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HomeSports BettingBest Horse Racing Betting Sites & Apps for April 2024

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites & Apps for April 2024

Jonathan Lamb
Author: 
Jonathan Lamb
24 mins
September 8th, 2023
Bet With Confidence
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In today’s world, it is easier than ever to wager on your favorite horse races with the help of online horse race betting platforms. While numerous different sportsbooks offer horse race betting, BetMGM stands out due to the quality of the interface, odds accessibility, and efficient payment methods. But there are plenty of other horse racing sportsbooks for US players. Let’s explore.

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites - Our Recommendation

List of the Best Horse Racing Betting & Apps Sites in the US

  • Overall best Horse Racing Betting Site: BetMGM Racebook

  • Best New Horse Racing Betting Site: DraftKings Racebook

  • Best Horse Racing Betting App: Unibet

  • Best Fast Payout Horse Racing Betting Site: FanDuel Racebook

  • Best Horse Racing Betting Bonus: Caesars Racebook

  • Best Horse Racing Betting Site for Customer Support: Betway

Horse Racing Betting Sites Reviewed

In our quest to provide you with accurate evaluations of the very best horse racing sportsbooks available to US players, we reviewed their key features.

BetMGM – Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site

BetMGM Overview

Year founded

2018

Banking options

Visa, Mastercard, ACH, Paynearme, Paypal, Skrill, Bank transfer, Discover

Languages

English

License

Ohio Casino Control, Louisiana Gaming Control Board, and Florida Gaming Control Commission

Sports Available

Horse racing

Bonuses

Bet $200 get $200

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

47

Allowed states

OH, LA, FL

BetMGM has long been one of the biggest names in the world of gambling, both retail and online, so it is no surprise that this operator decided to expand its presence into the horse race betting market. The platform is well-developed with full mobile optimization and a smooth interface, and it offers you access to hundreds of races from around the world.

You can download this fully licensed horse racing betting app to an Android or an Apple device for free. In addition to over 20 different bet types, this operator also grants you access to several high-profile payment methods, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Among the top Fantasy Basketball Betting Sites, BetMGM sportsbook stands out not only for its traditional sports wagers but also as a premier destination for Fantasy Basketball Betting.

What We Like & Dislike About the BetMGM Horse Racebook

  • 20+ bet types
  • Luxurious welcome bonus
  • Smooth interface
  • Horse race betting guide included

DraftKings – Best New Horse Racing Betting Site

DraftKings Overview

Year founded

2023

Banking options

Visa, Mastercard, Online banking, e-checks, DraftKings Play+ Card, Skrill, and Neteller

Languages

English

License

Colorado Division of Gaming, Indiana Gaming Commission, Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency

Sports Available

Horse racing

Bonuses

100% deposit match up of up to $250

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

34

Allowed states

Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming

DraftKings has been a staple of online wagering since its launch in 2012, but it wasn’t until March 2023 that this operator ventured into horse racing betting territory. This horse racebook is available in 17 different states with full licenses issued by the respective regulatory bodies of each state.

In addition to a respectable welcome package, this platform also offers you access to a customer support desk that is available 24/7 via email and live chat. If you are new to the world of horse race betting, you can consult the guide on this platform which contains dedicated sections for each type of race. You can access the platform via a website or mobile app, available for free. Moreover, the platform has been widely used for MMA betting as well.

What We Like & Dislike About the DraftKings Horse Racebook

  • Detailed betting guides
  • Easy-to-follow race calendar
  • Cutting-edge mobile apps
  • Accessible bonus wagering conditions

Unibet – Best Horse Racing Betting App

Unibet Overview

Year founded

1997

Banking options

Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, Paynearme, Play+

Languages

English

License

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Arizona Department of Gaming, and 3 more.

Sports Available

Horse racing, football, soccer, basketball, boxing, golf, tennis, and hockey

Bonuses

$500 risk-free bet

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

44

Allowed states

New Jersey, Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Arizona

Unibet is one of the oldest online sports betting sites with the original launch dating back to 1997, though it only joined the US market in 2019. This operator does not offer you a separate betting platform for horse races, but rather, includes it as one of the categories available in the sportsbook.

Unibet is currently licensed to operate in 5 states, with the possibility for expansion in the near future. The assortment of payment methods on this site isn’t terribly expensive, but it does include high-end options, such as Visaand PayPal. The best feature that this platform offers is the user-friendly mobile app, available for free via both the Google Play Store and the App Store. Additionally, Unibet sportsbook not only offers a variety of sports wagers but also features WWE betting, allowing fans to place bets on their favorite wrestling matches.

