Our Guide to Horse Racing Betting

When it comes to sports betting, it is no exaggeration to say that horse racing is one of the world's most popular sports. It owes its popularity to the fact the odds, even for the favourites, are usually quite high and that the races are often really exciting due to their short nature. To give you an idea as to how popular (horse race betting) is, it is estimated that it is now a £2 billion industry.

In this comprehensive horse racing betting guide, I will provide you with the best sportsbooks in Ireland for betting on this fun sport. I will also take a look at some of the biggest horse festivals that are not to be missed, and highlight the most popular betting markets. Let's get cracking!

🦮 Racing Betting Festival Guides

Apart from the fact that the odds are generally high and that most races are exciting to watch, another reason why the people of Ireland love to place horse racing bets today is the fact that there are just so many different events that they can opt to put their money on.

Below you can find our in-depth guides for some of the biggest horse racing festivals in the world. These guides have been written by our experts, so give them a read before you go ahead and place a bet on any of them. When it comes to sports betting, no matter the sport, knowledge is power.

📊 Best Horse Racing Betting Sites by Category

The sports betting sites that you will read about in this guide of mine were not just selected at random. Plenty of time and effort went into researching each one, which allowed me to fnd those bookmakers that are the best for betting on the horses when it comes to particular categories such as odds, free bets, and live streaming. Below is a table that highlights my findings.

🥇 Horse Racing Betting Sites in Ireland

There are over 300 sports betting sites that Irish punters can open an account with, and most of them will offer sports betting to their punters. However, it is fair to say that they have not all been created equally. With so many options available, it can be hard to find the best one for you, but you do not have to worry about that as I have done all of the hard work for you. Below are six top betting sites for horse racing.

BoyleSports

BoyleSports is an Irish-based sportsbook, so it would stand to reason that they know exactly what it is that Irish bettors are after. If you are searching for a site where you can bet on all of the biggest horse races, then BoyleSports is definitely worth your time and attention.

What makes them a popular site for horse racing bettors is the fact that they always seem to have some top promotions running whenever there is a big horse racing festival taking place. For instance, they are currently offering a "Best Odds Guarantee" promotion which means that if you place a bet before the race starts and the odds get longer before the race begins, BoyleSports will pay out at the best price. They also have an "Extra Place Races" promotion where they will select a race for a particular day, and will pay at 1/5 odds if your selection finishes in the top four. This is not all though! If you bet on a horse and they lose to the favourite, then you will get your wager back as a free bet.

If you want to find out more about this quality betting site, then check out our BoyleSports review.

Mr. Green Sport

Mr. Green used to be just an online casino, but when decided to try their luck in the sports betting industry when they realised just how lucrative it can be. It was always going to be a risk because of how competitive the industry is, but they have passed all the tests with flying colours, and are now a very popular site with Irish horse racing bettors. The reason for this is that they offer quality odds, a variety of markets, and have a really good live streaming service.

Mobile betting has become very popular nowadays as nearly everyone in Ireland owns a smartphone device, and when it comes to betting on horse racing on the go, Mr. Green, in my opinion, is sitting close to the top of the pile. They have a really good mobile app that is easy to navigate, quick, and simple to use. If you do not want to download their app, then you will be glad to hear that their desktop site works on a variety of mobiles. Those who register here can claim two free bets that are worth €25 each - make sure you read the T&Cs.

If Mr. Green is enticing you and you would like to find out more, then feel free to hve a look at our quality Mr. Green Review.

Betsson Sports

Betsson, who are regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, have been online since 2009, and they just seem to get better and better. No matter what sport it is that you would like to bet on, you will not be disappointed by their odds nor the market variety that they have on offer.

One of the things that helps Betsson stand out to Irish punters is the brilliant welcome bonus and promotions that they have available. Those who decide to open an account with Betsson will see their first deposit matched 100% up to the value of €100 and will also receive a €5 free bet and some free spins for their online casino. There are also free bets on offer for the next five deposits. Betsson punters can also get points for their bets, and those who gain the most points can land a top prize of €15,000.

If Betsson sounds like a sportsbook that you would like to open an account with, then do yourself a favour and check out our Betsson review.

