Where to Bet on Horses for Real Money in the UK

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Where to Bet on Horses for Real Money in the UK

Best horse racing betting sites in the UK with the most competitive odds, great bonuses, and more

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Anton Walker
Gambling Content Specialist

Anton Walker is a gambling content specialist with expertise in online casinos, sports betting, poker, and bingo. Passionate about the gaming industry, Anton provides in-depth reviews, guides, and insights to help readers navigate the world of online gambling. His work focuses on responsible gaming, industry trends, and creating content that educates and entertains.
James Davidson
Editor in Chief/Founder, We Heart

James Davidson is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of We Heart, a leading lifestyle platform he has helmed for nearly 17 years. He has collaborated with top brands such as Audi, Veuve Clicquot, Samsung, and Google. Under his guidance, We Heart has grown from a niche magazine to a widely respected authority on all areas of lifestyle. With a background as a freelance travel writer, James brings a wealth of experience to his editorial work.
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It’s no secret that horse racing is one of the most popular sports to bet on in the UK.

If you’re looking for a good place to back some horses, you’re in luck! We’ve ranked the best UK horse racing betting sites where punters are guaranteed valuable odds and tons of markets.

Our top pick is Grosvenor, a reputable platform with excellent market variety and the best horse racing odds.

If you want to dive in deeper, join us for the full list of the best horse racing betting sites and the latest horse racing odds for all upcoming races.

Ready? Let’s start!

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

Grosvenor: Best variety of horse races
Mr Play Sport: Best bonuses
Kwiff: Best for odds boosts
888 Sport: Best reputation
Britain Bet: Best free bets
Luckster: Best for newbies

1. Grosvenor – Best UK Horse Racing Betting Site Overall

Grosvenor

18+. New, ID Verified players only. Max £10. 100% Odds Boost token. Note that the full T&Cs apply.

Pros:

– Hundreds of markets for horse racing
– Runner-up refund is available
– Fast withdrawals
– Solid reputation
– 100% odds boost bonus

Cons:

– Design could improve

If you’re looking for the widest array of markets, head over to Grosvenor. This renowned bookie has your back and delivers some of the fastest payouts around.

Variety and Quality of Horse Racing Markets: 5/5

Grosvenor is an absolute powerhouse in the world of horse racing markets.

We analysed its offering and came to the conclusion that you can access hundreds of events at any given moment.

The bookie also features a robust in-play section and a wide variety of bet types, including the classic ones and some more advanced markets.

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Horse Racing Bonuses and Promotions: 4.7/5

The Welcome Offer at Grosvenor is called the “Double The Odds” promotion, which gives you a 100% odds boost for any bet up to £10 or £5 when placing each way bets.

If you’ve got a race in particular that you’re confident about, this double-the-odds offer should come in handy.

Additionally, keep an eye out for new offers, as the site has plenty of regular promos.

Banking Methods and Payout Speed: 4.8/5

As far as deposits and withdrawals go, Grosvenor offers a fair set of payment methods. You can use traditional banking, PayPal, and even a few bank cards.

The payment options are nothing out of the ordinary since crypto is not supported.

However, the platform still covers enough ground to make at least 90% of all users happy.

Mobile Compatibility and Customer Support: 4.8/5

Grosvenor is optimised for all devices, so you won’t have any issues accessing the platform on your phone or tablet.

We tested the site on iOS and Android, and it worked like a charm.

Moreover, customer service is professional and available 24/7 through email and live chat. The site is also active on social media if you’re looking to get a public discussion going.

Double the odds of your first wager at Grosvenor and enjoy betting on horses

2. Mr Play Sport – Best Bonuses of All Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

Mr Play Sport

18+. New, ID Verified players only. Min £10 deposit. Maximum of £15 bonus bet. 14-day expiry. Note that the full T&Cs apply.

Pros:

– Best £10 get £10 free bet
– Loads of bonuses for sports betting
– Betting tournaments
– Great in-play betting
– Easy to navigate

Cons:

– No phone support

For all of you bonus hunters, check out Mr Play Sport. Bet £10, get £10 right out of the gate — a perfect way to get started at the site.

