Best Horse Racing Betting Sites – A Racebook Guide for November, 2024

By

Victor Arum

Victor Arum Sports Betting Writer

Victor Arum is a seasoned sports betting writer who currently contributes to SportsTalkPhilly. He creates insightful guides and how-tos to help sports bettors formulate winning strategies and make informed wagers. Victor also reviews and rates sportsbooks, deeming them a SMASH or PASS. When not analysing sports betting patterns or writing, he's probably stretching at the gym or (re)watching a sitcom

All posts by Victor Arum

Sports Betting Writer

Updated 11 Oct 2024

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Horse racing betting adds an extra layer of excitement to the big race and provides an opportunity to earn money at the most prestigious events in the US and globally. However, before you can place bets on horse races, it is important to find the best racebooks and understand how the odds and lines work.

Hence, this in-depth guide reveals the best racebooks for US bettors, discusses the types of bets to explore and the major events to wager on, and divulges the legality of horse racing betting in America. We’ll also show you how to sign up to a racebook and claim a welcome bonus.

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List of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2024

Interested in placing horse range wagers? Your first step is to find a top-rated horse racing betting site and sign up. Below are the best 10 racebooks for US residents in 2024.

1. BetOnline – Best Horse Racing Betting Site Overall in 2024
2. BUSR – Enjoy Live Streaming of Horse Races
3. Bovada – Ideal for Betting on Virtual Horse Racing
4. MyBookie – Bet on Races from Tracks Worldwide
5. BetUS – Futures Odds for the Kentucky Derby
6. XBet – Claim a 7% Horse Rebate Offer
7. BetWhale – Coverage of Various US Racetracks
8. BetNow – Offers a Racebook, Sportsbook, Casino & Poker Room
9. SportsBetting.ag – Supports 16 Cryptocurrencies for Payments
10. Jazz – $1,000 Racebook Welcome Bonus

Reviews of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Let’s examine our top 5 US sportsbooks more closely, highlighting the distinctive features that set them apart. These sites are offshore-based, licensed by reputable bodies, accessible to all US residents, and 100% safe to play.

1. BetOnline – Best Horse Racing Betting Site Overall in 2024

• Established: 2001
• Licensed in: Panama City, Panama
• Dedicated Racebook: 
• Horse Rebate:  (9% daily rebate)
• Racebook Promotions:  ($25 risk-free bet)

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

With over 25 years of experience in the sports betting scene and a reputed Panama license, BetOnline is a premier destination for all horse racing enthusiasts in the US. The site offers a dedicated racebook where bettors can explore a variety of thoroughbred and harness races from tracks worldwide. From the US, UK, and Ireland to France, South Africa, and UAE, there are so many options here.

Check out Racebook 101 for helpful guides and tips on how to bet on horse racing.

When it comes to betting markets, your options are virtually limitless. You can wager on straight bets, exacta, and trifecta. And thanks to BetOnline’s competitive and great odds, you can expect sizable potential payouts. Plus, the platform’s ‘Advanced Search’ function allows you to filter based on specific criteria, such as the runner, jockey, or track of your choosing, making navigation easier.

Additionally, BetOnline provides “Racebook 101,” a resource to help bettors understand more about betting on horse racing. You can read helpful guides on how to wager straight bets, the basics of exacta betting, and so much more. In the way of racebook-exclusive promotions, this horse racing betting site caters to new and returning customers, offering a 9% horse rebate and a $25 risk-free bet promo to new players. Remember to enter the BetOnline promo code to claim these bonuses.

• Horse Racing Odds: 4.7/5.0
• Variety of Races: 5.0/5.0
• Racebook Bonuses: 4.8/5.0
• Live Streaming: 5.0/5.0
• Payment Methods: 4.9/5.0
• Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.9/5.0

2. BUSR – Enjoy Live Streaming of Horse Races

• Established: 2014
• Licensed in: Curaçao
• Dedicated Racebook: 
• Horse Rebate: (10% daily rebate)
• Racebook Promotions:  ($150 welcome racebook bonus, 12% cashback, $200 every week, Up to $100)

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

If you’re looking to enjoy live streaming and in-play wagering on races in the US, BUSR is your go-to site for betting on horse racing. The gambling platform’s racebook section allows you to stream live horse races and enjoy the thrill of racing as if you were at an actual racetrack.

