Best International Horse Racing Betting sites in the United Kingdom

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.

Legality of bets on horse racing in the UK

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.

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.

Bookmaker	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