Horse racing is hugely popular in the UK, and betting sites constantly try to capitalise on that interest. However, with so many options available, not all of them deliver where it counts; some lack competitive odds, useful features, or consistent race coverage, making it difficult to choose the right platform.
Rebecca is a Liverpool gal and a big fan of the club. She likes nothing more than sharing tips and predictions on sports betting. Her other favorite sports include horse racing, snooker, and golf. Rebecca is in charge of writing and media at BetZillion. You can thank her for making our articles look so great.
Whether you’re new to horse racing betting or an experienced punter looking to get more out of your wagers, this guide breaks down the best UK horse racing betting sites. You’ll also find the most popular betting markets and top tournaments worth betting on.
List of Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK
Here is a complete list of licensed horse racing bookmakers in the country where you can get the best odds and wide sports coverage.
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
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Best UK Horse Racing Betting Sites – Betzillion Review
After reviewing dozens of UK betting sites that offer horse racing, we found that many fall short in key areas like race coverage, odds, and betting tools. For punters looking to up their betting experience, here are 5 top horse racing bookmakers in the country.
William Hill
William Hill was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest horse racing betting sites in the UK. The site features major UK, Irish, and international horse races such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, Melbourne Cup, and St Leger. Punters can find a variety of betting options and also have the option of live streaming most events. William Hill also covers 30+ other sports, including football, basketball, baseball, etc. You can deposit and withdraw as little as ÂŁ5 using bank transfer, debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, ecoPayz, and Apple Pay. As a new user, you get ÂŁ30 in free bets when you wager ÂŁ10. This bonus is guaranteed regardless of the outcome of your wager.
williamhill.com
PROS
CONS
PROS
Has native mobile apps
Free live streaming of horse racing and other sports
For fans of the sport looking for high odds, Betway is one of the horse racing bookies that delivers. It has an average 4% margin on horse racing events. The platform offers detailed stats and live streaming on selected races and sports. If you’re in the mood for something different, you’ll find betting markets on the NBA, NFL, UFC, and over 60 more leagues worldwide. Betway has a mobile app for on-the-go bettors, so you won’t miss out on your favourite races or matches. If you’re a conservative bettor, the minimum deposit and withdrawal is just ÂŁ5. Transactions can be made using bank cards, online banking, and several e-wallets. New users can pick between up to ÂŁ10 in free bets or a ÂŁ30 refund if their first acca bet loses.
With over 5 decades of experience, Betfred is one of the most reliable horse racing betting sites UK punters can use. In addition to covering major races, you can also wager on minor events such as Southwell, Stratford, and Wolverhampton. The site is also home to over 20 other sports. Regardless of your level of experience, you will find both basic and advanced betting options. For punters willing to mix things up, Betfred has over 1,600 betting shops across the United Kingdom. Upon signing up and wagering a minimum of ÂŁ10, new customers receive ÂŁ30 in free bets. Also, you can deposit and withdraw a minimum of ÂŁ5 with over a dozen payment options.
With over 30 other sports markets, Ladbrokes is among the best horse racing betting sites for adventurous punters. It offers competitive odds and unique betting options like Race Outcome Specials and Jockey and Trainer Specials. Fans of the sport who also enjoy other types of racing can bet on greyhounds. Additionally, bettors do not need to sign up elsewhere; Ladbrokes provides popular sports and niche ones, such as Gaelic Games, rowing, and speedway. Deposits and withdrawals start at ÂŁ5, using fast bank transfer, Paysafe Card, debit cards, and PayPal. New users who wager ÂŁ5 receive ÂŁ20 in free bets to use on horse racing or any other sport.
ladbrokes.com
PROS
CONS
PROS
24/7 customer support
Has a live streaming option
Lots of promotions
Native mobile apps for on-the-go users
CONS
Specific payment methods don’t qualify for promotions
Coral started operations as far back as 1926. and is one of the top horse racing betting sites with the most in-depth coverage of the sport. It provides a lot of betting options for both pre-match and live races, including Win, Each-Way, Place, Accumulator, Forecast, and Tricast bets. The site and its app inform you of key stats such as horse form, jockey performance, trainer success rates, and track conditions. Live streaming options are also available for many races. Coral covers over 30 sports markets, including Esports and greyhounds. The minimum deposit and withdrawal are ÂŁ5, and you can use payment options like debit cards, wire transfer, bank transfer, and e-wallets. If you ever need help, customer support is available 24/7. New bettors who wager at least ÂŁ5 get ÂŁ20 in free bets no matter the race’s outcome or match.
