The best horse racing betting sites in the UK are bet365, BetVictor and Coral. These bookies are widely regarded as offering strong betting on races, odds, offers, and general user experience, so they fit nicely into our category of best bookies for UK horse racing fans.
Best horse racing betting sites compared 2025
Ranking | Horse betting site | Best for | Welcome offer | Tote pools | Minimum deposit | Minimum odds | Sporting Post rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | bet365 | Overall best horse racing betting site UK 2025 | Bet £10 get £30 | Yes | £5 | 1.5 | 5/5 |
2 | BetVictor | Best odds for horse racing | Bet £10 get £40 | Yes | £5 | 2 | 5/5 |
3 | Coral | Best for daily extra place races | Bet £5 get £20 | Yes | £5 | 1.5 | 5/5 |
4 | Betfred | Known as the ‘Bonus King’ & free bets | Bet £10 get £50 | Yes | £10 | 2 | 4/5 |
5 | William Hill | Best for live streaming | Bet £10 get £30 | Yes | £10 | 1.5 | 4/5 |
6 | Paddy Power | Best for money-back specials that run daily | Bet £20 get it back if it loses | Yes | £10 | 1.5 | 4/5 |
7 | Ladbrokes | Most famous name in UK betting | Bet £5 get £20 | Yes | £5 | 1.5 | 4/5 |
8 | 888sport | Best for international horse racing bettors | Bet £10 get £30 + £10 casino | No | £10 | 1.5 | 4/5 |
9 | Unibet | Best for horse racing guides | Up to £40 in free bets with money back | No | £10 | 1.4 | 3/5 |
10 | Betfair | Best odds when using the exchange | Bet £10 get £30 | Yes | £10 | – | 3/5 |
Top horse racing betting sites reviewed
We’ve reviewed the top platforms for horse racing to aid you in matching their features, markets and general value to your preferences.
1. bet365 – Overall best horse racing betting site UK 2025
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £30 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Live Chat, Email, Phone, Twitter |
Minimum deposit | £5 |
Year founded | 2000 |
Online casino | Yes |
Comprehensive UK horse racing and betting coverage at bet365 sets it apart in the bookmakers' stakes, with competitive odds and dependable service.
It provides coverage of UK, Irish and global races, with live streaming available alongside an extensive choice of markets.
The app can be used on both Android and iOS devices, including mobile browsers, and is built for speed and reliability.
A generous sign-up offer and routine promotions offer great value for new and existing customers alike.
Read our complete bet365 review.
I was immediately impressed by bet365’s in-play markets during a live football match. Placing a bet just before a corner kick and watching the odds shift in real-time added a level of excitement that few platforms offer.
bet365’s near-instantaneous withdrawal process is a major advantage, setting it apart from other betting sites where delays are common. This reliability, along with their consistently competitive odds, makes them a top choice for serious bettors.
While bet365 is a leader in sports betting, their online casino offerings don’t quite match the high standard of their sports markets. For those who prioritise sports, bet365 is excellent, but casino enthusiasts might find the selection less compelling.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 5/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 5/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4.5/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 5/5 |
- ✅ Easy-to-use interface
- ✅ Wide range of betting markets and sports
- ✅ Live streaming of events
- ✅ Solid promotions and Bet Builder
- ❌ Some streams may be restricted to specific locations
2. BetVictor – Best horse sportsbook for horse racing odds
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £40 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 2 |
Customer support | Facebook, Twitter, Email, SMS, Phone, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £5 |
Year founded | 1946 |
Online casino | Yes |
BetVictor offers Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse races, plus live streaming and virtual racing.
The interface is easy to use, and the app works well, despite a somewhat outdated look.
In addition to this, the site also provides non-runner refunds and reliable customer services, making this a strong site for value-hunting punters.
Despite a somewhat dated appearance, the app's functionality remains top-notch, with frequent updates improving usability based on customer feedback.
With secure features, excellent customer service, and value-driven promotions, BetVictor offers a reliable and rewarding platform for all levels of horse racing punters.
Read our complete BetVictor review.
