Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the US – Compare Top Legal Racebooks 2023

Horse racing betting has long been a popular pastime for US bettors. The fast-paced, action-packed sport has attracted players for many years, with horse racing betting sites having made the process even simpler. Whether it be a meeting from Santa Anita Park or Churchill Downs, our top-ranked online betting sites for horse racing have all bases covered.

On this page, readers will also find the most common horse racing betting terms explained, as well as popular horse racing betting systems. We will begin by listing our favorite operators when it comes to betting on horse racing.

List of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

We have reviewed dozens of sites that offer betting on horse races. We compared their strengths and weaknesses, and we ultimately decided that these are the top 10 racebooks right now:

1. Bovada – The best overall betting site for US horseplayers
2. BetOnline – Most appealing fixed-odds on Triple Crown races
3. Everygame – Offers a large rebate on racebook losses
4. MyBookie – The best racebook for beginners
5. BetNow- Reduced juice betting site
6. BetUS – Online racebook with very large bonuses
7. XBet – User-friendly horse racing site with a simple interface
8. BUSR – The best crypto horse racing betting site
9. Jazz Sports – Best mobile site for horse racing
10. SportsBetting.ag – Excellent racebook for high-rollers

Reviews of the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Our top 10 horse racing betting sites have different strengths. Read our reviews to find the racebook that best fits your needs:

1. Bovada – Best Overall Horse Racing Betting Site for US Bettors

We rate Bovada as the best all-round betting site for horse racing. It offers a very smooth, user-friendly interface, with clean, simple racecards. The software is powerful and reliable. That allows you to place bets quickly and efficiently. It covers a huge volume of races from across the country and around the world each day, with very broad betting limits.

Most betting sites do not allow you to use the welcome bonus on horse races. However, the Bovada promo code you get with the sportsbook’s sign-up bonus – a 75% deposit match bonus up to $750 – can be used within the racebook, and it has just a 5x rollover requirement.

Bovada also offers an impressive loyalty program. If you win, you can benefit from same-day payouts via crypto. The process is very quick and secure. There are fiat-based banking options too if you do not want to use crypto.

2. BetOnline – Offers the Best Fixed Odds on Big Horse Races

BetOnline is a great option for anyone interested in placing fixed-odds futures bets on popular races such as the Kentucky Derby. We have compared the fixed odds at BetOnline to those provided by its rivals, and BetOnline invariably comes out on top. That means you will earn larger profits at BetOnline than at rival racebooks.

It also offers pari-mutuel wagering on an abundance of US and international races every day. The welcome bonus cannot be used in the racebook, but there are BetOnline promo codes and promos aimed specifically at horseplayers. For example, you will receive a $25 risk-free racebook bet, and it gives you a rebate of up to 9% on any net losses suffered on horse races.

BetOnline is similar to Bovada, as it offers a clean, attractive interface, 24/7 customer service, and same-day crypto withdrawals.

3. Everygame – Offers a Competitive Rebate on Racebook Losses

Of all the listed horse racing betting sites that made it to our list, Everygame is one we are particularly proud of because we have watched them evolve over time.

When betting on horse racing online, there are quite a lot of things to consider, the reputation of the website, rebate option, and wager option. Everygame ticks all the boxes in the list of important features to be on the lookout for when choosing a dependable racebook.

Additionally, the website provides a fantastic rewards program and a number of promotions. New players on the site get a juicy welcome bonus that can be claimed using Everygame bonus codes. It enables you to swiftly and successfully place bets. If you want to wager on a race while you are on the go, the mobile site is a fantastic option because it is robust and dependable.

It is, however, important to note that wagers on horse racing do not count towards the rollover requirements for the welcome bonus.

4. MyBookie – The Best Racebook for Beginners

MyBookie is an exciting online betting site. It has a comprehensive sportsbook, which offers a ton of props. You can also find a wealth of novelty markets, allowing you to speculate on celebrity trials, hot dog eating contests, and soaring gas prices. It also has a strong racebook.

This is the perfect horse racing betting site for beginners. It is very simple to navigate, so you can find your way to a race with ease. The customer service team is friendly and helpful, so they can walk you through the process if you get stuck. There is a rebate of up to 8% on racebook losses too. Additionally, when new players create an account with the sportsbook, they get  MyBookie promo codes that can be used at the cashier to claim a generous welcome bonus.