Find the details you need in the comparison table below:
Casinos
In Play Mode
Live Streaming
Cash Out
Mobile Application
Bookmaker Payout
96%
94%
94%
95%
92%
Min Deposit
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ5
Min Bet
ÂŁ0.10
ÂŁ0.10
ÂŁ0.01
ÂŁ0.01
ÂŁ0.01
Max Profit
Unlimited
Unlimited
ÂŁ500000
Unlimited
ÂŁ1000000
Min Withdrawal
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ10
ÂŁ5
ÂŁ0.01
ÂŁ5
Withdrawal Time
Up to 5 working days
Up to 5 working days
Up to 5 working days
Up to 4 working days
Up to 5 working days
Rating
4.9
4.8
4.5
4.7
4.3
How to Bet on Horse Racing
There is nothing complicated about placing wagers on horse racing. If you are a newbie, here are simple steps to get you started.
Choose a Reputable Sportsbook: Select from our best bookies for horse racing or look for a licensed operator with great features.
Create and Verify your Account: Sign up with your information and complete the KYC verification.
Make a Deposit: Head to the cashier and deposit using any payment options.
Claim Welcome Bonus: As a new user, you are eligible for a sign up offer. Check the promotions page to learn how to claim.
Select a Tournament and Betting Market: Navigate to the horse racing section and choose from the list of upcoming events. Pick one and place a wager after doing your research. If you don’t know what to stake on, you will find out more in the next section.
Place the Bet: Once you select the betting market, input the amount you want to stake and confirm.
Wait for the Wager to Settle and Check the Result: Once the match ends or the bet settles, your bankroll will automatically update.
Popular Horse Racing Betting Markets
Not sure of ways you can stake on horse racing? Here are some popular betting options.
Win Bet: This is the simplest market for horse racing punters. Here, you predict which horse will win the race. While not the most profitable, it involves less risk, making it best for beginners.
Match Bet: You wager on which of two horses will finish ahead of the other. So, instead of predicting the winner of an entire race, you only bet if a horse will be ahead of another by the time the race ends. It is also a low-risk option suited for newbies or casual punters.
Each-Way Bet: This is a two-in-one wager where you predict a horse to win and one for it to place in the top 2 to 4. If the horse finishes in a predetermined number of positions, you get a fraction of the win odds. The number of places and the fraction depends on the number of runners and race type.
Tricast: Here, you predict the exact order of the top three horses in a race. This type of market is very advanced and is recommended to experienced fans only.
Forecast: For this market, you pick the horses that will finish first and second place in the correct order. The odds are often higher due to how hard it is to win.
Reverse Forecast: While you are also picking the top two horses to finish, your prediction doesn’t have to follow any order. This is less risky than the forecast and suited for intermediate and advanced bettors.
Winning Distance: Here, you bet on the margin by which the winning horse beats the second horse. The margin is often measured in lengths, and instead of predicting the exact distance, you only need to wager on whether it will be under or over a particular measurement.
The Best UK Tournaments for Betting on Horse Racing
The UK hosts some of the biggest and most competitive horse racing events in the world. The country’s calendar is packed with major horse racing tournaments, from jump racing to flat racing. Here are the top events that attract the most betting interest.
Cheltenham Festival
This is the most popular and anticipated National Hunt (jump) racing event in the UK. It runs for 4 days every March at Cheltenham Racecourse and features races like the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and many other Grade 1 events.
Royal Ascot
This is a 5-day flat racing festival held every June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. The event is often marketed by a daily Royal Procession followed by elite races like the King’s Stand Stakes and Gold Cup. This event is rooted in the UK’s tradition and features elite thoroughbreds from all over the world.
Grand National
The Grand National is arguably the world’s most famous steeplechase and a UK cultural institution. This incredibly challenging handicap race is held annually in April at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. 40 horses tackle 30 formidable fences over a demanding four-and-a-quarter-mile course. This event is a true test of jumping ability, bravery, and stamina.
The Derby
Also referred to as the Epsom Derby. The tournament runs in early June at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. It is one of the five British Classics and is open to 3-year-old fillies or colts who have to run a 1 mile and four furlongs to test their speed and balance through several cambers and undulations.
Glorious Goodwood
Glorious Goodwood, officially the Qatar Goodwood Festival, is held in late July or early August at Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex. The five-day flat racing event includes top races like the Sussex Stakes and Goodwood Cup. The tournament is also popular for its beautiful and scenic location.
St Leger Stakes
The St Leger Stakes is the final and oldest of the five British Classics, and it holds significant historical importance in flat racing. It is run every September at Doncaster Racecourse in South Yorkshire and features a Group 1 race for 3-year-olds running over a 1 mile, six furlongs, and 115 yards. Given the distance, the event is a test of stamina.