As someone who’s thoroughly tested various betting platforms, my initial experience with BetVictor was seamless, especially during the sign-up process. I quickly dove into Premier League markets, and the variety on offer was impressive, even prompting me to explore cycling bets, which I typically avoid.
One of BetVictor’s standout features is its rapid withdrawal process, easily outpacing other sites I’ve used. Their consistently competitive odds across both major and niche sports are another reason they’re a go-to for me.
However, BetVictor’s live streaming options are limited, mainly confined to horse racing, which might be a drawback for those who value real-time viewing. Despite this, the platform’s strong odds and extensive market selection more than make up for it.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4.5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 5/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 5/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4.5/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 5/5 |
- ✅ Best Odds Guaranteed on UK/Irish races
- ✅ Virtual racing & non-runner refunds
- ✅ Wide range of sports and esports markets
- ✅ Responsive customer service
- ❌ Limited streaming outside key events
- ❌ App design could be modernised
3. Coral – Best horse racing bookie for daily extra place races
App store rating | 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 4 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £20 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Facebook, Twitter, Email, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £5 |
Year founded | 1886 |
Online casino | Yes |
Coral offers excellent race coverage and a wide range of promotions as well as features like Best Odds Guaranteed and race live streaming.
The app is quick and stable, with intuitive access to the most important features.
Punters can also enjoy virtual racing and a welcome offer of £20 in free bets from a £5 stake.
Coral may not have the most in-depth in-play features, but with great value and ease of use, they are a great all-around option.
While the design may not be cutting-edge, Coral’s functionality, variety, and promotions make it a top choice for UK horse racing enthusiasts.
Read our complete Coral review.
As someone who’s tested numerous betting platforms, I’ve found Coral to be a reliable go-to, particularly when it comes to horse racing. I recall placing a bet on an outsider during the Cheltenham Festival, and not only did the horse come through, but Coral settled the bet almost instantly, with the funds landing in my account within minutes.
Coral’s promotions, especially their Best Odds Guaranteed on horse and greyhound races, are among the most consistent and genuine in the industry. It’s rare to find a bookmaker that offers such tangible value to its customers on a regular basis.
While Coral’s sports betting service is top-notch, particularly in terms of odds and promotions, their casino offerings don’t quite match up. For serious bettors, the sports section is where Coral truly shines, but those seeking a well-rounded gaming experience might find the casino section a bit lacking in comparison to other platforms.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 3.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 4/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 5/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Wide range of sports and betting markets
- ✅ Live streaming of sports events
- ✅ Regular promotions and bonuses
- ❌ Limited advanced betting features
4. Betfred – Known as the ‘Bonus King’ & free bets
App store rating | 4.4 (iOS), 4.1 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 7 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £50 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 2 |
Customer support | Email, Telephone, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1967 |
Online casino | Yes |
Betfred call themselves "The Bonus King", and they are certainly putting on a solid show on that front now.
Their race coverage is excellent, showing UK fixtures as well as Irish race coverage.
Some of its marquee promotions also include boost your each-way bets and daily deal promotions.
The platform has live streaming and radio commentary, plus a slick little app on iOS and on Android.
New users get access to an attractive welcome bonus and the site is reliably easy to use.
Whether you're after live racing action or enhanced betting options, Betfred delivers a rich and engaging experience.
Read our complete Betfred review.
Having tested a wide range of betting platforms, my initial experience with Betfred stood out for its ease of use. Navigating through the Premier League markets was intuitive, though I found the political betting section a bit more challenging to locate, which could be streamlined for better user experience.
Betfred’s competitive odds and the frequent bonuses, especially during high-profile events like the Euros, are a major draw. It’s clear that Betfred prioritises rewarding its users, making it a strong contender for anyone serious about getting the best value from their bets.
Despite Betfred’s strengths, particularly in its user interface and customer service, the withdrawal times are a bit slower compared to other top-tier platforms, typically taking around five hours. However, this doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, which remains robust for dedicated sports bettors.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 4.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 5/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4.5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 5/5 |
- ✅ Broad market selection
- ✅ Attractive welcome offers and promotions
- ❌ Large app size on devices
5. William Hill – Best horse racing betting site for live streaming
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £30 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Live Chat, Email, Phone, Twitter |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1934 |
Online casino | Yes |
William Hill offers live streaming through William Hill TV, featuring all UK, Irish and South African meetings in addition to others.
