Horse racing and betting go hand in hand. While sports such as cricket and football dominate in India, there is certainly an ever-growing horse racing following too. Horse racing betting sites make it possible to wager on meetings from around the world, including those from tracks across India. This horse racing betting guide will deliver everything from markets and odds to promotions and live streaming. We will jump out of the traps by listing our top ranked betting sites for horse racing in India.
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The vast majority of Indian online bookmakers cover horse racing. This will come as good news to players. However, it does make deciding who to place your bets with more difficult. When ranking horse racing betting sites, our experts use strict criteria. The following are among the factors that separate the best horse racing betting sites from the rest:
- Available Markets – Bets should be accepted on races from around the world. While the UK, Australia and the United States are among the racing hotbeds, meetings take place in countries across the globe. As such, customers at horse racing betting sites are generally never short of options. There are few betting horse racing betting sites better than 1xBet in this area, with hundreds of races being available daily.
- Horse Racing Betting Odds – The odds offered to players should certainly not be overlooked. Prices will differ between bookies. However, bettors will want to know that they are taking advantage of nothing but the best prices. Price boosts feature on many sites too, making horse racing betting odds even more attractive. 1xBet regularly delivers leading horse racing odds.
- Bonuses & Offers – As well as welcome offers, there are a number of other promotions for customers to take advantage of. Some are specific to horse racing, including best odds guaranteed, faller insurance, price boosts and money back specials. Be sure to look at the terms and conditions before looking to qualify. With a generous welcome bonus and ongoing horse racing promos, 888Sport is certainly one of the leading names here.
- Additional Features – Horse racing betting sites are enhanced by features such as live streaming and cash out. While they do not necessarily enhance your chances of making a profit from horse racing betting, they are certainly useful. Mobile horse racing betting sites and apps also often come with additional features. These include Touch/Face ID, notifications and customisable layout. With horse racing live streaming and virtual betting options, Sportaza is our no.1 pick for features.
- Payment Methods – A suitable method of payment must be available to players too. Many of our top ranked horse racing betting sites accept local options, including PayTM and UPI. The best payment options are fast, easy to use and process transfers without fees. This can be said of the majority of payment methods accepted at Betiton.
The Top Horse Racing Betting Sites Compared
Horse racing betting sites look similar at a glance. However, there are certain features that help to separate the best from the rest. The table below shows which features our top ranked horse racing bookies offer:
Sportsbook Live Streaming Price Boosts Cash Out Bet Builder 1xBet 
Sportaza Betiton Paripesa Betkwiff Parimatch PureWin Rabona 888Sport Different Horse Racing Betting Markets
There are actually relatively few horse racing markets to take advantage of. This is especially true when compared to sports such as cricket, football and basketball. It is the following markets that feature on most horse racing betting sites:
Race Winner
The simplest and most common form of horse racing bet is to wager on which runner will win. It is only the final result that will determine whether your bet is successful or not. Even if your pick surprises many by finishing second, no returns will be made. Your selection must cross the finishing line first in order for your bet to win. Given that some races can feature up to 40 runners and riders, picking the winner of a race is no easy task. As such, those who are successful are often rewarded handsomely.
Each Way
If you are looking for some insurance, an each way bet could well be for you. Such wagers are separated into two bets, meaning that they require double the stake. The first half is a traditional race winner bet. However, the other goes on a “Place” finish. This means that your pick must finish in the top 4 or 5 positions. Horse racing betting sites pay out at different odds for each way bets too.
Winning Distance
Available with some bookies is winning margin. Depending on the type of race, bettors may wish to bet on the margin in which the winning horse is clear of its closest rival. This is a risky bet type, given how accurate you have to be. However, the potential rewards continue to attract bettors.
Ante Post
Ante post horse racing betting odds are introduced before the confirmed lineup has been announced. Race winner and each way bets can normally still be placed, with many finding that this is the time in which the best prices can be found. However, there is a risk that your selection will not even compete on race day. For example, you can bet on the Grand National 12 months in advance of the race itself.