How to Choose the Best Horse Racing Betting Site
With so many UK sites offering horse racing, it’s important to know what to look for. Below are three simple steps for choosing.
Check Reviews
Before signing up at any horse racing site, it is important to check users’ reviews. This will give you first-hand knowledge of how bookmakers operate beyond what they advertise. Additionally, reading reviews from trusted independent sites can also be very helpful. These reviews often show each bookie’s strengths and weaknesses, including odds quality, market coverage, betting options, deposit and payout speed, customer support, and so much more. Doing this will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and ensure a well-rounded understanding of the site.
Bonuses and Promotions for UK Bettors
Always check the bonuses offered by the horse racing bookies online before signing up. Also, evaluate the welcome bonus and read the terms and conditions to see if they are fair. Make sure the bonuses are available to UK bettors and check the minimum odds, qualifying bet amounts, and withdrawal restrictions. A good bonus should offer real leverage without complicated conditions.
Kick off your new GTbets.ag account with our top-rated CASH sign up bonus. Make your first deposit to receive a 100% cash bonus up to $500, and then 50% up to $250 on your second deposit. Full T&Cs apply.
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
Our Expert Opinion
We’ve evaluated and tested 30 UK horse racing betting sites, checking for their odds, race coverage, available betting markets, payout speed, and how easy they are to use. We also test key areas like customer support, responsible gambling, live streaming features, and bonus fairness. After this testing, we pick the ones that provide the best services.
To help you decide even further, we offer a bookmaker comparison tool that lets you compare our recommended sites side by side. With this, you can see which best suits your betting style, payment preferences, and feature priorities.
New UK Horse Racing Betting Sites
The UK betting market is one of the largest in the world, and despite its strict iGaming laws, many sportsbooks are entering it. New horse racing betting sites often come with more modern features and better welcome bonuses than established names. They also tend to have fast payouts and flexible banking options. If you are looking to sign up for a new horse racing bookie, below are the top 5 to consider.
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
Tips for Smart Betting on Horse Racing
If you want better results from horse racing betting, it helps to follow a few basic strategies. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Understand the Game: Learn how horse racing works, including the race types, track/horse conditions, and common terms used in the sport.
Place Simple Bets: Since you are just starting up, try your hand at simple markets like Win or each-way bets. These options are less risky and easier to understand.
Study the Racecard: Read the full racecard before placing a bet. By learning key information like a horse’s past results, name, trainer, official rating, draw position, etc, you will be more informed about avoiding blind or random wagers.
Watch the Track and Weather Conditions: Some horses perform better on firm ground, while others prefer soft or wet conditions. Always check the “going” and weather forecast before putting your money on a horse.
Set a Budget: Although cliche, setting a budget prevents you from chasing losses or using money you can afford to bet.
Don’t Bet on Every Race: When it comes to betting, the fewer, the better. We recommend you focus on races where you have the most information and confidence. In addition to preventing you from stretching your budget too thin, it allows you to make more calculated decisions and improve your long-term success.
Best Horse Racing Betting Apps in the UK
Betting on horse racing is even easier with a reliable mobile app. Choosing the right app matters if you are always on the move or prefer betting from your phone or tablet. Here are the best horse racing betting apps available to UK punters.
UK Betting Sites With Horse Racing – Betzillion Overview
We’ve recommended the best UK horse betting sites based on how in-depth their race coverage is, available betting markets, odds, and smart tools to improve your betting accuracy. These platforms also offer secure payment options, user-friendly apps, and features like live streaming, racecards, and in-play betting. Whether you’re backing a favourite at Cheltenham or wagering on a small event, they give you the tools to do it stress-free. All our recommendations are fully licensed and reliable for UK punters, and you get a unique welcome bonus upon signing up.
While the best horse racing betting sites UK residents can sign up at are subjective, our recommended sites consistently offer detailed race coverage, competitive odds, and valuable features like live streaming and Best Odds Guaranteed. They are chosen for their overall quality and user experience tailored for horse racing fans of all levels.
Are there any bonuses for horse racing betting?
Yes, many UK betting sites offer specific bonuses for horse racing. These can include welcome offers for new customers, enhanced odds on races, cashback offers on losses, free bets, and so much more.
Is it legal and safe to bet on horse racing online in the UK?
Yes, it is legal and safe to bet on horse racing online in the UK, provided you use sites licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
What major horse racing events can I bet on?
There are several major racing events to bet on, including the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, Royal Ascot, The Derby, Glorious Goodwood, and the St Leger.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
Preakness Stakes isn’t available in your region. Our top 3 alternatives:
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