Key features include Best Odds Guaranteed, 2 Clear and #YourOdds to request your own race bets.
It is easy to load the site and to navigate, odds could be slightly below the top competitors.
With reliable service, great odds, and an intuitive interface, William Hill is a top destination for UK horse racing enthusiasts.
As someone who’s been involved in betting for years, my experience with William Hill has always been top-notch. I remember placing a Premier League bet and, months later, unexpectedly finding £500 credited to my account due to a correction on a bet I’d nearly forgotten about—a rare but very welcome surprise.
What sets William Hill apart in the competitive betting market is their exceptional payout speed. Unlike many other platforms where withdrawals can be slow, William Hill typically processes my payouts within minutes, ensuring my funds are always readily accessible.
William Hill excels in sports betting, offering competitive odds, a broad range of markets, and regular personalised promotions. However, for those who dabble in casino games, it’s worth noting that the casino side may not meet the same high standards. Overall, for serious sports punters, William Hill remains a reliable and expertly managed platform.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4.5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 4.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 5/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Strong live streaming offering
- ✅ Variety of racing markets
- ✅ Customisable features with #YourOdds
- ❌ Some odds not as competitive
- ❌ Dated design in places
6. Paddy Power – Best horse racing bookmaker for money-back specials that run daily
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 3 days |
Welcome offer | Up to £40 in free bets with money back |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.4 |
Customer support | Phone, Email, Social Media, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1988 |
Online casino | Yes |
Paddy Power covers UK, Irish, and international racing with a fun and flexible platform.
Players can experience features like Bet Builder, live streaming, and great money-back specials.
The app is well-designed and promotions, like fallers insurance and free bet clubs, offer rewards for regular users.
Odds are hit or miss, but I can say the experience on the whole is excellent.
Combining competitive odds with a user-friendly interface and entertaining features, Paddy Power is a top choice for horse racing punters in the UK.
Read our complete Paddy Power review.
One of my early experiences with Paddy Power involved an antepost bet on a horse race. The speed at which they settled the bet was impressive—within minutes of the race result, my winnings were already in my account, something I don’t see often even with other top-tier bookmakers.
Paddy Power’s customer service is a cut above the rest, especially when compared to other bookies I’ve used. Their team handles queries and issues with a level of professionalism and fairness that’s rare in the industry, which is crucial for anyone betting regularly.
While Paddy Power’s odds and market depth, especially in horse racing, are among the best, their reliance on chat support might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer direct, verbal communication. However, their commitment to fair play—like paying out on official race results rather than just podium finishes—demonstrates a customer-first approach that’s increasingly rare. For serious punters, Paddy Power offers a reliable and well-rounded betting experience.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 4.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4.5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 5/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 5/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4.5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Quirky, unique betting options available
- ✅ Generous welcome bonus with free bets and spins
- ✅ Wide range of sports markets
- ✅ Engaging free-to-play promotions
- ❌ Odds often mid to lower range compared to competitors
- ❌ Limited live streaming options available
7. Ladbrokes – The most famous name in UK betting
App store rating | 4.6 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £20 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Email, Telephone, Twitter, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1902 |
Online casino | Yes |
Ladbrokes combines a traditional racing experience with modern betting tools.
Its offerings include Best Odds Guaranteed, daily price boosts, and live streaming.
The app is user-friendly and it connects in-store bets with Coral Connect.
Some streaming coverage is limited, but there are some neat bonus offers to keep punters entertained.
With a solid welcome bonus and regularly updated offers for existing customers, Ladbrokes stands out as a top choice for horse racing betting in the UK.
Read our complete Ladbrokes review.
Having navigated many betting sites over the years, I was cautious about Ladbrokes, but I was quickly impressed by how fast they verified my account, allowing me to place bets within minutes. I encountered a cap on my UFC bet, but the refund for the remaining balance was processed smoothly within 48 hours.