Finding the Best Horse Racing Betting Odds
Horse racing betting odds range between bookies. As such, some will offer more appealing prices than others. Whether it be ante post or pre-race markets, a handful of sportsbooks have a reputation for consistently delivering the best odds. Having compared the horse racing odds at available betting sites in India, it is the following that are the best:
Horse Racing Betting on Mobile
A significant proportion of horse racing bets in India are now placed on mobile. Whether it be smartphone or tablet, online bookies have to ensure that they cater well for such customers. Some do so by developing dedicated betting apps, which are generally available on iOS and Android.
Even those that have not invested in such an app accept bets via their mobile sportsbook site. Either way, bettors should be able to take advantage of the same number of markets and features found on desktop. Some bookies even offer mobile-specific promotions, making betting in this way more attractive. For mobile bettors in India, it is the following bookies that offer the best horse racing options:
The Best Horse Racing Betting Offers
As we have already mentioned, promotions can be of benefit to customers at horse racing betting sites. For bettors in India, the following are among the leading horse racing-specific offers to look out for:
The Top Horse Racing Betting Strategies
There are no horse racing betting systems that guarantee profits. However, it is well worth developing some form of strategy before getting started. The following are among the most popular horse racing betting systems:
Lay The Favourite
In order to take advantage of this strategy, players must first sign up on a betting exchange. This is because the idea of a “Lay” bet effectively means wagering against a certain outcome occuring. Even pre-race favourites cannot be guaranteed success. Given the competitiveness of the sport, the favourite does not win more often than not. Such bets are especially appealing when there is a significant number of runners. Just remember that you are betting on the favourite not winning!
Beaten Favourites
Those who are prepared to do their homework before betting may well relish this strategy. In the event of a pre-race favourite not winning when they were expected to, their price for the next race will likely grow. Many of the top horses often bounce back from disappointment in the best way possible. If you have a good understanding of horse racing, the “Beaten Favourites” system is well worth considering.
Dutching
If you are familiar with horse racing betting then you may well have already heard of Dutching. This system basically involves betting on a number of runners in the same race. Players must be prepared to carry out the neccessary calculations. However, when the race and odds are right, this strategy does allow for regular returns. The amount bet on each pick will depend on your calculations, so be prepared to crunch those numbers!
Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained
If you are new to online horse racing betting, it is likely that you will come across some words and phrases that you are unfamiliar with. However, it is important to quickly come to terms with the information being displayed. Below are some of the most common horse racing terms, including their meaning:
All-Weather
When a race is not held on either a grass, turf or dirt track. Instead, an artificial surface is used, meaning that races can take in all weather conditions. Such courses are found across the globe, most commonly in Europe.
Blinkers
Headwear used by trainers in order to help horses concentrate during races. Blinkers ensure that horses look forward at all times, rather than what is around them.
Classics
Races that are restricted to horses aged three years. In the UK, the Derby and St Leger are prime examples.
Colt
The name given to a male horse aged 2-4.
Dead Heat
A situation in which two or more horses cannot be separated, even when a photo finish has been used. The result is declared a Dead Heat, with bookies having different rules in terms of payouts.
Favourite
The horse with the shortest price to win a specific race.
Filly
A female horse aged between 2-4.
Handicap
A race where official ratings determine the weight carried by each horse.
Non-Runner
The name given to a horse that is withdrawn from a race for whatever reason.
Starting Price
Also written simply as SP, starting price is the odds given to a horse ahead of a race.
Betting On Horse Racing Betting Sites v Betting In Person
While there are no laws prohibiting online betting in India, betting in person is a different story. But just what are the differences between the two? Let’s take a closer at the main pros and cons of online horse racing betting:
What We Like:
- Horse racing betting sites are hugely convenient
- Bonuses and promotions are available
- Bets can be placed using a range of devices
- Players can browse markets & odds with ease
- Winnings can be collected quickly
What We Don’t Like:
- No social aspect
- Greater potential for irresponsible betting
The Biggest Horse Racing Betting Events
Horse races take place daily in regions around the world. However, there are some that stand out. The horse racing calendar is dominated by a handful of races, with the following being those that attract the most interest on betting sites for horse racing:
Cheltenham Festival
This four-day horse racing event is held annually in the UK. Made up of 28 races in all, the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Chase are among the standout encounters. Held in March each year, the event dates back to 1860, with prize money having now reached as much as £625,000 for each individual race.
