to protect the interests of bettors. This Act was amended in 1931, 2015, and 2024 to keep up with developments in the sector. The amendments in 2015 and 2024 introduced restrictions on online betting.

Underage bettors, those under 18, are prohibited from accessing these sites, and violators face a Class A fine or up to six months in jail. All online bookmakers and betting establishments must be licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

Advertising for betting is prohibited between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM, and excessive betting bonuses are not permitted in this region. Additionally, all bookmakers must implement responsible gambling measures to protect users.

Pros And Cons of Horse Race Betting

Gambling on horse racing is a popular pastime among many Irish residents. However, like any form of betting, it doesn’t always come without its challenges. There are a few bumps along the way, so let's take a look at the pros and cons of online betting.

Pluses
  • Unique betting markets
  • Live betting is allowed
  • Thrilling experience
  • Many racing events
  • Wins are determined by the betting pool, not the bookie
Minuses
  • The bet may not allow bettors to enjoy the race
  • Live streaming is not allowed in some races

How To Bet on Horse Racing

Let’s go through the betting process together. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bettor, this step can help you bet on horse racing events.

  • Choose a Bookie
    step 1

    Pick a bookie from our recommended list of the best horse racing bookmakers in Ireland.

  • Explore the Sit
    step 2

    Browse through the website to familiarize yourself with its layout.

  • Place a Deposit
    step 3

    Make the necessary transactions, complete them, and head to the horse racing unit.

  • Start Betting
    step 4

    Horse racing events are distinguished by country. So, click on the hosting country, choose the event and race, and place bets on your favorite horse.

Types Of Bets For Horse Racing

Horse racing bets are different from their mainstream alternatives. The player’s bets are against the public wagers rather than the bookie. So, the odds aren’t fixed to favor the sportsbook. Let’s look at the markets in this sport.

Regular Bets

This type of bet follows the principle of single bets. It holds three forms, namely: win, place, and show. The ‘win’ bet requires a player to choose the winner of the race. ‘Place’ allows bettors to predict the horse that will be the winner or the first runner-up after the winner.

‘Show’ bet predicts the horse that will hold any of the first three positions. Players have a higher payout ratio with the win bet, and it reduces with the other two.

Exotic Bets

This betting market is reserved for the experts of horse racing. Bettors are required to predict the exact winners of multiple races. Some common bet types include the Daily Double, Pick 3, Exacta, and Trifecta. The 'Daily Double' predicts the winners of two races in a day, while the 'Pick 3' market requires bettors to select the winners of three consecutive races. With Exacta, bettors choose the first two horses to finish in the correct order, and Trifecta requires picking the first three horses in the exact order. Bettors celebrate when their chosen horses achieve the predicted positions; otherwise, it's considered a loss.

Box Bets

This is a more flexible betting style. Players predict the range of positions for each horse. For instance, players predict that horse five will be among the first three rather than giving it a specific position.

Top Bonuses in Ireland Horse Racing Bookmakers

Reputable bookmakers offer bonuses, promotions, and rewards to their Irish bettors. In a quality sportsbook, you’ll likely find the following types of bonuses:

  • Welcome Bonus

This one-time bonus is reserved for new bettors at a sportsbook. It typically comes in the form of a deposit match, where the bettor's initial deposit is multiplied by a certain percentage.

  • Free Bets

Bettors will place wagers provided by the sportsbook. While the bets are free, the potential payout goes to the player.

  • Boosted Odds

This is a time-limited bonus where the sportsbook adjusts the betting odds on various events to enhance players' chances of winning.

BookmakerBonus OfferAdvantagesFind out more
BillyBets logo100% deposit bonus up to €100Easy navigation, live streaming
22bet100% deposit bonus up to €122Many horse racing events, mobile apps
sportaza100% deposit bonus up to €100Payment options, many sports markets
Megapari logo200% welcome bonus on first two deposits up to €200Sports bonus, mobile apps
20Bet Brand logo100% deposit bonus up to €100Live streaming, combo, and system bets are available

Live Horse Racing Betting in Ireland Bookmakers

Live betting on horse racing is common in Irish bookmakers, but live streaming is not available for every event. Bettors will have to check with their bookmakers to see which events are available for live streaming.

Live betting is the best option for many Irish horse racing bettors, as it allows them to edit their wagers, enjoy the events, and increase their payout potential. All the bookmakers listed in the article, including Billy Bets, 22bet, Sportaza, Megapari, and 20bet, offer live betting on horse racing.

Mobile Apps

Mobile Apps are the hallmarks of iGaming in Ireland. Leading Irish bookmakers provide the best mobile apps for their users.

iOS Mobile Apps

Bookmakers like Billybets and Megapari offer bookmakers to their iOS users.

BookmakerBonusKey Features
BillyBets logo100% deposit bonus up to €100Smooth interface, live updates
Megapari logo200% welcome bonus on first two deposits up to €200Sports bonus, several markets

Android Mobile Apps

22bet and 20bet are among the top-ranked bookmakers with mobile apps for the Android community.

BookmakerBonusKey Features
22bet100% deposit bonus up to €122Several horse racing markets, great promotions
20Bet Brand logo100% deposit bonus up to €100Live streaming, user-friendly app.

Tips for Horse Racing Betting

Get some necessary tips that will improve your gameplay.

Research

Get the latest info on the horse, its trainer, riding jockey, and their winning rate. The reputation of trainers and jockeys gives you insight into the likely winners.

Betting Strategy

Have a betting budget and practice responsible betting. You could use the regular or box betting markets to protect your wins. The favorite may have potential, so don’t go against the crowd in all the events.

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
  • A scratch is a term for the withdrawal of a candidate. All bets on a withdrawn candidate are returned to the bettors.

  • No, they don't work the same way. In horse racing betting, the odds are influenced by the level of interest from the crowd in each horse. This interest is reflected in the wager amount placed on each horse. While mainstream sports betting odds are set by the bookmaker, in horse racing, the amount of money wagered on each horse determines the odds.

  • Players can check the speed value, stamina, and agility of each horse in the race. Their winning history, trainers, and respective jockeys should also be considered. Knowing these details will help you to choose the most favorable bet type.

  • New bettors can use regular bets (win, place, and show) or box bets to place their wagers. For more information, you can check the "types of horse race bets" section.

Author
Victoria Michael
Editor-in-Chief from St. Louis, Missouri, USA. B.A. in education, certified linguist. Future Writer Award winner.
Article rating
5/5
1 vote