Bwin

Whenever you are betting on any sport, it is important that you do so with the best odds around since this is what will dictate the kind of profit that you land should you end up placing a successful wager. When it comes to top odds for horse betting, Bwin is a site that have definitely got your back. No matter the horse racing event that is being run, you will find quality odds for it. You will also not be lacking for choice when it comes to the markets that they have on offer.

If you decide to open an account with them, then what kind of welcome bonus are they currently offering their new punters? Well, you will receive a €20 backup bet, which means that if your first bet goes on to be a losing one, you will receive your stake, up to value of €20, back as a free bet. Unfortunately, it excludes horse racing, but you can just place your first bet on something else.

Would you like to find out more about Bwin? If yes, then you can do exactly that by having a look at our Bwin review.

LeoVegas Sport

If you want to register with a sportsbook that has one plenty of awards during their existence, then LeoVegas is one that should definitely pique your interest. They first opened their virtual doors back in 2012, and in 2018 they were voted as the "Sports Betting Operator of the Year" - so, it is clear that they definitely know what they are doing.

When it comes to betting on horse racing, you will find competitive odds and a wide variety of markets for all of the big horse racing events such as The Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival. They will even offer their punters some horse racing betting tips, so take a look at these if you register with them as they can help you when you are betting on the horses. They also regularly offer a variety of horse racing promotions such as price boosts, so check these out before placing a bet.

Take a look at our LeoVegas review to find out all that you need to know about this quality bookmaker.

Spreadex Sport

If you are searching for a sportsbook that offers both fixed odds and sports spread betting, then Spreadex is the only one that currently does so. This means that you can find some markets that you cannot find at other sportsbooks since spread betting, for instance, gives you the chance to place money on outcomes such winning distances for a race or for the whole festival. With spread betting, the more correct you are, the more you will win, but if you are completely wrong, then you can end up losing more than your initial wager.

I checked out the odds, and while they are not as high as bookies such as Bwin, they are still very competitive. Other top features that they have available include live streaming, the option to make a bet builder, and a variety of cashout option. If you sign up with Spreadex and place a €10 bet, then you will receive €40 worth of free bets. Once again, please remember to always read the terms and conditions.

Our Spreadex review can tell you everything else that you need to know about this bookie.

🔥 How We Select the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

So, above I gave you six sportsbooks that are best sportsbooks around for those who want to bet on horses, but how exactly did I come to this conclusion? Well, I am about to rid you of your curiosity as I shall now explain the criteria that I pay close attention to when I am analysing the best sites for betting on a particular sport.

Licensed

One of the very first things that I look at is the license that a site holds as this can tell you a lot about whether they are a safe and fair place to gamble at. For instance, if a site has been licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority or the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, then you know that it is a great place to gamble as these are two of the best gambling regulators around. When I come across sites that have been regulated by some regulators, I'll have no problem recommending them to our readers.

Welcome Offers

If you walk down the high street and come across a shop that is having a big sale, then it is likely that your interest will be piqued and you step inside to see what they are offering. Something similar occurs with bookmakers and their welcome offers for their new punters. When I sit down to analyse a sportsbook, I will take a gander at the bonus that is being offered and see whether it is a good one.

I never get too excited when I see what looks like a quality bonus because I know that looks can be deceiving and that the true value of any bonus lies in the T&Cs that attached. I will check out the wagering requirements, see if payment method restrictions apply, and what the time limit is when it comes to using the bonus and clearing any wagering requirements.

Payment Methods

I know that our readers are risking real money, so I am very thorough when it comes to the payment methods that a site has available. The payment methods that are available are more important than novice gamblers think, so I will always make sure that top banking methods such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, and Neteller are on offer. I know that not everyone likes using the same deposit and withdrawal options, so I make sure that there is variety before I start handing out recommendations for top horse betting sites.

Betting Odds

As you should know by now, the odds that are available will play a huge part in determining the kind of profit that you make from any winning bets that you place. This is why I will always have plenty of nice words to say about those sites that are offering higher odds. On the other hand, if I feel that a site is being tight when it comes to their odds, I will make this clear to my readers. Furthermore, I will make sure that the odds can be displayed in either fractional, decimal, or American format to suit different needs.

