💡 Is horse racing betting legal in the UK?

Yes, betting on horse racing is legal and licensed in the UK through the Gambling Act. To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old.

💡 What types of bets can I place on horse races?

Many betting options, such as Win, Place, Show, and Exacta, are available, and there are different ways to win.

💡 Can I place live bets on horse racing?

Yes, most bookmakers provide live, in-play betting options for the most famous horse races.

💡 Are there any bonuses for horse racing betting?

Most sites provide welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, or matched deposit bonuses for new joiners.

💡 How do I withdraw winnings from horse racing bets?

Depending on the site, withdrawal can occur through several options, such as bank transfers, e-wallets, or crypto.

Best International Horse Racing Betting sites in the United Kingdom

By Victoria Michael | Last update at 5 May, 2025⏲️ Reading time: 20 minutes

Fact checked by Martins Lasmanis

Fact checked by

Martins Lasmanis

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!

Betting on horse racing is now a widespread leisure activity for enthusiasts. Horse racing plays a powerful role in British society. Thus, betting upon it has become a widespread practice. Horse racing fans now enjoy wagering on the exciting and traditional varieties. This article presents the best horse racing betting sites. It outlines platforms that offer great odds, live streaming, enticing bonuses, and easy-to-use mobile apps. Whether you’re looking to place bets on prestigious events like the Grand National or explore year-round markets, our expert team has reviewed and selected the top betting sites to strengthen your experience.

List of the Best International Horse Racing Betting Sites

Rank	Bookmaker	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	Casino Infinity	4.5/5	100% First deposit bonus up to £170	Play Read review
2	N1Bet	4.5/5	300% match bonus up to 4,400 BGP!	Play Read review
3	888Starz	4.3/5	Promocode: "ALLBETS" 100% bonus up to 130€	Play Read review
4	22Bet	4.5/5	100% up to 122 EUR	Play Read review
5	heyspin	4.5/5	Bet £15 get £10 welcome offer	Play Read review
6	BC.Game	4.8/5	Welcome Bonus Up To 270%	Play Read review
7	20Bet	4.5/5	100% Welcome bonus up to 100 EUR	Play Read review
8	Melbet	4.5/5	100% Welcome bonus up to 90 EUR	Play Read review
9	BetWinner	4.3/5	Welcome Bonus up to 100 EUR	Play Read review
10	GGBET	4.5/5	Sports Betting Promotions	Play Read review

History of horse racing betting in the UK

Sports betting in the UK has roots spanning centuries, moving from barely structured, private wagering amongst the upper classes to a quickly organised, sound sport the general public finds attractive. The genesis of the foundations can be traced back as far as the Roman era, with structured horse racing becoming prominent at the turn of the 17th century during the reign of King Charles II. He helped establish Newmarket as a racing hub, and over time, racing grew with the creation of iconic events like the Epsom Derby and the Grand National.

Creating the Jockey Club in the 18th century formalized the sport. The Victorian era saw a boom in public interest, and by the 20th century, innovations like the Totalisator made betting more accessible. Horse racing is at the heart of British culture today, with many betting sites that enable onlookers to participate in the sport from any location.

5 top horse racing bookmakers in the UK

We’ve reviewed a range of best-rated bookmakers so that you can have the best UK horse racing betting possible. After thorough research, here’s our list of the five best horse racing bookmakers in the UK, offering outstanding characteristics, fantastic odds, and a range of markets to enhance your betting journey.

888Starz

888Starz provides a comprehensive betting experience on horse racing. Covering major international and local UK events, including the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and Ascot races, the platform caters to horse racing enthusiasts. Punters can explore a range of markets, from win/place bets to forecasts and accumulators. Competitive odds and easy mobile access make it a solid choice for racing fans.

Feature	Details
📢 Site URL	888starz.bet
💰 Welcome Bonus	100% bonus up to 100 EUR
⚽️ Sports	35+ sports
💳 Payment Methods	Mastercard, Visa, e-Wallets, Payz, Cryptocurrencies
💵 Minimum Deposit	2 EUR
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal	5 EUR

22Bet

22Bet is a standout platform for horse racing enthusiasts, offering extensive local and international event coverage. It provides betting markets for popular horse racing events like the Grand National, Royal Ascot, and Cheltenham Festival and global races in the US, Australia, France, etc. While bonuses specific to horse racing are limited, its welcome bonus can be applied across all sports.

Feature	Details
📢 Site URL	22bets.me
💰 Welcome Bonus	100% bonus up to 122 EUR
⚽️ Sports	30+ sports, including horse racing
💳 Payment Methods	Credit/Debit Card, e-Wallets, Cryptocurrency
💵 Minimum Deposit	1 EUR
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal	1.50 EUR

HeySpin

HeySpin UK provides robust horse racing coverage, featuring local UK events like the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival and international races from Ireland, Australia, and the USA. The bookmaker supports betting on critical markets, such as win/place, forecast/tricast, and each-way bets, ensuring variety for horse racing enthusiasts. While it doesn’t offer horse racing-specific bonuses, its welcome offer can be used on horse racing markets with competitive odds.