Stream horse races from top tracks around the world and place your bets on the live action.

Our experts found this live-streaming feature to be very useful in in-play wagering. Bettors can keep up with the action on BUSR and place wagers on ongoing races. Moreover, this horse racing betting site updates its odds in real time, allowing you to take advantage of unexpected developments. Such twists include pace changes, jockey shuffle, early upset, etc.

Furthermore, BUSR offers daily double and pick 3 bet options on various races in addition to the common straight, exacta, and trifecta bets. When it comes to promotions, BUSR typically provides Triple Crown-specific offers, including free bets and cashback. You can also earn a 150% welcome cash bonus and a 10% horse rebate daily.

• Horse Racing Odds: 4.6/5.0
• Variety of Races: 4.9/5.0
• Racebook Bonuses: 5.0/5.0
• Live Streaming: 5.0/5.0
• Payment Methods: 4.7/5.0
• Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.9/5.0

3. Bovada – Ideal for Betting on Virtual Horse Racing

• Established: 2011
• Licensed in: Curaçao
• Dedicated Racebook: 
• Horse Rebate:
• Racebook Promotions:  (50% up to $250, 75% up to $750)

Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0

Looking to get your betting fix quickly and easily? Bovada is the perfect choice. The Curacao-licensed sportsbook offers a ‘Virtual Racing’ section, where you can bet on virtual races and know your fate in a few minutes. Unlike actual races with set schedules, virtual races are available 24/7. Therefore, you can place bets whenever you want.

Sign up and get a 75% welcome bonus on your first deposit.

However, in addition to the simulated horse races, you can also wager on actual races from various tracks, including Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Pimlico Race Course. Betting options include straights, exactas, trifectas, and pick 3.

Moreover, Bovada provides early futures betting odds on the Triple Crown events like the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes. For instance, you can put your money on a horse to win the Kentucky Derby months before the event starts. Sign up with Bovada today and enter the Bovada promo code to claim a welcome bonus worth 75% up to $750.

• Horse Racing Odds: 4.5/5.0
• Variety of Races: 4.9/5.0
• Racebook Bonuses: 4.6/5.0
• Live Streaming: N/A
• Payment Methods: 4.8/5.0
• Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.7/5.0

4. MyBookie – Bet on Races from Tracks Worldwide

• Established: 2014
• Licensed in: Curaçao
• Dedicated Racebook: 
• Horse Rebate: (8% rebate)
• Racebook Promotions:  (100% up to $1,000)

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

US bettors looking to explore international races will enjoy wagering on MyBookie, a top horse racing betting site. The platform’s dedicated racebook features horse racing betting odds for tracks from Ireland, France, South Africa, and Sweden. These tracks include Gowran, Compiegne, Vaal, Axevalla, Romme, Epsom Downs, and more.

Explore exotic wagers like trifecta, quinella, and superfecta for a more exciting betting experience.

In addition to the regular win, place, and show wagers, MyBookie also features exotic bets like quinella and trifecta. These betting options can spice up your betting experience. Like BetOnline, MyBookie also has an ‘Advanced Search’ function, allowing you to filter races depending on specific criteria like track, runner, or jockey.

Furthermore, existing customers can benefit from MyBookie’s 8% horse rebate. The rebates are paid daily after midnight, and there are no rollover requirements. You can claim this rebate and more generous offers using MyBookie promo codes.