Available Bet Types

Offering high odds is all well and good, but if a site is lacking in its market variety, then the odds that are on offer end up being worth diddly squat. While betting on a horse to win a race is entertaining, if this was the only market that horse racing fans could bet on, then punters might get bored pretty quickly. Thus, when I rank sportsbooks, I will have a good look at the kind of markets that they are offering for the sports in question.

Mobile Betting

Nobody wants to miss out on placing a bet on a race that they have an interest in simply because they are not at home. This used to be an issue, when mobile betting was barely a thing, but nowadays most of the sports betting sites make sure that they can offer a top mobile gambling experience to their customers. Those bookmakers that created a great app that is simple to use and easy to navigate will get nothing but good words from me. The minimum that I expect to see is that they have made sure that their desktop website is 100% mobile compatible.

Some of the top sportsbooks with a quality mobile app include:

• Bwin
• BoyleSports
• Spreadex
• Betsson

Live Streaming

When you place a bet on horse racing, there is a very good chance that you will then want to watch the race so that you can cheer your selected horse to the finish line. This is something that makes the horse racing betting experience even more enjoyable, so when I am looking at the best sites for betting on this sport, I will always check out the kind of live streaming experience that they offer.

💰 How to Bet on Horse Racing

Now that I have given you some of the best sites that are available for Irish horse racing fans as well as explained what it is that I keep an eye out for, I am now going to have a look at the popular markets that horse racing bettors can opt to put their money on. If you are new to betting on this sport, you might be surprised by the different betting options that are available to you.

Single

This is the most common bet, and it is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity. With such a bet, what you are tasked with doing is picking the horse that will go on to win the race. You will only receive a payout if your selected horse finishes in first place.

Each-Way

Do you think that a horse has a good chance of winning, but are not 100% sure that it will go on to be finish in first? If so, then you can opt for an each-way bet. With such a market, you are practically placing two different bets - your first bet is that your selected horse will win the race, while the second bet is that your horse will place. The number of places that are paid out will vary between bookmakers, but most will pay for the top three at 1/4 odds.

Place Bet

A place bet is where you select a horse to finish in a place, which will usually be one of the top three positions -this will vary depending on the bookmaker that you open an account with. Since you can still win even if your horse does not win the race, the odds that are on offer are obviously not as high as those for a single bet.

Double

This where you place a bet on the winner of two separate races. You need both horses to win in order to see any sort of return.

Treble

Since you now know what a double is, I am sure that you can work out what a treble is. It is where you bet on the winner of three races, and you need to get each prediction correct.

Accumulator Betting

Accumulators have become really popular for horse racing bettors due to the fact that the odds on offer can be really high. This is because such a wager is made up of four or more selections in a single bet, with the odds being multiplied together. Like with the double and treble market, you will need all of your selected horses to win.

Trixie

A trixie bet is made up of four selections: three doubles and a treble. With such a bet, you will need at least two of your selections to be a success. This bet is popular because you can still land a payout even if one of your selections is a failure.

Yankee

A Yankee bet is made up of 11 bets in total: six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold acca. With this bet, you have to land two selections in order to see some sort of return - it might not lead to a profit though.

Heinz

A Heinz bet is composed of six selections and 57 bets as follows: 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and a six-fold acca. Once again, you need a minimum of two selections to be right in order to land some kind of return.

Forecast

With a forecast bet, what you are tasked with doing is predicting the horses that will finish in first and second in the correct order. Due to the difficulty of such a wager, the odds on offer here are usually pretty high.

Reverse Forecast

If you are looking for something that is a little "easier" to predict, then with a reverse forecast bet, you have to predict the first two horses, and it does not matter what order they finish in.

Super High Five Bet

This is one of the hardest bets that you can make when betting on horses because what you need to do is predict the five horses that will finish the race in the top five. What makes this bet so hard though is the fact that you have to predict their correct finishing order. Due to the difficulty levels of such a market, the potential winnings are always really high. For instance, in 2022, someone won $700,000 when they placed a Super High Five bet on the Kentucky Derby.