5. BetNow – Reduced Juice Racing Betting Site with Great Odds

BetNow is one of best betting sites for horse racing with a reputation for offering the best odds on the market. You can find reduced juice -105 lines on sports bets, along with some great promotions.

BetNow tries to ensure that it covers as many races as possible and has coverage of the major events and tracks including Pegasus World Cup, Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, and Kentucky Downs Stakes.

Standard bet types of what horse will finish first, second or third are of course available here. There is also a wide range of exotic bets available including exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and multi-race bets. All these options and the superb odds on offer at this sportsbook are why it’s rated as one of the best betting sites for horse racing.

BetNow offers a 150% matched welcome deposit tegether with a BetNow promo code for new users. And, for returning customers they offer a very tasty 10% horse rebate bonus as well as an excellent loyalty program that you can earn points on your bets and exchange those points for cash.

6. BetUS – Online Racebook with Excellent Bonuses

BetUS is known as “America’s favorite sportsbook”. It also offers a strong online racebook, which uses very similar software to Bovada and BetOnline. You will find coverage of daily racing from around the world, including fixed-odds futures and pari-mutuel betting.

This betting site is renowned for offering the largest bonuses in the business. The welcome bonuses, BetUS promo codes and reload bonuses are for the sportsbook and casino only. However, it does offer money-back specials on big horse races. That earns you a refund if the horse you back to win finishes second or third.

7. XBet – User-Friendly Horse Racing Site with a Simple Interface

XBet and MyBookie are sister sites. They run on the same technology, and they offer the same betting options. This horse racing site is unique from the others because of the bonus structure.

XBet offers a 7% rebate on bets; this means that if you make any losses using the XBet racebook, you will get 7% of the amount you wager. But the percentage of rebate varies widely according to the tracks you wager on. Track A, B, and C offer a 3% rebate, while Exotic bets pay 8% on A Tracks, 5% on B Tracks, and 3% on C Tracks.

Quinella, Straight, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, daily double, and Pick4 are some of the popular markets available using the XBet racebook. Unlike other racebooks with tracks strictly from the US, XBet offers tracks from Canada, UK, US, Ireland, South Africa, Sweden, and France.

XBet offers a smaller welcome bonus than MyBookie – albeit with a lower rollover requirement – and a smaller racebook rebate, so we have ranked MyBookie as the slightly better site for horseplayers. New users have access to a welcome bonus worth $500 if they use the XB100 XBet promo code and make a minimum deposit of $45.

8. BUSR – The Best Crypto Horse Racing Betting Site

BUSR is another simple, no-frills horse racing betting site that covers action from around the world. You can place bets easily and rapidly on hundreds of races each day. This is a trustworthy, reputable site that guarantees secure payouts if you win.

It offers a rebate of up to 8%, and it also offers a dedicated sign-up bonus for racebook players. You just need to use the appropriate BUSR promo code at checkout, deposit $100 and place $500 worth of wagers. At that point, you will receive $150 in bonus funds, which have just a 1x rollover requirement. That is a very attractive racebook bonus.

9. Jazz Sports – Best Mobile Site for Horse Racing

Jazz Sports is the best mobile site for horse racing bettors. The interface is seamless, and new pages and updated odds load instantly, meaning you can grab your mobile device and confidently bet on the action from around the world in seconds, with a couple of taps of the screen. New bettors at Jazz can double their bankroll using the Jazz sportsbook promo code to claim the bookie’s sign-up offer.

This horse racing betting site also offers a 10% rebate on the biggest tracks and meets in the country, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The rebate goes down to 5% on smaller tracks and international races, but it is still a very generous promotion. All tracks pay full odds up to a maximum of $50,000.

10. SportsBetting.ag – Excellent Racebook for High-Rollers

SportsBetting.ag is a sister site to BetOnline. As is the case with MyBookie and XBet, SportsBetting provides identical betting options, banking methods, and customer service options to BetOnline. It also has the same bonuses. The sportsbook offers new players a Sportsbetting.ag promo code which can be used towards its welcome bonus.

The difference, in this case, is the software. BetOnline was upgraded in 2020, and it is now one of the world’s most polished, stylish, and attractive betting sites. SportsBetting has not yet had the same treatment, so it looks a little dated. However, it remains a great option for high-rollers, with large betting limits, quick payouts, and great promos for horse racing bettors.