Variety and Quality of Horse Racing Markets: 4.7/5

Mr Play offers a decent selection of horse racing markets, covering all the major British racetracks.

You can also bet on international races and minor events in Scotland.

The website is optimised to provide you with quick access to the odds and betting slips, so you don’t have to waste time scrolling through a mountain of sports betting options.

Horse Racing Bonuses and Promotions: 5/5

The “Bet £10, Get £10” bonus is one of the better deals on the market.

All bet slips must have odds of 2.00 or higher to qualify for this promotion.

Other promotions include a bonus wheel where you can win amazing prizes, as well as daily and weekly bonuses.

Banking Methods and Payout Speed: 4.5/5

Mr Play Sport allows you to deposit funds with several e-wallets, including Skrill, ecoPayz, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafecard, and Trustly.

A bank transfer is also an option.

The minimum withdrawal for e-wallets is £50, and the maximum per transaction is £2,500. Payouts may take up to 5 days, depending on your payment method.

Mobile Compatibility and Customer Support: 4.6/5

You can enjoy a seamless betting experience on mobile devices.

The website is fully optimised for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to bet from anywhere.

The customer support team is available 24/7 via the live chat service — all your queries will be answered quickly. You can still use an email and get a reply within 48 hours.

Grab the latest horse racing bonuses by joining Mr Play Sport

3. Kwiff – Best Horse Racing Betting Site in the UK for Odds Boosts

Kwiff

18+. New, ID Verified players only. Min deposit is £10. Up to £20 surprise bet. Rewards are credited within 48 hours. Note that the full T&Cs apply.

Pros:

– Fantastic odds boost
– Boosted cashout
– £20 surprise bet welcome offer
– Fully compatible with mobile devices

Cons:

– Limited payment methods

Kwiff is a bit of a wild card in the world of horse racing and sports betting. The platform offers a string of exciting promos and covers all major markets and races.

Variety and Quality of Horse Racing Markets: 4.5/5

Kwiff provides a good range of horse racing markets and a fantastic odds boost.

Its supercharged bets give you the opportunity to turn your wagers into big wins.

The platform also highlights daily picks that are labelled as “Kwiffed.” For UK horse bettors, we can say that the selection is mostly solid, including all the major races.

Horse Racing Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5

Kwiff has a great welcome bonus for online sports betting – a £20 surprise bet that only requires a minimum deposit and wager of £10.

Additionally, the platform features regular ongoing promotions for loyal customers, such as boosted cashouts and enhanced odds.

The rewards are credited within 48 hours. Also, the promos section is updated regularly, so stay in the loop for the latest race bonuses.

Banking Methods and Payout Speed: 4.2/5

Although the banking options are limited, they include all the necessary methods for most bettors. At this site, they accept debit cards, PayPal, and ecoPayz.

Compared to other betting sites in the UK, this site processes withdrawals quite quickly — usually within 24 hours.

Mobile Compatibility and Customer Support: 4.8/5

Kwiff is an excellent place for bettors of all tastes, offering an eye-catching interface that’s easy to use.

The customer support team is available 24/7 and can be contacted via live chat or email. They are always willing to help you with any queries you might have.

Join Kwiff today and boost your odds!

4. 888 Sport – Most Reputable Horse Racing Betting Site in the UK

888 Sport

18+. New, ID Verified players only. Min deposit £10. A qualifying bet is a ‘real-money’ stake of at least £10. Min odds 1/2 (1.50). Free Bets are credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns. Note that the full T&Cs apply.

Pros:

– Operational since 2008
– £30 in free bets
– Casino games on the side
– You can use PayPal
– Top-tier design

Cons:

– No live chat support
– Average payout time

While some bettors may be attracted to new UK online casinos and betting sites, most players prefer tried and tested sites, such as 888.

In business since 2008, 888 Sport grabs the title of the most reputable horse racing platform on our list. The site has a fantastic design and is bulletproof in terms of safety.

Variety and Quality of Horse Racing Markets: 4.7/5

888 Sport covers almost all major horse racing events from across the world. The best part is you can bet on multiple markets and get good odds for the same.

Focusing on Great Britain, you can bet on both Flat Racing and National Hunt Racing.