What We Like & Dislike About the Unibet Horse Racebook

  • Daily odds boosts
  • Risk-free bet up to $500
  • Player-friendly interface design
  • Reward program for existing players

FanDuel – Best Fast Payout Horse Racing Betting Site

FanDuel Overview

Year founded

2009

Banking options

Visa, Mastercard, eCheck, PayPal, PayNearMe, FanDuel Racing Prepaid Card, Gift Cards, Checks, and Wire Transfer

Languages

English

License

Connecticut Gaming Division, Illinois Gaming Board, West Virginia Lottery Commission, and 6 others.

Sports Available

Horse racing, football, basketball, soccer, golf, cricket, and tennis

Bonuses

$1,000 no sweat first bet

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

41

Allowed states

CO, MD, MI, NY, VA, IL, IN, WV, WY

FanDuel initially joined the online wagering market as a DFS platform, but it quickly evolved into one of the most respected horse racing betting apps available in the US. One of its most prominent sports categories is horse racing, which offers you access to hundreds of horse races from around the world.

In addition to a modern platform available on both desktop and mobile sites via website and app, this operator also boasts an assortment of fast payout options. You can take full advantage of options like Mastercard, PayPal, and PayNearMe, and if you happen to encounter any issues, the 24/7 customer support desk is available. Moreover, FanDuel sportsbook has expanded its offerings to include table tennis betting, allowing table tennis enthusiasts of the fast-paced sport to place wagers on their favorite table tennis matches and players, further enhancing the excitement of each rally and point scored.

What We Like & Dislike About the FanDuel Horse Racebook

  • Rewarding promotional offers
  • HD live streaming
  • High-end mobile application
  • Hundreds of races available internationally

Caesars – Best Horse Racing Betting Bonus

Caesars Overview

Year founded

2022

Banking options

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, eCheck, online banking, Caesars Sportsbook Prepaid Play+ Card, PayPal, and PayNearMe

Languages

English

License

Colorado Division of Gaming, Florida Gaming Control Commission, Oregon Gaming Enforcement, and 13 others.

Sports Available

Horse racing

Bonuses

100% deposit match up of up to $250

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

34

Allowed states

CA, CO, FL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MT, ND, OH, OR, PA, WA, and WY

Caesars is one of the biggest names in the world of casinos and sportsbooks, and it finally joined the horse race betting industry in 2022. With a dedicated website and app, this platform is fully licensed and accessible in 16 different states. You can choose from the hundreds of races occurring in the US or internationally to bet on.

The mobile app has a rating of over 4.5/5 in both the Google Play Store and the App Store, which is a testament to its quality and user accessibility, making it one of the best horse racing bookmakers. While customer service does have space for improvement, you can contact it via phone and email. In fact, Caesars is known as the best cricket bet app in the betting industry. Moreover, according to our Caesars sportsbook review, it's the premier destination for those passionate about sports betting.

What We Like & Dislike About the Caesars Horse Racebook

  • Luxurious Rewards program
  • HD live streaming of all events
  • Commendable welcome offer
  • Stellar reputation

Betway – Best Horse Racing Betting Site for Customer Support

Betway Overview

Year founded

2006

Banking options

Maestro, Neteller, Skrill, Paypal, Visa, Paysafecard, Visa Electron, ecoPayz, Trustly, eCheck, and Neosurf

Languages

English

License

Arizona Department of Gaming, Colorado Division of Gaming, Indiana Gaming Commission, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, Ohio Casino Control Commission, Virginia Lottery

Sports Available

Horse racing, football, basketball, golf, boxing, and soccer

Bonuses

Up to $250 in bonus bets on your first wager

Mobile app

iOS and Android

Restricted states

42

Allowed states

Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia

Betway is one of the most renowned international sports betting brands that does not have a dedicated horse racebook site and instead includes horse racing in the sportsbook. As it stands right now, you can access Betway in 8 different states. The good news is that the quality of the horse race is undeniable.

You can place dozens of different wagers on hundreds of horse races happening both in the US and around the world. Moreover, you can follow these races in real-time through the live betting and live streaming features.

Other Sportsbook:

BetUS

BetUS Sportsbook has carved a niche for itself as a top-tier destination for video game betting enthusiasts. As e-sports garners more attention and fans, the quest for reliable betting platforms intensifies. BetUS rises to the occasion, presenting a broad selection of betting options across various video games. Its user-centric design appeals to both seasoned gamblers and those just starting out. Anyone considering a leap into e-sports betting will find that a BetUS review often brims with positive feedback, further attesting to its prominent standing in the betting community.