• Horse Racing Odds: 4.5/5.0
• Variety of Races: 4.9/5.0
• Racebook Bonuses: 4.4/5.0
• Live Streaming: N/A
• Payment Methods: 4.7/5.0
• Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.6/5.0

5. BetUS – Best Futures Odds for the Kentucky Derby

• Established: 1994
• Licensed in: Mwali, Comoros Union
• Dedicated Racebook: 
• Horse Rebate: (Money Back Special)
• Racebook Promotions:  (125% up to $2,000)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

BetUS, one of the pioneers of offshore sports betting in the US, was founded in 1994 and is licensed in Curacao. Having been in operation for up to 30 years, this horse racing betting site is one of the most reputable and trustworthy in the industry.

Get your money back if a horse you bet to win finishes 2nd or 3rd.

The site’s racebook is great for betting on horse racing futures. You’ll find outrights on major US racing events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. And impressively, the odds are typically released way before the start of the Triple Crown. But that’s not all; other major races from tracks worldwide are featured, such as the Epsom Downs, Southwell, and Yarmouth.

Regarding promotions, BetUS often provides money-back offers on selected races. Also, there’s a massive 125% deposit sign-up bonus capped at $2,000 for new customers and re-up bonuses for returning customers making subsequent deposits. Make sure you enter the relevant BetUS promo codes to unlock these offers.

• Horse Racing Odds: 4.4/5.0
• Variety of Races: 4.6/5.0
• Racebook Bonuses: 4.3/5.0
• Live Streaming: N/A
• Payment Methods: 4.7/5.0
• Safety & Security: 4.8/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.3/5.0

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus	Promo Code	Racebook Bonus	Thoroughbred	Harness	Live Betting
BetOnline	$250 free sports bets	FREE250	9% horse rebate + $25 horse racing free bet
BUSR	100% up to $2,500	SPORTS100FP	10% horse rebate daily
Bovada	75% up to $750	BTCSWB750	50% up to $250
MyBookie	100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip	MB100	8% horse rebate
BetUS	100% up to $2,000	JOIN125	Moneyback special on select races
XBet	50% up to $200	XBWELCOME50	7% horse rebate
BetWhale	125% up to $1,250	WHALECOME
BetNow	100% up to $500	BN100	10% horse rebate weekly
SportsBetting.ag	50% up to $500	WELCOME	9% horse rebate + $25 horse free play
Jazz	100% up to $1,000	JAZZRFB	Up to $1,000 deposit match welcome bonus + 10% rebate on A tracks

How We Select the Best Horse Racing Betting Apps

There are hundreds of horse racing betting sites out there, and new racebooks are being launched every now and then. However, not all these gambling platforms offer the same level of quality. Thankfully, our team of experts has assessed numerous US racebooks and compiled the top 10 above using metrics and factors outlined below.

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in the US?

Horse racing betting has been a popular pastime in the US for centuries, with its roots dating back to the late 1600s when the British colonists arrived. Initially, bookmakers were the go-to for racing bets. However, in the early 1900s, many states banned bookmaking. Consequently, horse racing became less prevalent, and attendance at racetracks declined.

Nevertheless, the introduction of pari-mutuel wagering in the 1900s breathed new life into the US horse racing market. As states began to legalize this form of gambling, horse racing flourished again. Years later, many US states started regulating horse racing betting online, allowing gamblers to place wagers on their desktops and smartphones. Today, horse racing is a multi-billion dollar industry, contributing about $40 billion yearly to the US economy.

So, is horse racing betting legal in the US? Yes, it is. But the legality varies state by state. As of 2024, 40 states in America allow betting on horse racing online, and they include:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Some states, like Texas, only allow in-person wagers. Meanwhile, others, such as South Carolina and Georgia, don’t permit any form of betting on horse racing. If you reside in one of the regions without legal online sports wagering, you can take advantage of our recommended racebooks. They accept all US players nationwide, allowing you to safely and legally stake on horse racing betting odds.

Different Types of Horse Racing for Online Betting

Before you begin betting on horse racing, it’s important to understand the different types to explore. Here, we’ll discuss Flat, Harness, and Jumps.

Flat

Also known as thoroughbred racing, flat racing is the most common and widely recognized form of horse racing. It involves horse racing on a flat, even oval-shaped course without obstacles. Thoroughbreds, known for their speed and agility, are the dominant breed in flat racing.