Ladbrokes’ customer service stands out in an industry where quick and reliable support is often lacking. Their ability to resolve issues promptly and process withdrawals within hours places them ahead of many competitors. It’s clear they prioritise customer satisfaction, which is crucial for anyone serious about their betting.
While their customer service and payout speed are excellent, Ladbrokes’ app could benefit from performance improvements and clearer communication on betting limits. Despite these areas, it remains a reliable platform for seasoned punters.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 4/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4.5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 4/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4.5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 5/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Daily price boosts and extra places
- ✅ Slick app experience
- ✅ Connect in store and online bets
- ❌ Lacks the breadth of rival streaming services
8. 888sport – Best bookie for international horse racing bettors
App store rating | 4.5 (iOS), 4.4 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 3 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £30 + £10 casino |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Phone, E-Mail, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1997 |
Online casino | Yes |
888sport stands out with a secure mobile app featuring fingerprint login and live streaming.
It offers fallers insurance, free bets, and a strong welcome offer.
All racing offers are easy to track via the ‘My Rewards’ section.
However, some users have noted navigational complexities within the site, suggesting an area for potential improvement.
Despite this, 888sport’s commitment to enhancing the betting experience through continuous updates and addressing user feedback underlines its dedication to excellence.
Read our complete 888sport review.
I decided to try 888sport during the Six Nations rugby tournament, and I was impressed by their competitive odds. The process of placing bets was smooth, and adding funds via PayPal was quick and hassle-free, which is a significant advantage for any serious punter.
888sport’s interface is well-designed for efficiency, making it easy to navigate through various markets, even during high-traffic events. The frequent free bet offers are a strong incentive, adding value for regular users like myself who appreciate consistent rewards.
While 888sport performs admirably in most areas, the absence of a ‘2 goal early payout’ feature, which is common among top competitors, could be a limitation for some. However, their rapid and straightforward withdrawal process compensates for this, making 888sport a reliable and well-rounded platform for both casual and seasoned bettors.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 3.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 4/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Fingerprint login and live streaming
- ✅ Good selection of horse racing promos
- ✅ Competitive welcome offer
- ❌ Free bets cannot be redeemed on each way or multiple bets
9. Unibet – Best horse betting site for horse racing guides
App store rating | 4.2 (iOS), 4 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £20 get it back if it loses |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | 1.5 |
Customer support | Phone, Email, Live Chat |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 1997 |
Online casino | Yes |
Unibet’s full race coverage includes odds boosts, Best Odds Guaranteed and access to Unibet TV.
Live streaming is accompanied by expert race previews and tips, which are great for UK players.
Users have access to the Unibet TV guide and NAPs to inform their betting.
The app could have better functionality, but the platform provides value and expert insight.
For punters seeking a modern betting experience with live streaming and in-depth insights, Unibet is a reliable choice in the UK market.
Read our complete Unibet review.
I’ve used a range of platforms, but my first experience with Unibet stood out when I placed a horse racing bet using their odds boost feature. The speed of their payout was remarkable—by the time I opened my banking app, the funds were already there, which is rare even among top-tier bookmakers.
Unibet’s customer service and rapid payout times set them apart in a highly competitive market. Their odds are consistently competitive, and it’s refreshing to find a bookmaker that rarely imposes restrictions on the bets I want to place, allowing for a more dynamic betting experience.
While Unibet excels in many critical areas, their requirement to process withdrawals through e-wallets like Skrill rather than directly to a bank account could be a drawback for some. However, the speed and reliability of these transactions, coupled with Unibet’s overall performance, make this a minor inconvenience for serious punters.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4.5/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 3.5/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 3.5/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 4/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Diverse betting options
- ✅ Regularly updated with Uniboosts and other offers
- ✅ Comprehensive live streaming service
- ❌ High wagering requirements for bonuses
10. Betfair – Best odds when using exchange
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | Instant to 5 days |
Welcome offer | Bet £10, get £30 in free bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
Minimum odds | - |
Customer support | Support Page, Live Chat, Facebook, Twitter |
Minimum deposit | £10 |
Year founded | 2018 |
Online casino | Yes |
Betfair offers the unique combination of a sportsbook and an exchange in the horse racing betting industry.