Feature	Details
📢 Site URL	heyspin.com
💰 Welcome Bonus	Bet £15, Get £10
⚽️ Sports	35+ sports, including horse racing
💳 Payment Methods	Mastercard, Visa, e-Wallets, Payz
💵 Minimum Deposit	£10.25
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal	£10

Betwinner

Betwinner, operated by PREVAILER B.V., supplies horse racing enthusiasts in the UK with an extensive selection of local and international races. This bookmaker delivers complete coverage from renowned events like the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival to global tournaments. Additionally, bettors enjoy detailed markets, including exactas, trifectas, and live betting options. While a horse racing-specific bonus isn’t offered, the platform’s general promotions, such as the 100% deposit bonus, apply to horse racing wagers.

Feature	Details
📢 Site URL	betwinner.com
💰 Welcome Bonus	100% bonus up to 100 EUR
⚽️ Sports	Horse racing, football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, and more
💳 Payment Methods	Mastercard, Visa, Crypto
💵 Minimum Deposit	1 EUR
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal	1.50 EUR

Melbet

Melbet offers a compelling platform for horse racing enthusiasts, covering international and UK-local races. With markets available for major global tournaments like the Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup, and smaller regional events, Melbet appeals to a diverse audience. Their live betting feature allows you to wager on races in real time, and promotions like 10% weekly app cashback and boosted odds often include horse racing events.

Feature	Details
📢 Site URL	melbet.com
💰 Welcome Bonus	100% bonus up to 100 EUR
⚽️ Sports	30+ sports, including horse racing and esports
💳 Payment Methods	Mastercard, Visa, e-Wallets, Cryptocurrencies
💵 Minimum Deposit	1 EUR
🏧 Minimum Withdrawal	1.50 EUR

How do we rate horse racing bookmakers

Assessing horse racing bookmakers, we concentrate on several necessary measures to guarantee bettors a consistently excellent and rewarding experience.

Licencing and safety
The first thing we look for in a bookmaker is if it is safe for punters. One indication of a safe bookie is the presence of a licence from a reputable regulatory organisation. Such a licence indicates that the platforms will adhere to the strict safety protocols guiding online betting.
Odds and betting markets
Our specialists evaluate each site based on the quality of its odds and the size of its betting markets (e.g., regional and international horse races).
Live streaming
We also looked for characteristics such as live streaming and in-play betting, which are important for following real-time races.
User reviews
We also evaluated user compliments, such as promotional offers (e.g., welcome bonuses). These freebies significantly improve punters’ betting experience.
Payment methods
Another factor we analysed was transaction efficiency. This means that we considered payment methods, withdrawal speed, and the quality of customer service.

Legality of bets on horse racing in the UK

Horse race betting in the UK is fully legal and licensed under the Gambling Act 2005. The Gambling Commission regulates activity. Their work is to guarantee that all operators comply with stringent security, fair play and responsible gaming requirements.

Licensed bookmakers, online and at physical racetracks, can offer horse racing betting if they adhere to the Commission’s rules and guidelines. That way, gamblers are assured to bet in horse racing betting reliably since detailed rules duly secure them. To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old.

Pros and cons of horse racing betting

Horse racing betting sites offer several advantages. This usually includes diverse bet types, frequent events, and opportunities for strategic play. However, they also come with challenges, like a steep learning curve for beginners and the volatility of betting returns. Here is a summary:

Leveraging these platforms can allow punters to enjoy a thrilling and potentially rewarding experience, provided they manage risks responsibly.

How to bet on horse racing

Following is a summary of how to bet on horse races.

Look at Our List of Bookmakers
step 1
You need to select a reputable betting site. Your choice should offer fair odds and a range of horse racing events.
Examine the form
step 2
Analyse the horse’s recent form, trainer, and jockey form history to form an educated choice.
Select bet type
step 3
Depending on your confidence in your horse’s performance, decide on a bet type, such as win, place, or each way.
Establish your stake
step 4
Determine how much to bet, factoring in bankroll and betting plan.
Place the bet
step 5
Finalize your bet with a click, confirming the race, horse, and amount.

This approach helps newcomers focus on essential steps to improve their betting experience.

Horse racing types of bets

In horse racing, some of the most popular betting propositions offer opportunities for a variety of strategies and levels of risk.

Win bet: Win bet consists of one wishing for a horse to clear the course in the first place.
Place bet: As a safer possibility, you can use the place bet to bet that a horse will finish in one of the first two or three places.
Each-way bet: Consists of two parts. One bet for the horse to win and another for the horse to place. If the horse wins, both bets pay out, but if it places, only the "place" portion pays, usually at lower odds.
Forecast and tricast bets: Forecast and tricast bets are based on the prediction of the exact finishing of the top two or three horses, respectively.