Races range from short sprints, about 400 meters, to long-distance marathons, about 4 kilometers. Top US jockeys for thoroughbred horse racing betting include Tyler Gaffalione, Junior Alvarado, and Gabriel Saez. So, watch out for these riders when wagering on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and other major US racing events.

Harness

This unique type of racing involves a driver in a light, two-wheeled cart, called a sulky, pulled by horses. The drivers sit in the sulky and use reins to guide the horse. Like flat races, harness takes place on an oval track without obstacles on the course. Standardbred horses, in particular, known for their trotting and pacing gaits, are used.

When betting on horse racing options for harness racing, you can explore Win, Show, Place, exactas, and trifectas. For harness horse racing betting tips, Aaron Merriman, Brett Beckwith, and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. are the 2024 top-performing drivers. Also, Dontpokethedragon, Hugh Heff, and It takes Two are highly-rated horses in 2024. So, keep this in mind when wagering on the Hambletonian, Little Brown Jug, or the Breeders Crown.

Jumps

Also known as National Hunt racing, jump racing involves horses leaping over obstacles like hurdles and fences. This added element can cause falls and unexpected outcomes, making it harder to predict the winner when horse racing betting. Sometimes, the less fancied horses can clear the jumps and finish well, producing high payouts.

Thoroughbreds and specific horse breeds known for their jumping prowess are used in National Hunt races. Note that distances in these races are typically longer than flat racing, so brace yourself for a long, thrilling ride. Popular jump race events to bet on include the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, Irish Grand National, Melbourne Cup, Grand Steeplechase de Paris, and more.

Popular Horse Racing Betting Markets

If you want to learn how to bet on horse racing, understanding the different types of wagers is essential. Let’s discuss the most popular wagers at the best horse racing betting sites.

• Win: This is the simplest wager in horse racing betting. It involves backing a horse to win a race.
• Place: Here, you bet on a horse to finish in first or second place. The chances of winning this bet are higher, so the payout is usually lower than win bets.
• Show: You wager on a horse to finish first, second, or third place. BetOnline offers the best odds and race coverage for win, place, and show bets.
• Each-Way: A combination of a win and a place bet on the same horse in the same wager.
• Across the Board: This combines win, place, and show bets on the same horse in the same wager.
• Exacta: Sometimes known as Perfecta, you bet on which horse will finish first and which will finish second.
• Trifecta: This is a bet on the first three horses to finish in the exact order.
• Superfecta: Here, you pick the exact order of the first four horses to finish.
• Daily Double/ Pick 3/Pick 4: Predicting the winner of multiple races consecutively.
• Quinella: Wagering on two horses to finish in first and second place in no particular order.

Pros & Cons of Online Horse Racing Betting vs Retail Betting

Retail horse betting has existed since the 19th century. However, US states just began legalizing online wagering a few years ago, and this gambling form has gained immense traction lately. Let’s uncover the reasons why many are gravitating towards using horse racing betting sites. We’ll also highlight some downsides of horse racing betting online.

Horse Racing Betting Strategies

As mentioned earlier, there are no guarantees of winning in horse racing betting. However, certain tested and trusted strategies can change your approach to betting and help you win more often than not. We’ll discuss three horse racing betting strategies below:

Dutch Betting

This strategy for betting on horse racing involves placing multiple bets on the same race to guarantee a profit regardless of which of your selected horses wins. For example, when Dutching, you can divide your total wager across several horses in a race while making sure each bet is proportional to the betting odds provided. Then, if any of your multiple chosen horses win, you get to win a small profit.

The 80/20 Strategy

This strategy is worth a try when learning how to bet on sports, especially horse racing. It involves allocating 20% of your wager on a horse to win and the remaining 80% on the same horse to place. Using this system, you earn a decent payout regardless of whether your preferred horse wins or finishes in the qualifying places (typically top 2 or 3).