Betting Without

This betting market gives you the chance to remove horses from the market. Once you have removed your chosen horses, the field will be adjusted, and the odds will then be adjusted to the new field. A wise time to use such a market is when a few of the horses are superior to the rest. By taking them out of the equation, you can increase your chances of selecting a winner with higher odds.

🫰 Horse Betting Sites with the Best Odds

I have already emphasised the importance of odds when it comes down to sports betting, and below I have given you a list of bookies that offer the best horse racing betting odds.

• LeoVegas
• Bwin
• BoyleSports
• Mr. Green

💵 Top 3 Welcome Offers from Horse Betting Sites

Nowadays, due to the competitiveness of the sports betting industry, you will struggle to find a site that does not offer their new punters some sort of welcome bonus such as free horse racing bets. Not all welcome offers have been created equally, and below you can find three of the best that I have come across during my research.

• BoyleSports: Those who decide to register with BoyleSports will receive a €30 free bet as well as €10 of casino bonus money when they place a qualifying bet of €10 with min odds of 2.00
• Betsson: They will be happy to match your first deposit, which must be at least €10, up to the value of €100, and they will even chuck in an extra €5 free bet for you to make use of. You will also get some free spins that you can use on slots at their online casino. Then, for the next five deposits that you make, they will hand out five more free bets worth €5, meaning that you can earn a total of €30 worth of free bets.
• Mr. Green: If you decide that you want to open an account with Mr. Green to bet on all of the big horse racing events, then they will treat you to two free bets that are worth €25 each. If you do plenty of research, then you could end up getting your horse racing betting experience off to a flier with these two big free bets. Like always, with free bets, the stakes will not be returned to you if you do end up landing a winning bet

📺 Best Horse Betting Sites for Live Streaming

Not many horse racing fans enjoy placing a bet and not watching the action, so obviously those sites that have a quality live streaming feature will be a lot more popular than those that do not. When it comes to live streaming for horse racing, there are three sites that I recommend you take a look at, and these are:

• BoyleSports
• Betsson
• Spreadex

Horse Racing Odds Explained

In simple terms, sports betting odds represent the probability of each outcome pertaining to a particular race, match or tournament. They also create a clear value proposition associated with each outcome, enabling you to calculate how much you can potentially win in relation to your stake.

But how exactly do sportsbooks utilise odds to operate profitably? Well, let’s say that you were to wager on a coin toss, for which there are two potential outcomes with a 50% probability (which in betting terms translates into odds of evens or 2.00).

In this instance, the bookie will create an ‘over-round’ by offering odds of less than evens, usually 4/5 or 1.80. So, if the sportsbook was to take two bets of €100 each on both heads and tails (€200 in total), they’d only payout a maximum €180 regardless of the outcome and bank a €20 profit.

But how can you negate the house edge and turn the odds in your favour? Here are some tips to keep in mind!

Use and Manage Your Bankroll Strategically

We’ve already touched on the importance of having a strategy when betting on horse racing, where the amount that you wager should correlate directly to the odds and value proposition in question.

For example, if you’re wagering on a heavy, short-price favourite to win a particular race, you should look to optimise your stake and betting unit. The reason for this is simple: as it will help to maximise a potentially low return without requiring you to put your bankroll at significant risk.

Conversely, we’d recommend minimising your stake when betting on outcomes with long or extended odds. This not only helps to minimise losses in relation to a higher risk selection, but it also enables you to bank a sizable return if the wager eventually comes in.

Make the Odds Work for You

As we’ve already said, not all sportsbooks have been created equal, which is why you’ll find variable odds on the same events from one platform to another.

Some sportsbooks are also renowned for offering the most competitive horse racing odds, with William Hill providing a relevant case in point in the Irish market. So, by comparing the ante-post or in-play market and reviewing a selection of different odds, you can make more informed decisions and pursue the highest possible return.

Of course, you can also use sportsbook welcome offers and bonuses (such as those detailed above) to receive free bets and credits. This type of promotion allows you to chase 100% profit on selections that meet the minimum odds requirements, particularly when you choose a bonus that’s free from wagering requirements.

Use Accumulators Wisely

On a final note, the careful and selective use of accumulators also enables you to create extended and value-packed odds without overly compromising your chances of winning.

