Best Horse Racing Betting Sites UK December 2024

Best horse racing betting sites compared 2024

Top horse racing betting sites reviewed

Find out about the best betting sites for horse racing currently operating in the UK, and what they offer you, and your gambling needs...

1. bet365 – Overall best horse racing betting site UK 2024

bet365 is widely regarded as the best horse racing betting site in the UK, offering a seamless experience for all users.

Its platform and app are highly reliable, providing speed, stability, and a user-friendly interface that simplifies the betting process.

New customers can benefit from a generous welcome bonus, giving them extra funds to kickstart their betting journey.

bet365 covers a broad range of races, including UK, Irish, and international events, offering a vast selection of markets.

The site also features live streaming, allowing punters to watch races directly on their devices for an enhanced experience.

Available on both iOS and Android and through mobile browsers, bet365 ensures all users have access to its extensive features without compromise.

With exclusive promotions, competitive odds, and ongoing bonuses, bet365 consistently delivers great value to horse racing punters.

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.

Bradley Gibbs

2. BetVictor – Best horse sportsbook for horse racing odds

BetVictor is a leading UK horse racing betting platform, offering a wide range of races from the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

It stands out with its Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish races, ensuring punters always get the best value.

The platform also integrates virtual racing, providing 24/7 betting opportunities for users seeking action when live events aren't available.

Live streaming enhances the betting experience, allowing users to watch races live with a small qualifying bet, and offering refunds on non-starters for added user protection.

BetVictor’s user-friendly interface simplifies navigation, making it easy to place bets, watch live streams, and explore various markets.

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.

Josh Miller

3. Coral – Best horse racing bookie for daily extra place races

Coral is a leading horse racing betting site in the UK, offering a wide range of races from the UK, Ireland, and international tracks.

It provides punters with Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish races, ensuring competitive value, while virtual racing adds round-the-clock betting options.

Coral stands out for its live streaming service, allowing users to watch races live after placing a small qualifying bet, enhancing real-time engagement.

Its mobile app is highly rated for speed and stability across Android, iOS, and Windows, despite some design criticisms, with easy navigation and reliable functionality.

New users can enjoy a generous welcome bonus of £20 in free bets for a £5 stake, making it one of the best introductory offers in the market.

Coral's ongoing promotions and tailored horse racing features reflect its commitment to providing value to both new and seasoned punters.

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.

Bradley Gibbs

4. Betfred – Known as the ‘Bonus King’ & free bets

Betfred, known as “The Bonus King,” is highly regarded for its generous promotions, making it a top choice among horse racing fans.

The site offers extensive coverage of UK, Irish, and international races, with a deep variety of market offerings such as specials and enhanced each-way bets.

Its live streaming feature allows punters to watch races from around the world directly on their mobile devices, complemented by live commentary through Betfred's radio service.

Betfred's mobile app is user-friendly, fast, and reliable, catering to both novice and experienced users on Android and iOS devices.

New users can take advantage of a welcome bonus, further boosting the appeal of the platform for those looking to start their horse racing betting journey.

With competitive odds, a straightforward interface, and continuous customer service, Betfred is a standout platform for horse racing betting in the UK.

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.

Josh Miller

5. William Hill – Best horse racing betting site for live streaming

William Hill is a top choice for horse racing betting in the UK, with its rich heritage and strong online presence.

It offers a wide selection of markets, covering UK, Irish, and international races, along with virtual races for non-stop betting action.

William Hill stands out with its competitive odds and promotions like “Best Odds Guaranteed,” “2 Clear,” and “#YourOdds,” adding value and personalized betting options.

The mobile app integrates seamlessly with the site, providing fast, stable, and user-friendly access to a variety of betting markets and live streaming via William Hill TV.

Punters can watch live UK, Irish, and South African races with a small bet, enhancing the overall betting experience.

New customers are welcomed with a generous bonus, making William Hill an attractive option for those looking to start live horse racing betting.

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.

Bradley Gibbs

6. Paddy Power – Best horse racing bookmaker for money-back specials that run daily

Paddy Power stands out for its blend of humour and creative betting options, offering a fun and engaging experience beyond just placing wagers.

With extensive horse racing markets covering the UK, Ireland, and international races, punters have plenty of betting opportunities to explore.

Its live streaming feature allows users to watch UK and Irish races live on their mobile devices after placing a qualifying bet, enhancing the overall experience.

Paddy Power's Bet Builder function lets punters customise their bets, adding a personalised element to the betting process.

Known for its generous promotions, such as money-back specials and a rewards club, Paddy Power ensures consistent value for regular users.

The site and app are designed for easy navigation, making it simple for both beginners and seasoned bettors to access markets and features.

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.

Josh Miller

7. Ladbrokes – The most famous name in UK betting

Ladbrokes, with a history dating back to 1886, offers a modern and comprehensive horse racing betting experience that appeals to both seasoned punters and newcomers.

The platform covers a vast range of horse racing events from the UK, Ireland, and internationally, ensuring a wealth of betting options for users.

Ladbrokes excels with promotions like extra place betting, daily price boosts, and Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Ireland races, adding excitement and more chances to win.

Its user-friendly app makes navigation and bet placement simple, even for beginners, while the live streaming feature brings races directly to users’ devices.

In addition to live streaming, detailed stats and a wide variety of markets create a rich, engaging betting environment.

Though Ladbrokes offers competitive odds, it's the robust promotions and smooth app experience that truly elevate the platform.

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.

Bradley Gibbs

8. 888sport – Best bookie for international horse racing bettors

What distinguishes 888sport is its dedication to offering an enriched betting experience, characterised by its intuitive interface that now includes fingerprint touch ID for enhanced security on mobile devices, catering to both Android and iOS users.