Value Betting

This is one of the most effective horse racing betting strategies. Here, you must do your research and discover horses that are undervalued by your preferred US sportsbook. If you think a horse, undervalued by the bookmaker, has an advantage, you can wager on it and get a massive return. This perceived advantage could be due to weather conditions, running distance, etc.

Top Events for Betting on Horse Racing

According to Statista, horse racing is one of the US most watched sports on cable, satellite, and over-the-air platforms. Millions of viewers tune in to watch major horse races yearly. Let’s find out the most famous horse racing events among American bettors.

The Kentucky Derby

Established in 1875 and the first leg of the famed Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously run sporting event in the US. The prestigious thoroughbred horse race is held annually on the first Saturday in May at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s also called the Run for the Races because the winning horse is covered in a blanket of red roses.

Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack are the winningest jockeys at the Kentucky Derby, having secured a win five times each.

Check out our expert guide on How To Bet on the Kentucky Derby.

You might also be interested in:
Kentucky Derby Jockeys
Kentucky Derby Trends
Kentucky Derby Horses
Kentucky Derby Trainers

The Preakness Stakes

The second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, is another thoroughbred horse race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It occurs on Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. As one of the most anticipated events in horse racing, Preakness Stakes betting attracts enthusiasts from all over, offering various betting sites and sportsbooks that cater to every level of punter.

Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz, and John R. Velazquez are the most recent jockey winners of the race, having secured victories in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.

The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the oldest and longest of the Triple Crown races. It’s the final leg of the Triple Crown held on the first or second Saturday in June, three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. The race, run by three-year-old Thoroughbreds, takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It’s nicknamed the Run for the Carnations or the Test of the Champion.

Jim McLaughlin and Eddie Arcaro are the jockeys with the most wins, having amassed six apiece. Meanwhile, Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellano won his first-ever Belmont Stakes in 2023 with the retired thoroughbred racehorse Arcangelo.

The Florida Derby

The Florida Derby, another thoroughbred horse race, is held yearly at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. It’s a major prop race for the Kentucky Derby five weeks before the Triple Crown first-leg event.

John R. Velazquez is the jockey with the most Florida Derby wins, most recently winning in 2024.

The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes

One of the newer horse racing events in the US, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes debuted in 2017 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. With a purse of $12 million in its inaugural campaign, the event became the richest horse race in the world, ahead of the Dubai World Cup. The purse has since dropped to $3 million in 2023.

Irad Ortiz Jr. has the most wins by a jockey, having managed victories in 2020 and 2022.

Common Horse Racing Betting Terms

To learn more about horse wagering, you must familiarize yourself with common horse racing betting terms. Below is a glossary for both horse racing beginners and experts alike.

• Favorite: The horse expected to win the race, according to horse racing betting sites.
• Longshot: A horse with a low chance of winning, offering big payouts if they manage a win.
• Handicap: This involves allocating some weight to better horses to disadvantage them against other runners in the race.
• Purse: This is the total prize money awarded to the winners of a race.
• Stakes Race: A race with a higher purse than a claiming or maiden race.
• Grade I, II, III: This is a classification of stakes races based on their prestige, popularity, and total purse. Grade I is the highest.
• Yankee: A wager of 11 bets (six doubles, four trebles, and one accumulator) on four horses chosen to win their races.
• Scratch: A horse withdrawn from a race before it starts.
• Dead Heat: Refers to a tie between at least two horses for a finishing position.
• Post Time: The starting time of a horse race.
• Furlong: The unit of measurement used in horse racing. It’s equal to ⅛ of a mile.
• Silks: The colorful jackets worn by jockeys to represent the owner’s racing colors.

The Best Horse Racing Betting Site Online 2024

Although less popular than the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, horse racing has good viewership in the US, especially the Triple Crown. And many viewers like to spice up their experience with horse racing betting sites.

BetOnline is our top pick for betting on horse racing in the US, thanks to the range of betting markets. The racebook covers thoroughbred and harness races from racetracks worldwide and offers competitive odds. Sign up today and claim $250 in free bets and 100 free spins to spend at the casino.

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