This means they perform the dual role of backer or Layer on a horse racing market.
Betfair integrates third-party apps and software to make the exchange experience so much smoother.
It is an added extra which will appeal to the clever punters among you, who like to employ trading help to get an edge.
The platform provides fixed odds betting, flexible multiples, and Tote pool bets, enhancing the overall betting experience with a diverse range of choices.
All meetings are live streamed to ensure punters won't miss a second of the action.
While Betfair have ante-post and daily markets to offer a wide range of punting options.
Betfair's exchange markets are often priced up first, making them the market setters.
Betfair has a racing blog where it posts tips and updates on the biggest events.
While there’s feedback regarding odds competitiveness and website navigation, Betfair’s commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction is clear through regular updates and multi-platform accessibility.
Read our complete Betfair review.
In my years of betting, Betfair’s platform has offered some of the most unique experiences, like when I placed a treble on a horse race only to find the app had cashed me out after the first leg, without my input. While this was unexpected, I was impressed by how quickly Betfair’s support team addressed the issue and even offered to re-stake the bet—a level of service you rarely see.
Betfair’s Exchange is a standout feature that sets it apart from traditional bookmakers. The ability to act as both the punter and the bookie by laying or backing bets against others provides far superior odds and a level of control that’s essential for serious bettors.
Despite the strengths of Betfair’s Exchange, there are limitations, such as the inability to place multiple bets on the Exchange itself and relatively standard odds on the sportsbook. However, the platform’s innovative approach and the depth of betting options make it a top choice for seasoned punters looking for more than just traditional betting.
Site feature | Smartstake score |
Safety 🦺 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting app 📱 | 4/5 |
Web betting site 💻 | 4/5 |
Deposits & withdrawals 💷 | 4/5 |
Markets ⚽ | 4/5 |
Pre-match betting 🔜 | 4.5/5 |
In-play betting ⛹🏻 | 4.5/5 |
Welcome incentive 🤑 | 4/5 |
Customer service 📞 | 4/5 |
- ✅ Plenty of payment options to appeal to all users
- ✅ Integrated access to multiple Betfair services
- ✅ Frequently changing promotions and offers
- ❌ Sportsbook odds aren't as competitive as the exchange
- ❌ Welcome bonus more appealing to small-stake bettors
How we rate & rank horse racing bookmakers
Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of UK betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
We use the same nine criteria to test each platform, so you can easily compare them.
Safety: We only list sites that have a UK license. We also asses how long a site has been around and note down any safety features they have that help to protect your money and data.
Mobile betting app: We’re judging the design and functionality of the operator’s mobile app, how well it works, the user experience, and how easy it is to place bets on, plus any standout features of the app.
Web betting site: We check if the desktop site is easy to use and test any customisation options, as well as how easy it is to place bets.
Deposits & withdrawals: We look at the range of payment methods, the process, fees, and the time it takes to deposit and withdraw your funds.
Markets: We look at the variety and depth of sports markets on offer and how they compare to other UK betting sites.
Pre-match betting: We check both the build quality and variety of the pre-match options.
In-play betting: We evaluate the live betting experience, looking at the availability of markets and overall usability during live events.
Welcome incentive: We detail and compare the welcome bonuses offered to new users, as these can be key deciding factors.
Customer service: We test the customer support options available by assessing response times and the quality of help received.
Scoring & overall rating
Each criterion is scored via a points system, and that points total is then converted into a star rating.
The ratings are averaged out to produce an overall score for each betting site. This helps you decide which of the offers best suits your needs.
Since this is a horse racing betting guide, there is also a big focus on some horse racing-specific criteria to make sure the review is as comprehensive as possible.
We look at the range and depth of horse racing betting markets, both domestic and overseas, and how competitive the odds they are offering are.
The availability and quality of live streaming for horse racing. Factors such as, how many races are available to stream, as well as extent the of coverage of races across the world for streaming.
