When it comes to UK horse racing bookmakers, the online marketplace is no less crowded than for any other sport. Bookies know this is a traditional gambling pastime which a much more storied history than say football. If you’re wondering who the best bookmaker for horse racing is, then here at OpenOdds we’ve taken time to review all the British and Irish operators.
You can find those detailed reviews separately in the table below. Each sportsbook has been given a score out of 10 based on key criteria for assessment by our experts in a bid to find and crown the top horse racing bookmaker. Just to ensure fair play though, we have also asked members of our free to join site, who are fellow punters just like you, to give each of the online horse racing bookies in the UK and Ireland a rating using our simple star system. It’s easy to follow and helps to provide a general consensus. You’ll be left in doubt as to who the best horse racing bookies are. Be sure to keep checking the table below as which bookmaker tops the charts can change depending on how OpenOdds members rate the services on offer!
The 10 factors that determine the best bookmaker for horse racing
In order to decide the leading horse racing bookmaker, we asked our experts and urge you to use the following criteria:
1. Great horse racing betting odds
It’s an obvious place to start, but the best horse racing bookies must offer tasty odds and attractive prices. You should expect the best odds guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse racing as standard in regular betting markets.
2. Extensive range of betting markets and offers
A top bookmaker for horse racing will have promotions aimed at both new and existing customers. Whether it’s price boosts, fallers insurance and bonus tokens for your fancied horse winning by over a certain margin, passing on value to you, the customer, is essential. You should look out for more than just standard horse racing odds too. Ante post markets on future races and a host of specials to keep your betting interest up are needed.
3. Clearly defined, high or no betting limits
If there’s no limit to your betting, then you’re on to a great bookmaker. The top horse racing bookies in the UK will promote responsible gambling though, and should allow you to set your own limits. What’s important is that if there are specified limits on a sportsbook, these are clear and easy to find.
4. A range of deposit methods
The best bookies will allow you to fund your gambling from a range of sources. It’s no longer enough to just accept credit or debit cards. This is due to the rise of eWallet services such as Paypal. A variety of payment and deposit methods must be at your disposal.
5. Making deposits, cashouts and withdrawals quick and easy
Nobody wants to wait ages to cash their bets out or receive their winnings from their betting account to their bank. The best UK horse racing bookmakers will handle deposits, cashouts and withdrawals in a swift, but safe fashion, ensuring security checks are done promptly and thoroughly so you can get your hands on the funds if you have had a winner.
6. Keep on rewarding your loyalty
Almost every bookie offers you something for joining their sportsbook, but a new customer offer on its own can be rather fleeting. The best bookmakers now need to go beyond an attractive welcome bonus and find ways of rewarding your loyal custom. This can be through promotions open to all like those mentioned above or a so-called Free Bet or VIP Club. Rewarding loyalty still has a place in the digital age!
7. Clear bonus terms and conditions
Bonuses are brilliant, but the best horse racing bookmaker won’t try to swamp you with a load of jargon and complex terms. One condition to watch out for with such offers is wagering requirements you have to clear before funds are released. A top bookie won’t resort to that.
8. Live streaming when you bet
Another standard expectation you can have is, if you bet online, you should be able to watch the race in question to see how your horse gets on. Live streams are available with all major bookies if you stake £1 on any event in the UK and Ireland, and sometimes international horse racing.
9. A sportsbook that’s user and mobile friendly
The mobile revolution is something leading bookies have all embraced, so you should be able to get your bets on anywhere. Their sportsbooks need to be not only user friendly and easy to navigate, but mobile friendly too. A betting app that works well on your tablet or smartphone is a must so you can bet on the go quickly.
10. Cracking customer service
Whatever the problem you encounter while betting, it’s good to know there’s someone on hand to help and get things settled. Top notch customer service means live chat, phone or email services available in English 24/7.
Why your vote matters
Now you know what to consider when looking for the best bookmaker for horse racing, it’s over to you. There are dozens of bookies on OpenOdds for you to rate if you become a member of our site. It’s free to join remember, and we can’t complete the ratings process without your input!
We also think it’d be great if you can draw on your own personal experience of betting with these bookies when it comes to rating them. It doesn’t matter if your opinion differs from that of your fellow punters, this is all about personal choice and your circumstances will inevitably shape that. Sharing your gambling stories can really help the OpenOdds community to pinpoint the top sportsbook online and on mobile. Give us your feedback today by posting a review of your own and leave everyone better informed about the world of sports betting.
Five key questions and answers
What are the latest trends at UK horse racing bookmakers?
The digital revolution continues apace, so keep your eyes peeled for mobile exclusive offers. There is also an increasing trend in advertising for sports betting exchanges which see you take on fellow punters rather than fixed odds. Different rules govern this typing of gambling though, where you can lay horses to lose races as well as backing them to win.
How can I make betting on horse racing fun?
Don’t put pressure on yourself to find a winner. If you love the sport of horse racing, then win or lose you’ll learn something from the day’s action. It’s important to be interested in any sport that you bet on, so it’s always worth your while to study the card. Just make sure it doesn’t become a chore!
Have you tried this new bookie?
If you’ve got your finger on the pulse with betting, then you may discover a new bookmaker for UK audiences that we’ve yet to review here on OpenOdds Rather than keeping it to yourself, why not tell fellow punters and members of our site all about what’s good from the new kids on the block?
What should my betting strategy be for horse racing?
Some punters like to spend a long time studying before reaching their conclusions, others bet with their gut instinct. You’ll also find favourite backers, while other types of gambler take them on and play each-way on dark horses that could outrun larger odds and make the frame. The point is this; there’s no right or wrong betting strategy for horse racing, so you’ve just got to find the one that’s right for you or keep adapting it to suit the type of events on.
Why OpenOdds has the most interactive horse racing bookmaker comparison?
We make sure our site is very user friendly and take on board all the comments and feedback you have. It’s thanks to you that we can call ourselves an authority. Our betting community is one of the most well informed online, but that’s down to you. Interactive bookie comparisons makes for real authenticity.