What We Like & Dislike About the Betway Horse Racebook

  • Quick, helpful, and responsive customer support
  • Dependable and reliable betting brand
  • Numerous betting opportunities
  • Competitive odds

How We Rate & Review Top Horse Racing Betting Sites

There are several factors that we take into consideration when we evaluate and rate the best horse racing betting sites available to US players.

  • License: First, we inspect the existence and validity of the licenses the site operates under, as every horse racebook must have an individual license in each state.

  • Safety & Reputation: Additionally, we research the reputation of the operator, as well as the safety and security measures that it utilizes on the platform.

  • UX & Support: The user experience is a complex concept that consists of several different elements, including quality customer support and betting fairness. So, not only do we make sure the interface design is player-friendly, but we also inspect the response times and professionalism of the customer support desk.

  • Bonuses & Fairness: Fairness doesn’t refer just to the odds of the horse races, but also to the quality and accessibility of the promotional offers. So, we inspect them to make sure that the terms and conditions are clear and fair.

  • Betting Features & Types: Live features like betting and streaming are absolutely essential aspects of any quality horse racebook, so we determine whether these options are available to all players. In addition to that, we inspect the horse races and bet types available to players and whether these offers meet the typical requirements.

  • Payment Options: Finally, we turn our attention to the number, quality, and accessibility of the payment methods the site offers.

Latest Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared - June 2023

Horse Racing Betting Site

Number of sports

Bonus

Get Started

FanDuel

15

$1,000 no sweat first bet

Visit now

Unibet

10

$500 risk-free bet

Visit now

DraftKings Racebook

1

100% deposit match up of up to $250

Visit now

BetMGM Racebook

1

Bet $200 get $200

Visit now

Betway

20

Get up to $250 in bonus bets on your first wager

Visit now

Caesars Racebook

1

100% deposit match up of up to $250

Visit now

What is Horse Racing Betting?

Horse race betting is placing wagers on different types of horse races that occur at different tracks worldwide. You can place bets on live races or future races.

What Кind of Bets Can You Place on Horse Racing?

You can place a variety of bets, including:

  • Live bets - The wagers that you place on horse races that are already ongoing but before they end. The odds for these lines refresh within moments.

  • Win - You bet on the horse you predict to end the race first.

  • Place - The horse you choose can finish first or second.

  • Show - The horse you select can end first, second, or third.

  • Exacta - You predict the first two finishers correctly.

  • Trifecta - You predict the first three finishers correctly.

  • Quinella - You predict the first and second finishers, regardless of order.

  • Superfecta - You predict the first four finishers correctly.

  • Super High 5 - You predict the first five winners correctly.

  • Double - Predict the winners of two consecutive races.

  • Pick 3 - Predict the winners of three consecutive races.

  • Pick 4 - Predict the winners of four consecutive races.

  • Pick 5 - Predict the winners of five consecutive races.

  • Pick 6 - Predict the winners of six consecutive races.

  • Pick 7 - Predict the winners of seven consecutive races.

Are Horse Racing Betting Sites Licensed & Regulated in the US?

Yes, they are. Online horse race betting has been legal in the US since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. However, horse race online betting platforms are only legal if they are licensed by the responsible gambling authority in the state they operate in.

Are Horse Racing Betting Sites Legit?

Absolutely! Horse race betting sites are completely legal and legitimate platforms to place wagers on. Of course, before you register with a horse racing betting app, you should always determine whether the racebook you chose is licensed and allowed to operate in your state.

Top Horse Racing Leagues and Events to Bet On

While there are hundreds of horse racing events, as this discipline is present in nearly every country, there is a major difference between the elite and the average ones. The following are our recommendations:

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is undoubtedly the biggest race in the world, with a reward purse totaling up to $3 million. This race is known as the fastest two minutes in sports, and it has been held in Kentucky since the first race, dating back to 1875.

Only the most successful horses get to participate in this race as it is widely recognized as the very top of the horse racing ladder. You can place wagers on the first horse to finish, the first two to finish, or even the top 3 finishers.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

Though this race is about a hundred years more recent than the Kentucky Derby, it is a horse race that draws in millions of wagers from around the world. The prize for the winner includes $6 million. What’s interesting is that this race does not have a fixed location; rather, it changes every year. The race is 1 ¼ mile long, and you can place wagers on everything from the first to finishers to the top 5 finishers in the correct order.