888sport’s commendable selection of promotions tailored for horse racing enthusiasts, such as fallers insurance, free bets, and notably, a generous welcome bonus, significantly enhance its appeal.

The platform’s ‘My Rewards’ section simplifies the management of these offers, ensuring users can easily track and utilise their bonuses.

A standout feature of 888sport is its live streaming service, enabling punters to watch races they’ve wagered on, provided the race card displays a play icon.

While 888sport’s odds are competitive, it’s the breadth of its horse racing markets, alongside features like live streaming and detailed race coverage, that solidify its status.

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.

Josh Miller

9. Unibet – Best horse betting site for horse racing guides

Unibet has emerged as a strong contender in the UK horse racing betting market, offering a user-focused platform with extensive race coverage and valuable betting resources.

Known for its daily odds boosts and Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish races, Unibet provides excellent value alongside a robust welcome bonus, though some users seek more promotions comparable to higher-ranked competitors.

Unibet's live streaming service, Unibet TV, enhances the betting experience by allowing punters to watch races live after placing a bet, deepening engagement with the events.

The platform also provides expert tips and insights through the Unibet TV Guide and access to NAPs, helping users make informed betting decisions.

With 24/7 customer support, Unibet ensures users receive assistance whenever needed, highlighting its commitment to customer satisfaction.

While its app’s navigation could be improved, Unibet remains a solid option for horse racing bettors, offering comprehensive race coverage, reliable features, and quality service.

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.

Bradley Gibbs

10. Betfair – Best odds when using exchange, not sportsbook

Betfair stands out in the horse racing betting market with its innovative blend of a traditional sportsbook and a pioneering exchange platform.

This dual functionality allows punters to both back and lay bets on horse racing markets, offering unique flexibility and control over their betting strategies.

Betfair enhances the exchange experience with third-party apps and software, making it particularly appealing to savvy punters looking for a trading edge.

The sportsbook offers fixed odds betting, versatile multiples, and Tote pool bets, enriching the overall betting experience with a variety of options.

Live streaming of all horse races ensures punters can follow the action in real-time, while Betfair's comprehensive ante-post and daily markets provide extensive betting opportunities.

Betfair’s exchange markets are highly influential, often setting the standard in the betting industry, and it's complemented by its insightful blog that offers tips and updates on key 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.

Josh Miller

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 a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively.

1. Safety: We ensure each site has a UK license and assess its track record, highlighting any safety features that protect your funds and data.

2. Mobile betting app: We review the mobile app’s design, functionality, and user experience, including ease of placing bets and any standout features.

3. Web betting site: We test the desktop site for usability, customisation options, and how straightforward it is to place bets.

4. Deposits & withdrawals: We evaluate the variety of payment methods, the ease of transactions, any fees, and how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds.

5. Markets: We explore the range and quality of sports markets available, comparing them to other UK betting sites.

6. Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of the pre-match betting options.

7. In-play betting: We analyse the live betting experience, including market availability and usability during live events.

8. Welcome incentive: We detail and compare the welcome bonuses offered to new users, as these can be key deciding factors.

9. Customer service: We test customer support channels, including response times and the quality of assistance provided.

Scoring & overall rating

Each criterion is scored on a points system, which is then converted into a star rating.

We average these scores to provide an overall rating for each betting site, making it easier for you to decide which one best meets your needs.

As this guide is specific to horse racing betting, we also focus on several horse racing-specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive review.

We examine the variety and depth of betting markets available for horse racing, including both domestic and international races, as well as the competitiveness of the odds offered.

The availability and quality of live streaming for horse races are critical factors, including the number of races covered and the geographical scope.

Bonuses and promotions tailored to horse racing, such as welcome offers, free bets, enhanced odds, and loyalty programs, are also scrutinised for their value and fairness.

Additionally, we assess any extra features that directly enhance the horse racing betting experience, like racecards, form guides, betting tips and the ability to cash out.

We then weight this horse racing-specific criteria against the overall rating.

With our thorough and clear reviews, you can trust that you’re getting an honest assessment, free from personal 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 maximize your potential returns.

• Live streaming and coverage: Look for sites that provide live streaming, allowing you to watch the races live after placing your bet. Broad race coverage, including international events, can expand your betting options.

• Bonuses and promotions: Choose sites that offer tailored horse racing promotions like free bets, Best Odds Guaranteed, or extra place specials. Make sure the terms are fair with manageable wagering requirements.

• User interface and experience: The platform should be easy to navigate, with a well-designed mobile app that ensures smooth betting on the go. This is crucial for both novice and experienced punters.

• Payment options and withdrawal speed: Opt for a site that supports multiple secure payment methods, including cards and e-wallets, and offers fast withdrawal times to ensure you receive your winnings promptly.

• Customer support: Reliable customer service, ideally available 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email, is important for resolving any issues quickly and efficiently.

Best horse racing betting apps for iPhone

1. bet365 – Ranked as the top free sports application in the iOS store for good reason

2. BetVictor – An impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store, ranked 18th in sports applications

3. Parimatch – Boasts a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating, complemented by an equally impressive design

Best horse racing betting apps for Android

1. BetUK – A strong 4.5 out of 5 score on the Google Play Store

2. bet365 – Outstanding 4.5 out of 5 score, comprehensive bookmaker services

3. 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 withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, preventing you from spending all of your winnings.

• Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations 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 - playing safer and more securely.

Problem gambling organisations and charities in the UK

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. Click the link to access the page.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial policy

Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.

This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

References

To test UK sports betting sites accurately, we dive into analytical research of the British gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.

Below are the references we use when making these decisions:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/horserace-betting-levy-board

• https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/horseracing-industry-government-support-and-recent-developments/

• https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-to-licensing-authorities/part-20-betting-on-tracks

• https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0200/

• https://www.britishhorseracing.com/

• 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