The pastime of horse racing betting dates back centuries, with the first wager on the sport believed to have been placed during the reign of King James I in the 1600s. However, with the vast majority of bets now being placed online, bookmakers must offer a host of markets, promotions, and features in order to compete. So, what makes great horse racing betting sites stand out? Whether you are betting on the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, or a local meeting, be sure to choose wisely in terms of which bookie you select.
Horse races take place daily across the UK & Ireland, as well as further afield. However, not all will be available to bet on. As you would expect, meetings from famous racecourses, such as Ascot, Aintree, and Leopardstown, are covered. However, the best betting sites offer markets on almost all professional races. As a result, there is no shortage of options for punters, whether you wish to place an each-way, trifecta or accumulator bet.
Picking the right promo offers is also important for punters. Almost all reputable online bookies will offer deals specific to horse racing. However, it is only really worth taking advantage of such deals if the terms and conditions are fair. Common horse racing promotions include best odds guaranteed, free bets, faller insurance, Acca insurance, and non-runner no bet. So, be sure to read the small print surrounding offers before signing up and depositing.
Elsewhere, despite all bookies being armed with the same pre-race information, odds can differ significantly between them. Understanding the odds is half the battle for punters, who must then ensure that they take advantage of the best horse racing prices on the web. Some bookies have better reputations than others in this area. Price boosts are also offered, in an attempt to entice punters into wagering on selected markets.
What are the Best New Features of Horse Racing Betting Sites?
Another big part of horse racing betting is mobile apps. Generally available on both iOS and Android devices, apps make wagering on the go convenient and efficient. Coming with features including Touch/Face ID login, notifications, and customizable interfaces, the best betting apps for horse racing help bookies in attracting modern customers.
A relatively new feature of the top horse racing betting sites is live streaming. Offering punters the opportunity to watch races in which they have bet on, live streaming will likely require a qualifying bet or funded account in order to gain access. Some bookies are linked to Racing TV or other broadcasters, meaning that commentary accompanies many streams.
In order to give punters a potential boost when wagering on horse racing, some bookies even provide tips and previews. Blog style posts contain information about runners and riders, many are written by experts of the sport. While they cannot guarantee success, a significant number of punters will review such tips before confirming any bets.
How the 2020 Grand National Gave Virtual Horse Racing Betting a Boost
An entertaining alternative to traditional horse racing betting is virtual sports. Here, horse racing features heavily, with many bookies now offering this form of wagering. With the graphics being better than ever and new races starting every few minutes, it is little wonder that virtual racing continues to grow. Random Number Generators are used to determine results, meaning that punters can rest assured that they have a fair chance of winning. In fact, the 2020 Grand National took place on a virtual basis, with the real-life version having been canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The race attracted over £2.5 million in bets, with the majority being donated to the NHS.
Factors Not to Be Overlooked
Often overlooked when it comes to horse racing betting online is customer service. While it should not be necessary daily, it is nice to know that assistance is on hand when needed. The top horse racing bookies have members of staff available day and night, via telephone, email and live chat. Many modern operators are now also active on social media, where posts center around upcoming races and promotions. Regardless of whether you are operating on desktop or mobile, it should be easy to get in contact with your chosen bookie.
Of course, in order for horse racing betting sites to legally operate, they must hold the necessary gambling license. In the UK, this is from the Gambling Commission, while other respected authorities include the Malta Gaming Authority and Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. Meanwhile, additional safety measures should also be in place, including SSL encryption and firewall technology. Such tools help to keep sensitive information protected, especially payment details.
Speaking of payment methods, the best horse racing betting sites now also offer modern options when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds. Apple Pay, PayPal, and even Bitcoin can be used on many sites. Those lucky enough to win money from backing a winning horse will want to receive earnings quickly. Top-rated bookies deliver such funds rapidly, often in less than 24 hours.
How to Select a New Horse Racing Betting Site
Now that you know what makes a great horse racing betting site, it is time to decide which bookie is for you. So, take time in browsing sites for yourself, looking at available markets, promotions and features. Meanwhile, it is also worth checking out the feedback of others. This can be accessed by checking out bookmaker reviews, as well as looking at the thoughts of past and existing customers on forums and message boards.
Remember, there is nothing stopping you from registering on a host of betting sites. Doing so will ensure that you only ever take advantage of the best available horse racing odds. Meanwhile, you can claim a welcome bonus or free bet on each. So, before placing your next horse racing bet, consider the details outlined on this page. While the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National take center stage during the calendar, there are almost endless meetings to wager upon.