888 Sport covers all major horse racing events from Ireland and Australia, including the Grand National, Melbourne Cup, Irish Derby, and more.

The Markets tab offers multiple betting options like Each Way Betting and Place Only Betting. You can also explore additional markets, including Tote, Forecast & Tricast, Ante Post Betting, and Specials.

Regarding the quality of odds that 888 Sport provides, you’re looking at an excellent level of value for your money.

Some horse racing events offer better odds than others, but overall, 888 Sport can be said to offer good returns.

Horse Racing Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

888 Sports offers an interesting welcome bonus in the form of £30 in free bets.

You can use these free bets to wager on any sport or market, including horse racing. All you have to do to claim the prize is wager £10 or more.
The site also offers a bet builder with £5 free bet promos on £10+ bets.

If you’re interested in betting on top football leagues on the side when taking a break from the horse races, this is one of the top locations.

We’ve also done an in-depth 888 casino review, where we’ve highlighted the site’s top promos for casino players.

Banking Methods and Payout Speed: 4.6/5

The platform supports PayPal banking, which is always a plus. However, the e-wallet section goes beyond PayPal, offering Paysafecard, Skrill, Trustly, Neteller, and even Apple Pay.

Withdrawal times are average at best, taking 2-3 business days for complete processing if you opt for e-wallets.

You can use bank wire transfers too, but it takes significantly more time, as usual. We’re talking about up to 8 business days.

Mobile Compatibility and Customer Support: 4.8/5

You’ll be able to know that you’re dealing with 888 Sport from a mile away because of the black-on-orange colour combo.

Using the site on mobile is a breeze, with everything loading up quickly and running smoothly.

Customer support is also top-notch, offering 24/7 email services in multiple languages. Unfortunately, there’s no live chat support at the moment.

Click here to place horse race bets at 888 Sport

Best UK Horse Racing Betting Sites – Runners-Up:

Britain Bet
Luckster

How We Ranked the Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

Variety and Quality of Horse Racing Markets:

The racing markets available at different betting sites vary.

Some sites have more comprehensive coverage than others, so we’ve assessed the overall variety and quality of the horse racing markets offered by each site.

We looked for the best racing odds too. We checked the racing sites to see which one offers the best odds and rewards for punters.

Horse Racing Bonuses and Promotions:

We also assessed the promotions and bonuses offered by each betting site.

The best horse racing sites usually have generous welcome offers, free bets. and other incentives to attract new customers.

We looked at the terms and conditions associated with each bonus before ranking the different sites.

Banking Methods and Payout Speed:

Another essential factor to consider is the banking methods available to punters.

We checked for secure payment options and assessed the speed of payouts so that you can get your winnings as soon as possible.

Related Post: Best Payout Casinos in the UK

Mobile Compatibility and Customer Support:

We also looked at each horse racing site’s mobile compatibility and customer service options.

Mobile betting is an essential consideration for most punters these days, so we only included horse racing sites that are optimised for mobile devices.

We also looked at the quality of customer support offered by each betting site, so you can get help when needed. We want live chat, email, and phone communication with the support team.

Guide to Betting on Horse Races in the UK

Which Is the Best Horse Racing Betting Site in the UK?

Based on our in-depth research, Grosvenor is the best option overall, offering a top market variety combined with attractive bonuses and an easy-to-use platform that displays the current and future races.

What Popular Bets Can I Place at UK Horse Racing Betting Sites?

The most popular types of horse racing bets in the UK are win, place, and each-way bets.

A ‘win’ bet is when you select a horse to come first in the race, and if your chosen horse does indeed finish first, you will be paid out according to the odds at the time you placed your bet.

A ‘place’ bet is when you select a horse to finish in either first, second or third place in the race.

An ‘each-way’ bet is a combination of both win and place bets, and if your chosen horse finishes in first, second or third place, you will be paid out according to the odds at the time you placed your bet.

How Do Horse Racing Odds Work?

Horse racing odds are the probability of a horse winning a race, and they work by comparing the amount you can win against the amount you need to stake.

The higher the odds, the less likely it is for your chosen horse to win, so if you back a horse with higher odds, you stand to win more money should that horse come in first place.