Gold Cup at Ascot

The Gold Cup at Ascot is held every year in the town of Ascot in England, as it has been since 1807. This is the most popular long-distance race in the world with a length of nearly 2.5 miles and a prize purse of almost $500,000. This race is perfect for players who enjoy placing in-play bets, as this race lasts for a bit longer than the regular horse race, enabling you to take advantage of the real-time changes.

Top Horse Racing Teams to Place Bets On

Some of the top horse racing teams to wager on include:

Equinox and Tetsuya Kimura

The horse Equinox alongside trainer Tetsuya Kimura is currently ranked as the best horse racing team in the world by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. This horse has a 129 rating and it is known for its success on turf surfaces in long-distance races.

Golden Sixty and Francis Lui

The second-ranked team consists of the horse Golden Sixty and its trainer Frances Lui. This horse is based out of Hong Kong and has notable success in medium-distance races on turf surfaces. Its current rating is 125.

Lucky Sweynesse and Manfred Man

This is another Hong Kong-based team composed of horse Lucky Sweynesse and trainer Manfred Man. This team has achieved commendable success in short-distance races on turf surfaces all over the world. This horse has been racing since 2018 and it has a current rating of 122.

Horse Racing Betting Bonuses & Promo Codes

Horse racebooks provide players with an assortment of promotional offers as a way to draw them in and keep them playing. The most common bonus on these sites is the risk-free first bet which is available as a part of the welcome package. Alternatively, you can expect to find match-up deposit bonuses, bonus bets, and even odds boosts.

In most cases, the time limit on these bonuses ranges from 7 days to 30 days, depending on the racebook. While certain operators do impose winning caps that top out at roughly $2,500, many forego these limits completely. You can expect to encounter a minimum deposit requirement of $10.

Why Bet on Horse Racing?

Benefits of Horse Racing Betting

Drawbacks of Horse Racing Betting

Hundreds of international events

Focusing on winning can detract from the race experience

Straightforward betting rules

Other sports are more readily accessible

Competitive odds

Few horse racing bonuses

High entertainment value

Live streaming adds to the thrill

How To Sign Up To A Horse Racing Betting Site?

Registering for an account at a horse racebook is a fairly straightforward process that we developed a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Enter Your Personal Information
Step 2: Verify That You Agree to the T&C and Privacy Policy
Step 3: Complete the Registration and Upload ID Documents

How to Deposit at Horse Racing Betting Sites?

Depositing at a horse race betting site is just as simple as registering at it.

Step 1: Access Your Account and the Cashier Tab
Step 2: Select a Payment Method and Input the Sum

How to Withdraw Winnings Using Horse Racing from a Betting Site?

Most sites allow you to withdraw via the same method that you used for depositing. You can withdraw in different currencies, but you will have to pay transfer charges.

Step 1: Access Your Account and the Banking Tab
Step 2: Choose a Payment Option and Confirm the Transaction

Horse Racing Deposit & Payout Times

Method

Deposit time

Withdrawal time

Visa

Instant

1-3 days

MasterCard

Instant

1-3 days

Bank transfer

Instant

3-5 days

PayPal

Instant

24 hours

Skrill

Instant

24 hours

Neteller

Instant

24 hours

How To Choose The Best Horse Racing Betting Site in 2023

There are several different factors that you need to take into consideration so that you make the best possible decision when it comes to horse racebooks. Here are the most important aspects:

Restricted States

Before you register at a horse racing betting site, you need to ensure that the state you reside in isn’t on the restricted list. While you could use a VPN to access a site not available in your state, this is not wise as it goes against the rules and regulations of these racebooks.

Instead, turn your attention to the platforms available to you. You can discover whether a site is restricted or not in the About Us section of the platform.

Safety, Reliability, and Reputation

In order for a horse racebook to operate legally within the US, it must be licensed and regulated by the gambling authority in each individual state of operation. This license is also a good way to determine how safe a site is, in addition to the available protection measures. As for customer support channels, most quality sites offer live chat, email, and phone options.

Payout & Withdrawal Speed & Terms

Each online horse race betting site is different with a variety of withdrawal options that differ from each other. Yet, most cashout options have a processing time of around 1-3 days on average. Of course, this time is subject to change, especially if there is an issue with your identity verification.

Deposit Options

At most quality online horse racebooks, you will find an assortment of credit and debit cards, e-wallets, vouchers, and bank transfers as deposit methods. These methods typically have a $10 minimum limit and they don’t have built-in maximum limits. More often than not, these deposits are instant, which means they appear after a minute or two.