Specific horse racing bonuses and promotions are also assessed, including welcome offers, free bets, enhanced odds and loyalty programmes, as well as their fairness and value.
Furthermore, we evaluate any additional features that directly enhance the horse racing betting experience, such as racecards, form guides, betting tips and the availability of cash out.
We then weight this horse racing-specific criteria against the overall star rating the company has of our site.
With detailed and transparent reviews, you can rest assured that you are getting an honest appraisal that is void of any subjective bias.
You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review bookmakers here.
Additionally, you can view all of our bookmaker reviews here.
Please note: All the betting sites/apps reviewed are available on iOS and Android devices and authorised by the UK Gambling Commission.
How do I choose a horse betting site?
Reputation and licensing: Ensure the site is licensed by a trusted authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission, and has positive user reviews to confirm reliability and security.
Betting markets and odds: A good site should offer a wide selection of horse racing markets, including UK, Irish, and international races, with competitive odds that maximise your potential returns.
Live streaming and coverage: Some sites come with live streaming that allows you to watch the races live after you’ve placed your live stream bet. If there’s a broad race coverage, and international races are included, you will have more betting opportunities.
Bonuses and promotions: Select a site that offers promotions for horse racing, such as free bets, Best Odds Guaranteed, or extra place specials. Be careful about the terms and conditions of promotions and check that they can be fulfilled, for example that the wagering requirements are realistic.
User interface and experience: Ideally, the best sports betting sites in the UK should be easy to navigate, boast a good mobile app or mobile website and offer seamless betting on the go. This is crucial for new and experienced punters.
Payment options and withdrawal speed: Choose a site with a wide range of secure payment methods (card, e-wallets, etc) and fast withdrawal times so that you receive your winnings fast.
Customer support: Reliable customer service 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, or email. Customer service is an important help for any problems that might arise.
Best horse racing betting apps for iPhone
bet365 – Ranked as the top free sports application in the iOS store for good reason
BetVictor – An impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store, ranked 18th in sports applications
Parimatch – Boasts a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating, complemented by an equally impressive design
Best horse racing betting apps for Android
BetUK – A strong 4.5 out of 5 score on the Google Play Store
bet365 – Outstanding 4.5 out of 5 score, comprehensive bookmaker services
Coral – Surpassed 500,000 downloads on the Android platform
How to bet responsibly on betting sites for horse racing
Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:
Limits: Betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in one session, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can very easily take out your winnings from any betting sites, which will stop you from throwing away all your winnings.
Help: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organisations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help with gambling, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide that helps new gamblers understand the industry better and play safer.
Problem gambling organisations and charities in the UK
Organisation | Contact details |
|---|---|
24/7 Phone: 0808 8020 133, Live chat available | |
Phone: 0300 0300 111 |
The NHS Gambling Addiction page has detailed information on charities, trusts, and centres you can contact for help with gambling addiction.
Plus, they have a lot of information on strategies for dealing with and preventing addiction in your day-to-day life.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives the best odds on horse racing?
What betting site is best for horse racing?
What is the best app for horse racing live?
What is the best betting system for horse racing?
What are the best new horse racing betting sites UK?
How do I sign up to a horse racing betting site?
What are the biggest horse racing events to bet on in the UK?
What is the most popular horse racing bet?
How to bet on live horse racing?
How to bet on horse racing in the UK?
Betting sites where you can watch horse racing?
Editorial policy
Our editorial policy dictates that all of our content is thoroughly researched, heavily scrutinised and fact-checked to make sure they are as accurate, comprehensive and unbiased as possible. We also adhere to strict sourcing guidelines and each page contains only information relevant to the aspect.
References
To accurately test UK sports betting sites, we conduct analytical research into the British gambling industry to determine what features are best for you.
The following are the references we consult when assessing this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/horserace-betting-levy-board
https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/horseracing-industry-government-support-and-recent-developments/
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0200/
https://www-users.york.ac.uk/~vjh5/myPapers/SportRxiv_Submission.pdf
https://news.csu.edu.au/opinion/racing-a-two-year-old-horse-is-like-racing-a-13-year-old-child
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