Learn More About Horse Racing Betting Sites in Your State

Discover Our Top Betting Guides

How We Rank The Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites 

Betting customers in the United States have an increasing number of platforms available to them in terms of horse racing. As a result, it can be difficult to know which sportsbooks to consider and which to avoid. However, bettors can rest assured that our recommended horse racing betting sites have passed strict testing. When reviewing online horse racing betting platforms, we consider the following factors:

The Top Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared 

The table below provides a quick and clear breakdown of the features available at our top-ranked online horse racing betting sites:

Different Horse Racing Betting Markets at the Best Racebooks

When it comes to the best horse racing betting sites, players have a variety of markets to select from. Things are much more diverse than simply staking on the winner of a specific race. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular online horse racing betting markets, as well as some common types of bets on horses:

Winner

Betting on which runner and rider will win a particular race remains the most popular market. Available right up until the start of the race, each entrant is given a price, which will likely change in the build-up.

Bettors must consider the full race card when wagering. Horse racing odds are determined by a number of different factors, including form, going, and head-to-head records. An example of this bet type would be to bet on Corniche to win the Kentucky Derby at +1400.

Each-Way

For times when the runners and riders involved in a race are just too close to call, an each-way bet may well be worth considering. Such bets are effectively broken down into two parts. The first half of the stake goes on your selection winning, with the other being put on its final placing.

The specific number of places varies between sportsbooks. The same can also be said of the each-way odds offered by horse racing betting sites. 

Head-to-Head

An increasingly popular horse racing market is head-to-head. Here, players are betting on the battle between two specific entrants. Simply put, if your pick finishes ahead of the other horse in question, your bet will win.

This type of bet offers the most value when there are two evenly matched runners and riders. However, betting on the favorite to overcome a rank outsider is unlikely to deliver any significant profits.

Winning Margin

Available on some horse racing betting sites, players can also bet on the margin of victory. The options will differ from sportsbook to sportsbook, whether it be 1+ length or 20+ lengths. When there is a clear favorite, this market is a good option for those looking to bump up the odds. As you would expect, the narrower the winning difference predicted, the higher the returns will be.

Exacta

This bet type involves predicting the first two horses to finish in a race, as well as the correct order. The exacta market is generally reserved for high-profile races, however, its availability differs between horse racing betting sites. Your bet will lose if you successfully predict the top two, but it was in the wrong order.

Trifecta

Similar to an exacta, a trifecta involves betting on the first three race finishers, as well as in the correct order. So, you are betting on which runners and riders will finish first, second and third. Of course, this is a risky bet. However, the potential rewards are significant.

A good example of this bet took place ahead of the 2016 Belmont Stakes. One lucky player walked away with winnings of $2,751 from a stake of just $2.

Parlay

A parlay is another name for a multiple bet. A series of single bets are combined, with significant winnings being available as a result in many cases. All of your picks must win in order for your bet to be successful. Some horse racing betting sites offer parlay insurance due to the popularity of this bet type. 

Finding the Best Horse Racing Odds 

We have already alluded to just how important horse racing odds are. Often, prices found at the leading racebooks are very similar. However, even the slightest fluctuation can make a big difference when it comes to potential winnings.

Odds are available in an American format, although decimal and fractional formats may also be available. Having compared the odds at our top-ranked sportsbooks, it is the following that comes out on top consistently: 

Online Horse Racing Betting on Mobile 

A large proportion of horse racing bets are now placed on handheld devices. As such, the best horse racing betting sites are all fully optimized for mobile browsers, while some operators have even developed horse racing betting apps.

Either way, a large number of markets are available when on the go, as well as some all-important features. While the majority of new betting sites cater well to casino players, the same cannot be said of some more traditional brands. So, for those looking to bet on the go, the following are among the best mobile horse racing platforms:

Explore Our Top Betting App Guides

The Best Horse Racing Betting Offers 

Offers are found on most horse racing betting sites, helping players to maximize winnings and minimize losses. Each promotion is slightly different, even if the basic premise appears to be the same. Terms and conditions surround offers too, impacting their level of appeal. We will now outline some of the most appealing horse racing betting offers awaiting customers in the US:

The Top Horse Racing Betting Strategies 

When placing odds at the top horse racing betting sites it is important to have a waterproof strategy. While entertainment is the main goal, taking advantage of one of the most effective horse racing betting systems could well ensure that you collect winnings along the way. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout strategies surrounding horse racing betting:

Dutching Strategy

This strategy does take some time to get your head around. So, for those that do not enjoy math, Dutching may not be for you. When carried out correctly, players will win at least their money back when wagering on a certain number of horses.

