In short, the best horse racing betting sites are DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM. DraftKings is known for its fast payout features, Caesars Sportsbook for its excellent promos and offers, and BetMGM for its amazing diversity of markets, which makes them the best sites for golf betting in the US.
The best horse racing betting sites are some of the busiest sportsbook bettors in the world, with hundreds of horse races happening almost daily.
Seeing through the mountains of content can be a hard task, so here at Sporting Post, we decided to give you clear, accurate information, so you can choose the best site for horse racing betting with your needs in mind.
Here are the five top horse racing betting sites currently in the US...
Through analyzing all the legal racebooks and sites on market, we’ve used our knowledge and expertize to compile a list of the best online horse racing sites and racebooks in the US and review them using seven key criteria:
Customer support
Deposits and payouts
Usability
Mobile betting
Bonuses and promos
Live play
Best horse racing betting sites US - Our recommendations
Best horse racing betting sites of 2024 compared
Betting site | Top feature | No of sports | Payout speed | Sporting Post rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
DraftKings Racebook | Best new horse racing betting site | 25+ | 1 day | 5/5 |
Caesars Racebook | Best horse racing betting bonus | 18+ | 1 day | 5/5 |
BetMGM Racebook | Overall best horse racing betting site | 20 | 1-2 days | 5/5 |
FanDuel Racebook | Best fast payout horse racing betting site | 20+ | 1 day | 4/5 |
Betway | Best horse racing betting site for customer support | 20+ | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
Online 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.
1. BetMGM – Best overall horse racing betting site
![](https://cdn.sportingpost.com/tr:f-auto,w-367,c-at_max/uploads/2023/07/1689343703-Bet%20MGM%20horse.jpg)
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.
Key rating criteria
Customer support: 3/5
Deposits + payouts: 3/5
Usability: 4/5
Mobile betting: 4/5
Bonuses + promos: 4/5
Live play: 4/5
What we like and dislike about BetMGM Horse Racebook
- 20+ bet types
- Luxurious welcome bonus
- Smooth interface
- Horse race betting guide included
- Only available in 3 states
- Customer support response times could use improvement
2. DraftKings – Best new horse racing betting site
![](https://cdn.sportingpost.com/tr:f-auto,w-367,c-at_max/uploads/2023/07/1689343748-Draft%20Horse.jpg)
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.
Key rating criteria
Customer support: 4/5
Deposits + payouts: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Mobile betting: 5/5
Bonuses + promos: 4/5
Live play: 4/5
What we like and dislike about DraftKings Horse Racebook
- Detailed betting guides
- Easy-to-follow race calendar
- Cutting-edge mobile apps
- Accessible bonus wagering conditions
- Odds could be more competitive
- Withdrawal speed is average
3. FanDuel – Best fast payout horse racing betting site
![](https://cdn.sportingpost.com/tr:f-auto,w-367,c-at_max/uploads/2023/07/1689343846-Fandual%20horse.jpg)
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.
Key rating criteria
Customer support: 4/5
Deposits + payouts: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Mobile betting: 4/5
Bonuses + promos: 4/5
Live play: 3/5
What we like and dislike about FanDuel Horse Racebook
- Rewarding promotional offers
- HD live streaming
- High-end mobile application
- Hundreds of races available internationally
- Only available in 9 states
- No loyalty rewards program
4. Caesars – Best horse racing betting bonus
![](https://cdn.sportingpost.com/tr:f-auto,w-367,c-at_max/uploads/2023/07/1689343875-Caesar%20horse.png)
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. Moreover, according to our Caesars sportsbook review, it's the premier destination for those passionate about sports betting.
Key rating criteria
Customer support: 4/5
Deposits + payouts: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Mobile betting: 4/5
Bonuses + promos: 4/5
Live play: 4/5
What we like and dislike about Caesars Horse Racebook
- Luxurious Rewards program
- HD live streaming of all events
- Commendable welcome offer
- Stellar reputation
- No live chat
- Slower-than-average payout times
5. Betway – Best horse racing betting site for customer support
![](https://cdn.sportingpost.com/tr:f-auto,w-367,c-at_max/uploads/2023/07/1689343939-Betway%20horse.jpg)
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.
Key rating criteria
Customer support: 3/5
Deposits + payouts: 4/5
Usability: 4/5
Mobile betting: 4/5
Bonuses + promos: 3/5
Live play: 4/5
What we like and dislike about Betway Horse Racebook
- Quick, helpful, and responsive customer support
- Dependable and reliable betting brand
- Numerous betting opportunities
- Competitive odds
- Interface design needs refinement
- Limited payment methods
How we review the top horse racing betting sites
There are several factors that we take into consideration when we evaluate and rate the best betting sites for horse racing 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.
How we test
Here at Sporting Post, we are committed to providing user-centric testing and evaluations within our work.
Our ratings guides are created and independently verified using real humans and sophisticated data systems, which bring you accurate and honest information, helping you choose the right betting racebook.
Every site, racebook and app is downloaded and signed up to by our dedicated team of contributors, who engage in the features firsthand and report back their findings within our review pieces.
Alongside this, our data systems are constantly searching for the latest bets, leading odds and exclusive promos on offer, so you’re always getting the best deals.
By doing this, we provide you with detailed reviews that guide you through the world of horse racing betting with clarity.
Latest horse racing betting bonuses compared 2024
Horse racing betting site | Bonus | Get started |
---|---|---|
FanDuel | $1,000 no sweat first bet | |
Unibet | $500 risk-free bet | |
DraftKings Racebook | 100% deposit match up of up to $250 | |
BetMGM Racebook | Bet $200 get $200 | |
Betway | Get up to $250 in bonus bets on your first wager | |
Caesars Racebook | 100% deposit match up of up to $250 |
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.
Types of bets
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 horse racing 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 and 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, like Preakness Stakes, 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 horse bets, as this race lasts for a bit longer than the regular horse race, enabling you to take advantage of the real-time changes.
Horse racing odds, betting bonuses, and 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 horse racing 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.
For more options, visit our guide on the best free betting apps available in the US.
How to sign up
Registering for an account at a horse racebook is a fairly straightforward process that we developed a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Enter our 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 on a site
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
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 site deposits
Method | Deposit time |
---|---|
Visa | Instant |
MasterCard | Instant |
Bank transfer | Instant |
PayPal | Instant |
Instant | |
Neteller | Instant |
Choosing the best online horse racing betting sites
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 and withdrawal speed and 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.
Online 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.
Cost and 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 and 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.
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
Before we end this article, we need to caution you to always bet responsibly. To ensure you’re being cautious, betting sites implement various Responsible Gambling practices that will help you keep your betting habits in check.
Limits: sportsbooks allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: you can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site. This prevents you from spending all of your winnings. There’s also the option for early cashout, so you can still get paid if the bet is starting to go sideways.
Help & resources: betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
Responsible Gambling Organizations and Charities in the US
Organization | Contact details |
---|---|
Live chat: https://oasas.ny.gov, Freephone 24-7 Helpline: 1-877-8-HOPENY(467369) | |
Email: ncpg@ncpgambling.org, Phone: 1-800-522-4700 | |
Email: support@gamblingtherapy.org, Phone: 020 7381 7722 | |
Email: info@vcpg.net, Phone: 1-888-532-3500 |