The key is to create a manageable number of selections within your acca bet (ideally between six and eight), so that you can strike the ideal balance between optimising probability and accessing lengthy odds that may still deliver a hefty return.

Similarly, you’ll need to select runners that are favoured and have an excellent chance of winning their respective race, based on a combination of odds and your reading of their form. If you do include an outside selection with extended odds, this will need to be based on data and your underlying knowledge of the event and runners as a whole.

The Best Horse Racing Festivals to Follow

The horse racing calendar in the UK and Ireland is packed full of prestigious meetings, some of which are widely renowned and watched across the globe.

Within these legendary flat and national hunt meetings there are several iconic races, from the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National to the Irish Derby in the Emerald Isle. So, here’s our breakdown of the best horse racing festivals to follow as a punter, and a quick look at why they’re so special.

The Cheltenham Festival

Let’s start with the Cheltenham Festival, which is typically hosted in the final week of March each year and visited by more than 260,000 people on average. This makes it one of the top 10 attended sporting events in Britain, and this trend shows no sign of changing anytime soon.

A true test of stamina and athletic ability, this National Hunt meeting showcases some of the world’s biggest races and most successful runners, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup serving as the showpiece event on the final Friday.

The Cheltenham Festival is also one of the biggest horse racing meetings from an economic perspective, with this generating around €100 million on an annual basis.

The Randox Grand National Festival

Since its inaugural running back in 1839, the Grand National Festival has emerged as the single most iconic and valuable chase meeting in the world. To this end, its showpiece race (the Grand National) carried a total purse of €750,000 in 2021, with the winner banking a cool €350,000 for their efforts.

This race typically features a bustling, 40-strong field, who must navigate 30 iconic and incredibly challenging fences if they’re to prevail. Held on the final afternoon of a three-day meeting, it’s known to attract more than nine million TV viewers and draws bets from even the most casual and part-time punters!

The meeting is home to a number of other premium, Grade 1 races too, including the Betway Aintree Hurdle and the JLT Melling Chase (which is hosted on Friday afternoon).

The Irish Derby Festival

No list of this type would be complete without the three-day Irish Derby Festival, which is Ireland’s biggest horse racing event and is held at the iconic Curragh Racecourse at the end of every June.

The event currently runs between a Friday and Sunday, with the meeting’s showpiece race (the Irish Derby) usually taking place on the Saturday and considered to be the single most valuable horse race in Eire.

It’s certainly the biggest and most prestigious of the five Irish Classics, and one that has built an incredibly rich history ever since it was first run in 1866. Often, the runners here have transferred from the Epsom Derby, with a select number of horses having earned the honour of winning both races.

OK, we hear you ask, but what other festivals and race meetings are available for punters to wager on throughout the year? Here’s a snapshot of the biggest festivals from the UK, Ireland and even overseas!

💳 Best Payment Methods at Horse Betting Sites

In Ireland, there are many different payment offers that Irish punters can make use of, which means that you should have no issue finding the best means for you to deposit and withdraw cash from the online sportsbook that you opt to register with. It is very important that the payment methods that are available are safe, quick, and convenient. Payment options can fall into three categories, and we are going to look at these now:

Cards

Many punters feel that cards are the best methods of payment at sportsbooks, which is due to the fact that they do not have to make an extra effort to get their hands on a card since these are received automatically when you open up a bank account. The common bank cards are Visa and Mastercard, and they will usually always be accepted for those making deposits and withdrawals. The downside to using such cards to withdraw money is that they have one of the longest withdrawal processes - it can take between three to five days.

Another card option is Paysafecard, which is a pre-paid card. You can buy this at a shop or online, and all you need to do is add the number on the back when you are requesting a deposit at your selected online bookmaker. This is a popular method because it is anonymous, but you cannot make a withdrawal with this option.

e-Wallets

When it comes to e-Wallets, some of the most popular ones among horse racing bettors include Skrill, PayPal, ecoPayz, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. These payment methods are really popular as they are not hard to use and are very secure. The level of security available is very important when it comes to any banking method. Another reason for their popularity is that deposits and withdrawals happen instantly. Nothing is perfect in this life, and the main downside to e-Wallets is that the majority of bookmakers will not let you claim their Welcome Bonus if you deposit using Neteller, Skrill, or PayPal.