Start off by deciding how much you are looking to spend, before working out how to split your budget in order to guarantee returns. For example, when backing two runners and riders with a $15 budget, the simple thing to do would be to back both at $7.50. However, Dutching requires more in-depth thinking.

Value Betting

This strategy will suit those who have expert knowledge of horse racing. Sometimes horse racing odds will be inaccurate. Those who are able to locate markets where prices are too generous will be in a good position to reap the rewards.

For example, a potential pick is given odds of +500. However, based on your knowledge and research, you believe they should have been priced at +700.

Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained

When signing up at an online sportsbook, players will likely come across a host of terms. Some will be new, while others are more recognizable. So, before getting started and betting on horse racing, ensure that you have read and taken in this horse racing betting terms explained section:

• Acceptor – A runner that has been officially listed to start a race.
• Age – Thoroughbreds count January 1st as their birth date.
• Banker – Highly anticipated to win.
• Blanket Finish – When the horses finishing in the top positions are too close to call by the naked eye.
• Buck – A bet of exactly $100.
• Dead Heat – When two or more horses finish equal.
• Dime – A bet of exactly $1,000.
• Filly – A female horse aged 4 or younger.
• Going – The condition of the race track.
• Handicap – Runners are given different weights in order to ensure a fair contest.
• Inquiry – A post-race review to ensure no rules have been broken.
• Juvenile – A two-year-old horse.
• Mare – A female horse aged 5 or over.
• Nose – The smallest margin of victory.
• Outsider – A runner that is not expected to win.
• Protest – When an allegation of infringement is made by a jockey, owner or trainer.
• Steeplechase – A race involving runners and riders jumping over obstacles.
• Stud – A male horse used for breeding.
• Value – Getting the best horse racing odds.

Betting On Horse Racing Betting Sites v Betting In Person 

There is nothing quite like betting on horse racing at the track itself. However, there is a reason that the majority of bets are now placed on horse racing betting sites. So, what are the main benefits and limitations of online horse racing betting:

The Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events In The US 

The United States is home to some of the best-known and historic horse races in the world. Let’s take a look at some of the events that attract major interest from bettors during the calendar: 

Triple Crown Races

The Triple Crown is made up of three races, The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes, all of which take place between the months of May and June. The Triple Crown Races are not to be missed when it comes to Horse Racing Betting in the USA.

• Kentucky Derby

This Grade One meeting is held annually on the first Saturday in May. Taking place at the famous Churchill Downs, the race is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The prize pool tops $2 million, with the race dating back to 1875. Runners and riders battle it out over 1 ¼ miles, with Medina Spirit having come out on top in 2021.

Don’t miss our pages about the Kentucky Derby:

• Kentucky Derby Betting Sites
• Kentucky Derby Odds

• Belmont Stakes

As part of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is run over 1 ½ miles. Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, the race is for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The race has been nicknamed “The Race of the Champion”, with the total prize pool sitting at $1.5 million. Essentially Quality was the winner in 2021.

• Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is the second race out of the three in the Triple Crown Races. The race is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland!

Check out our new dedicated page for the upcoming race here: The Preakness Stakes Betting Guide.

Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships are 14 Grade One thoroughbred races held in the fall, with the two-day event dating back to 1984. This meet is held at a different venue each year, with prize pools of at least $1,000,000 per race.

That means interest and betting on the Breeders’ Cup are both high. The event acts as the end-of-year meet for the US, but horses come from all over the world to compete in the race.

The Biggest Horse Racing Events Around The World 

Those signing up at US horse racing betting sites will also be able to wager on meetings from other areas. Meetings from the UK, Australia, and the Middle East are regularly found, with the following being the most high profile:

Grand National

Founded in 1839, the Grand National is held at Aintree in the UK. The Handicap Steeplechase takes place over 4 miles, with the winner taking home £375,000. The 30 fences make for an entertaining and competitive race, with the famous Red Rum having won a record three times. Meanwhile, it was Minella Times who came out on top in 2021.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is the most famous race in Australia. The annual thoroughbred race takes place at the Flemington Racecourse, over a distance of 3,200m. The race is worth over A$8 million, with its history dating back to 1861. 

Dubai World Cup

Founded in 1996, the Dubai World Cup is an annual thoroughbred race held at the Meydan Racecourse. Runners and riders compete over 2,000m on a dirt track, with over $12 million being up for grabs. Mystic Guide won in 2021, with Thunder Snow having come out on top in both 2018 and 2019.