Several types of odds formats are used in the UK for horse racing, including fractional, decimal, fixed, and American or Moneyline odds.

You can easily convert between these formats using online odds calculators.

What Are the Biggest Horse Racing Events in the UK to Bet On?

The most popular races in the UK are the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, and Royal Ascot.

The Cheltenham Festival with the Cheltenham Gold Cup is held annually in March and features some of the world’s best jump racing.

The Grand National is a steeplechase event that takes place every April and features one of the most famous races in the world.

Finally, Royal Ascot is a high-profile flat race meeting held every June and attracts some of the world’s top horses.

What Are Some Profitable Horse Racing Betting Tips?

There are several betting tips and strategies you should be aware of before placing bets on horse racing.

Firstly, it is important to do your research and be knowledgeable about the horse you are betting on and its chances of winning.

You should also consider the form of the jockey and trainer when assessing a horse’s chances, as they can often make a big difference.

It is also crucial to pay attention to race conditions, such as the track and the going, as these can affect a horse’s performance.

Finally, remember to set a budget when betting on horses and stick to it. This will help ensure you don’t get carried away with your bets and spend more than you can afford to lose.

How Do I Win at Horse Racing Betting?

The most important thing to remember when betting on horse racing is that there are no guarantees and that you should never bet more than you can afford to lose.

That said, certain strategies may increase your chances of winning, such as researching the form of the horse, jockey and trainer, being aware of the race conditions, and setting a budget.

What Are the Types of Horse Racing?

There are two main types of horse racing: flat racing and jump racing.

Flat racing involves horses running on a level track over distances ranging from five to two miles, while jump racing is when horses race over obstacles such as hurdles and fences.

The most popular type of flat racing in the UK is called the Classics, which include the Epsom Derby, 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas.

The Grand National is the most famous jump race in the world and takes place every April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

What Is the Best Horse Racing Bet?

Generally speaking, win bets are among the most popular wagers in horse racing, although many experienced punters also use place and show bets to spread their risk and increase their chances of success.

Additionally, some punters like to use exacta and trifecta bets, which involve selecting the first two or three horses in the correct order, respectively.

It is really up to you as there is no one-size-fits-all approach — it’s best to experiment and find out what works and doesn’t.

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Comparing the Top 4 Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK

Here’s a quick reminder of what punters can expect from our top 4 UK horse race betting sites:

Grosvenor: If you’re here because you want to bet on as many markets as possible, check out Grosvenor. We’re looking at 1k+ horse betting options and an attractive sign-up bonus for new customers. Note that full T&Cs apply.

Mr Play Sport: Mr Play Sport excels with bonuses for new and existing customers. There’s a little something for all types of horse bettors, giving you the best chance to win more than one or two bets. Note that full T&Cs apply.

Kwiff: If you want an odds booster, visit Kwiff. This place is different in many aspects and grants new players a £20 surprise bet just for depositing £10. Note that full T&Cs apply.

888 Sport: 888 Sport is the most reputable place we can recommend if you’re looking to bet on horse racing. The platform offers competitive horse racing odds and is one of the safest platforms in the horse racing world. Note that full T&Cs apply.

So, What Are the Best UK Horse Racing Betting Sites?

If you’re just starting out, you should bet on horse racing online at Grosvenor, the best horse racing sportsbook for UK players.

The site offers competitive odds and an exceptional variety of racetracks and horses to bet on.

Other options we can recommend include Mr Play Sport for the best bonuses, Kwiff for a high-quality odds booster, and more.

As always, we urge you to bet on horse racing responsibly, keep close track of the upcoming races, and have fun!

DISCLAIMER: Gambling involves risk and you must not gamble with funds you can’t afford to lose. It is not a solution to any financial difficulty. Remember, the house always wins!

If you believe you’re suffering from a gambling addiction or know anyone who does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808-8020-133 right away. Their advisors can help make gambling safe for you.

All gambling sites and guides are 18+ only. Online casinos listed here may not be available in your region. Don’t forget to check local laws to make sure it’s legal where you’re based.

Check out the free gambling addiction resources from these organizations.

https://www.gamstop.co.uk/
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
https://www.begambleaware.org/