Horse Racing Betting Selection

The quality of the betting opportunities available is absolutely crucial, which is why the top-notch platforms offer you hundreds of races from around the world. You can make around 20 different bet types and you can follow the races in real-time via live streaming.

Horse Racing Betting Bonuses and Promotions

Bonuses tend to vary from site to site, but there are some common threads that you can find on nearly every platform. Incentives can include everything from match-up deposits and bonus bets to risk-free bets and boost odds. You should always double-check the wagering requirements and eligibility period before claiming a bonus. In most cases, they include 2x rollover requirements and a 30-day eligibility period.

For more options, visit our guide on the best free betting apps available in the US.

Cost & Fees

Horse race betting online is designed to be accessible and player-friendly, which is why there are no built-in fees. Reliable gaming platforms don’t charge you betting or money transferring fees, and you might be required to pay a small inactivity fee if you are inactive for 6+ months.

User Experience & Mobile Compatibility

The user experience depends heavily on several different elements, including the quality of the interface, odd competitiveness, bonus wagering requirements, and mobile compatibility. Nearly every modern betting platform has a dedicated mobile app for both Apple and Android devices.

Cashier Policy And T&Cs

All respectable online horse racing betting apps and sites display their policies and terms and conditions clearly so that everyone can access them. These documents contain the rules and regulations that you have to adhere to in order to successfully wager on these horse racebook platforms.

Other Popular Sports Betting Sites

Some other options include:

  • Tennis: Tennis is a worldwide sensation that has players and fans from every continent on the planet. Tournaments happen throughout the year, so you always have events to bet on, regardless of whether they are on a professional or amateur level.

  • Basketball: Basketball is a sport with hundreds of competitions around the globe, many of which are located in the USA. You can wager on the NBA, WNBA, NCAAB, G-League, and the Big 3. This sport also provides you with dozens of different bet types you can make.

  • Hockey: Hockey is an Olympic sport that has dedicated leagues in nearly every country. You can bet on the goal totals, player props, parlay, or even futures. In the US, you can opt to bet on the NHL as the most successful league in the world.

Horse Racing Betting Sites to Avoid

It is always wise to steer clear of online horse racing betting platforms that have no licenses and little-to-no internet presence. These sites are suspicious because all legitimate platforms include information about their license and protection measures on their websites. You should avoid sites like America’s Bookie and Zenit.

How To Gamble Responsibly in the US

Gambling responsibly is the only way to ensure that wagering on your favorite horse races stays an entertaining hobby that doesn’t get out of control. There are certain tools you can use to make sure you are protected, such as:

Setting Limits

Before you even start your online wagering adventure, you should determine what your betting budget is and stick to it. Moreover, you can use the internal site tools at sportsbooks to set deposit, bet, and loss limits for yourself.

Cooling-off Periods

Cooling-off periods are an excellent way to take a step back if you feel like you are losing control of your betting habit. Most sites allow you to activate a cooling-off period according to your preferences, ranging from a week to 5 years.

Account Deactivation

This is the most drastic you can take, as it stops you from accessing your favorite online horse race wagering platform. Once you deactivate your account, you won’t be able to activate it for a predetermined period of time.

Responsible Gambling Organizations and Charities in the US

Organization

Contact Details

National Council on Problem Gambling

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER1800gamblerchat.orgText: 800GAM

Gamblers Anonymous

Email: info@gamblersanonymous.comPhone: (909) 931-9056

BeGambleAware

Live chatPhone: 0808 8020 133

Gambling Therapy

Email: support@gamblingtherapy.org

Horse Racing Betting Sites – Your Questions Answered

What is the best horse racing betting site for US players?
Is it safe to bet on horse racing at an online betting site?
How risky are horse racing bets?
Can I place in-play bets for horse racing?
Am I eligible for a betting bonus for Horse Racing betting?
Do you recommend horse racing betting sites?
Can I use multiple horse racing betting sites at the same time?
Can I watch the races I bet on?
Can I use the same payment method for deposits and withdrawals?

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Author

Jonathan Lamb
A die-hard sports fan hailing from New Jersey, Jonny discovered his love for sports writing in college and turned it into a full-blown career after grabbing his journalism degree. But Jonny's not just about putting pen to paper. He's big on sports betting, adding a whole new level of excitement to every game he covers. His insights are backed by his experience on the field and his bets at the bookies. He’s as much in the game as the players themselves. His dream? Packing his bags for Las Vegas and reporting on the grandest stage of all – the Super Bowl. But for now, he's here, knocking out compelling game reports, dropping insightful commentaries, and sharing his passion for sports with all of us. With Jonny, it's always game time.