Bank Transfer

If you have a bank account, then you can deposit and withdraw money from your selected bookmaker using a bank transfer. Irish bookies accept a range of banks and institutions, so you should not have any issues no matter who it is that you bank with. While bank transfer deposits will often be instantaneous, withdrawals can be very slow - you might be required to wait up to seven working days.

🎁 Our Horse Racing Betting Offers

In the following table, you can find a summary of the best horse racing betting offers that Irish punters can consider making use of.

Sportsbook	Offer	Visit Sportsbook
	Bet €10, get €40 in free bets	Vist BoyleSports
	100% match up to €100 and €30 in free bets	Visit Betsson
	Two free bets worth €25 each	Visit Mr. Green
	€20 backup bet	Visit Bwin
	Bet €10 and receive €40 of free bets	Visit Spreadex
	Two 100% profit boosts	Visit LeoVegas
	Bet €10, get €30 in free bets	Visit William Hill
	Up to €30 in free bets	Visit Betway

• www.begambleaware.org

📜 A Brief History of Horse Racing

As we’ve already touched on, the so-called “sport of kings” can trace its roots back to chariot racing in Ancient Greece and Rome, with horse racing also boasting a strong presence in myth and legend (such as the contest between the steeds of the god Odin and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology).

Latterly, the concept of thoroughbred racing became popular amongst aristocrats and royalty in the UK, with this earning horse racing its grand nickname. This also saw horse racing become well-established during the 18th century, with 1750 seeing the formation of the Jockey Club to help control and regulate the iconic Newmarket races.

This laid the foundation for the Epsom Derby to launch in 1780, while the five so-called “classic” races kicking off with the St Ledger Stakes four years earlier in 1776. It was around this time that a system of wagering and horse racing betting first became popular, and this helped to fund the continued growth and expansion of the industry.

Today, horse racing is a multi-billion-pound industry across the globe, both from the perspective of prize funds and sports betting volumes worldwide. To this end, the aforementioned Dubai World Cup remains the world’s richest race, with a cumulative prize fund of $12 million awarded after the 2021 iteration.

😍 Why is Horse Racing so Popular in Ireland?

Horse racing betting is popular in Ireland for a number of reasons, and I have listed some of the main ones below for you:

• Its unpredictability leads to plenty of exciting races
• The odds that are on offer are usually always high, giving punters the chance to land big winnings
• There are plenty of different markets that punters can bet on
• The races are over in a jiffy, so punters do not have to invest a lot of time into each event
• There is a lot of betting information available online, which can be used to increase betting success
• The races are often very close, which is something that definitely adds to the entertainment value
• It is fun to go to a horse racing festival, place some bets and socialise with fellow horse racing fans

⚖️ Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in Ireland?

Believe it or not, but this is a question that is regularly asked on search engines such as Google, so I shall address it briefly now. Horse racing betting is completely legal in the Emerald Isle – whether you go to the racetrack to bet or bet online at an online sportsbook. If it wasn’t, I would not have spent a lot of time writing this in-depth guide.

🤔 Final Thoughts

We have come to the end of this in-depth horse racing betting guide, and your knowledge about where to go to bet on this exciting sport should have increased quite considerably. While there is nothing stopping you from registering with another bookmaker, my research has shown that six of the best horse racing bookies for Irish punters are BoyleSports, Mr. Green, LeoVegas, Spreadex, Betsson, and Bwin. If you decide to register with any of these, then I truly feel that you will end up with little to complain about.

Also, one last thing, when you are betting on horses, always remember to gamble responsibly. Never spend more money than you can afford to potentially lose. Set a budget, and stick to it! Last, but by no means least, good luck!

❓ FAQs

✒️ Sheldon Muchmore - iGaming and Sports Betting Enthusiast

This horse racing betting page was written by Sheldon Muchmore.

Sheldon is a tipster and betting expert from the United Kingdom who has a passion for a whole range of sports, particularly football, rugby, and cricket. He is an avid Aston Villa fan, so feel free to feel a bit of pity for him. He has been involved in the online gambling industry for a number of years now and has written a large number of predictions for a variety of sports including GAA, so he has built up a lot of sporting expertise over the years.