Popular horse racing events to bet on

There are some prominently publicized horse racing events for betting in the UK, such as top-class competitions taking place throughout the year.

Royal Ascot is a flagship event, world famous for the prestige of its races, such as the Queen Anne Stakes and the King’s Stand Stakes, continuing to command worldwide attention on account of its five-day program of top-level racing.

Cheltenham Festival in March is another big event, particularly for jump racing, which includes the famous Gold Cup. Also, the Grand National at Aintree features a difficult racetrack and a very high appeal amongst the crowd.

Other key events include Glorious Goodwood in late July and the Ebor Festival in August at York, each offering thrilling races that attract both experienced punters and new fans alike.

Here are the exact dates for the upcoming major horse racing events that punters should keep in mind:

Cheltenham Festival: March 11–14, 2025
Grand National: April 3–5, 2025
Royal Ascot: June 17–21, 2025
Ebor Festival: August 20–23, 2025

Bonuses

Regarding bonuses at horse racing bookmakers, players can access a range of offers designed to improve their betting experience. These generally include:

Welcome bonuses: New users can receive matched deposit offers or free bets as a sign-up incentive.
Free bets: Provided for new or existing customers, these allow risk-free betting on horse races.
Money-back offers: Bookmakers refund your stake (as bonus funds or free bets) if your horse finishes second or meets specific criteria.
Accumulator boost: Boosted winnings for combining multiple bets on horse racing events into one wager.
Enhanced odds: Increased payouts on selected races or horses for major events.
Loyalty rewards: Points or bonuses for regular betting activity, redeemable for free bets or other perks.

Bonus offer	Advantages	Find out more
100% bonus up to 100 EUR	Flexible bonus code for added value	Get Bonus
100% bonus up to 122 EUR	Easy-to-access welcome boost	Get Bonus
Bet £15, Get £10 Welcome Offer	Low initial bet requirement	Get Bonus
100% bonus up to 100 EUR	Generous match for new players	Get Bonus
100% bonus up to 100 EUR	Great match for initial funds	Get Bonus

Live horse racing betting

Some of the bookmakers on our list offer live betting for horse racing. Platforms such as 22BET and 888Starz provide in-play betting opportunities where, following the developments of a race as it occurs, you can make a response. This increases excitement and strategy as the odds change throughout the event. Benefits of live betting for horse racing include

Real-time adjustments to betting strategies
Increased chances of securing favourable odds
The opportunity to cash out early.

On the other hand, not all bookmakers offer this functionality because the horse-racing game is fast.

Mobile betting

Mobile betting has modified how horse racing enthusiasts place their wagers, offering convenience and real-time race access. Whether you're an iOS or Android user, these apps provide smooth experiences with standout features tailored to facilitate your betting journey.

Best iOS horse racing betting apps

iOS horse racing betting apps offer smooth navigation, robust security, and cutting-edge features like live streaming and in-app statistics. Here are the top iOS apps:

Bookmaker	Bonus	Key App Features
	100% bonus up to 122 EUR	Compact design, secure transactions
	100% bonus up to 100 EUR	Live race betting, 24/7 support

Best Android horse racing betting apps

Android horse racing betting apps cater to users with flexible features, customisable layouts, and optimised performance for various devices. Here are the best Android options:

Bookmaker	Bonus	Key App Features
	100% bonus up to 122 EUR	Multiple language options, advanced filters for bets, live chat
	100% bonus up to 100 EUR	Attractive promotions, easy navigation

Tips for horse racing betting

There are some winning strategies if you are considering wagering on horse racing. With these strategies, punters can increase the ratio of winning bets.

The following describes the different kinds of bets that can be made. These include win, place, and show bets. All of these can be used to predict a horse’s finishing position at different degrees of risk.

More advanced wagering, e.g., exacta and trifecta wagers, is a wagering game that involves specifying the place of multiple horses in an order. It is associated with greater possible payouts but can have a comparatively significant risk.

Analyse the form guide, considering the horse’s recent form, track condition, and jockey performance record. The regularity of the track’s environment can provide case information about which animals could perform better in those conditions.

Prescient advice is to handle your bankroll prudently, establishing limits on each bet so that overspending does not occur. Finally, apply responsible gambling principles so that your gambling remains fun and controllable while making good choices and not trying to win consistently.

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, betting on horse racing is legal and licensed in the UK through the Gambling Act. To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old.
Many betting options, such as Win, Place, Show, and Exacta, are available, and there are different ways to win.
Yes, most bookmakers provide live, in-play betting options for the most famous horse races.
Most sites provide welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, or matched deposit bonuses for new joiners.
Depending on the site, withdrawal can occur through several options, such as bank transfers, e-wallets, or crypto.

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