Racebooks with Live Streaming and Horse Racing Betting 

The ability to watch horse races live online only adds to the appeal of betting on the sport. While only a select few horse racing betting sites in the US offer live streaming, the service is very much in demand. Horse racing streams are generally delivered in HD, with commentary being available too.

Whether it be on desktop or mobile, a small bet may need to be placed in order to gain access. However, the exact qualifying terms will vary between operators. Those looking for live horse racing streams should check out the following sites:

Our Top 5 Betting Tips For Horse Racing Betting 

Unfortunately, even our detailed horse racing betting guide cannot provide a formula that will guarantee success. However, players can give themselves a good chance of coming out on top by following these simple tips:

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In The USA?

Although horse racing betting is now legal in most US states. There are some states in which online horse racing betting is not regulated. For those bettors who live in states where it is not legal, but wish to bet on horse racing, you are able to through our top 10 legit offshore betting sites!

Off-track betting was legalized back in 1978, thanks to the formation of the Interstate Horseracing Act. Since then, bets have been legally placed at off-track locations, as long as stakes went directly to race prize pools. Changes were made by congress in 2000, which meant that bets could also legally be placed via the telephone and other electronic media. 

Online horse racing was aided yet further when it was made exempt from a law that aimed to clamp down on illegal online gambling. It was at this point that a number of horse racing betting sites were launched. Now, licensed racebooks are able to accept bets on international meetings, as well as domestic races.

Grab The Best Promo Codes With Our Reviews

Final Word on Betting Sites for Horse Racing

Horse racing betting is now legal in many US states. As a result, players are always looking for new horse racing betting sites to back their favorite runners and riders on. Whether you are looking to back a winner at the Breeders’ Cup or place a parlay on a number of races at Monmouth Park, our recommended sportsbooks have you covered.

So, be sure to check them out for yourself, before signing up with the most suitable brand. With some hugely attractive horse racing odds, bonuses and features, there has never been a better time to get started.

Horse Racing Betting Sites FAQs

Can I place horse racing bets on mobile?

Yes. Each of our recommended horse racing betting sites can be accessed via mobile browsers. Meanwhile, in some cases, dedicated iOS and Android apps are available to download.

Is live streaming available on horse racing betting sites?

Live horse racing streaming is only available on selected sites. As such, players may well have to find an alternative when it comes to watching their selected runners and riders compete.

Which are the most popular markets on horse racing betting sites?

When betting on horse racing, popular markets include race winner, each way, and winning distance. Many players will place parlays, made up of a series of single picks.

What types of bets are there in horse racing?

When wagering on horse racing, you can place many different types of bets. These include race winner, each-way bets, head-to-heads, winning margin, exacta, trifecta, quinella, and parlay bets.

Is online horse racing betting legal in the United States?

The answer to this question differs between states. Most citizens will be able to legally place bets on runners and riders. This is due to amendments made to gambling laws back in 2000, which allowed bets to be placed online.

Are there horse racing betting promotions available online?

Yes! Most of our top-ranked horse racing betting sites offer horse racing promotions. Offers include rebates and reload bonuses. As always, be sure to look at the terms and conditions beforehand.

 

 

 

 

• 
  South Carolina
  
• 
  Massachusetts
  
• 
  California
  
• 
  Wyoming
  
• 
  West Virginia
  
• 
  Wisconsin
  
• 
  Washington
  
• 
  Vermont
  
• 
  Virginia
  
• 
  Utah
  
• 
  Texas
  
• 
  Tennessee
  
• 
  South Dakota
  
• 
  Rhode Island
  
• 
  Puerto Rico
  
• 
  Pennsylvania
  
• 
  Oregon
  
• 
  Oklahoma
  
• 
  Ohio
  
• 
  New York
  
• 
  Nevada
  
• 
  North Dakota
  
• 
  New Jersey
  
• 
  New Hampshire
  
• 
  New Mexico
  
• 
  Nebraska
  
• 
  North Carolina
  
• 
  Montana
  
• 
  Missouri
  
• 
  Minnesota
  
• 
  Mississippi
  
• 
  Michigan
  
• 
  Maryland
  
• 
  Maine
  
• 
  Louisiana
  
• 
  Kentucky
  
• 
  Kansas
  
• 
  Indiana
  
• 
  Idaho
  
• 
  Georgia
  
• 
  Florida
  
• 
  Delaware
  
• 
  Connecticut
  
• 
  Arkansas
  
• 
  Alabama