Grand National
In the UK, the Grand National is the highest paying horse race, with the prize pool sitting at £1 million. Held at Aintree near Liverpool, the National Hunt race was first run in 1839. The Grand National takes place over a distance of 4 miles 514 yards. Red Rum is the only horse to have won the race three times.
Kentucky Derby
Part of the Triple Crown in the United States, the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sport”, the Kentucky Derby has a prize pool of $3 million. The race takes place on a dirt track, over a distance of 1 ¼ miles.
Melbourne Cup
As Australia’s most famous thoroughbred race, the Melbourne Cup is the most lucrative handicap race in the world. Held at Flemington Racecourse, the prize pool of A$8 million attracts the leading runners and riders around. Dating back to 1861, the Melbourne Cup is run over a distance of 1 mile 1,740 yards.
Dubai World Cup
Worth $12 million in prize money, the Dubai World Cup was founded in 1996. Held at Meydan Racecourse, this Grade 1 dirt race is known as the “world’s richest” horse race. Country Grammer won in 2022, ridden by the famous Frankie Dettori.
Japan Cup
Arguably the biggest horse race in Asia is the Japan Cup. Run over 2400 metres on a turf track, the race is held at the Tokyo Racecourse. Worth ¥624,000,000 in prize money, this thoroughbred race was won by Contrail in 2022.
Indian Derby
While India is not home to a host of high profile races, the Indian Derby is certainly one that attracts major interest. Held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, the race was founded in 1780. Run over 2400 metres, Zuccarelli came out on top in 2022.
Live Streaming and Horse Racing Betting
There is nothing quite like watching on live as your horse racing pick sprints clear down the home straight. Live streaming is now available on many horse racing betting sites, adding to the excitement for visitors. In order to gain access to streams, a qualifying bet is likely to be needed.
Alternatively, some bookies simply require customers to have a funded sportsbook account. Many streams are accompanied by commentary, which adds to the overall user experience. If you are interested in watching horse racing action on your desktop or mobile, the following bookies offer live streaming services in India:
Our Top 5 Betting Tips For Horse Racing Betting
When betting on horse racing, there are certain steps that players can take to maximise their chances of success. While there are no guarantees, the following tips will put you in the best possible position to place winning bets:
- Study the Form Books – The recent form of runners and riders can be extremely useful when placing bets. Such information is easily accessible online today. So, before placing any bet, check as to how the horse has done over recent races. Also consider how the conditions could impact their chances.
- Multiple Bookies – In order to take advantage of the best horse racing betting odds and features, consider registering with more than one bookie. There are no rules against doing so. You can play the field, picking and choosing when the time is right to bet on a particular site.
- Horse Racing Tips – Some tipsters just have a habit of successfully predicting the outcome of horse races. Leading tipsters include broadcasters, trainers and former jockeys. So, look at the reputation of tipsters, before reading what they have to say about an upcoming race.
- Each Way Bets – While the biggest winnings can be made from outright win bets, there is certainly something to be said for placing each way bets instead. With such a bet, half of your stake goes on “Win, with the other going on “Place”. So, if your pick fails to win, but secures one of the top positions, returns are still delivered.
- Track Your Progress – Look back at your bet history and view where you have achieved success, as well as where improvements can be made. For example, if you have placed a host of winning bets on meetings from your local Indian track, stick to this strategy, rather than looking further afield.
Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In India?
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to this question. This is due to the fact that gambling laws differ between Indian states. So, it really is all down to your location. For example, those in Goa, Daman and Sikkim will be able to legally place an online horse racing bet. However, residents of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be prohibited.
Of course, there are ways around such laws. One thing worth noting is that there are no Indian bookmakers to speak of. As such, bettors must sign up with offshore operators. Such bookies hold gambling licenses from other authorities, including those based in Malta and Curacao. As always, all of our recommended horse racing sites are nothing but regulated, fair and safe.
Final Word on Horse Racing in India
Having read our horse racing betting guide, you should now have a much clearer understanding of how wagering on the sport works in India. With new horse racing betting sites being launched regularly, there has never been a better time to start backing runners and riders. Whether it be a local meeting at the Bangalore Turf Club or a high profile international race, such as the Kentucky Derby, our top ranked horse racing betting sites have all bases covered. Be sure to check them out for yourself, before deciding which best suits your online horse racing betting needs. Remember to claim your welcome bonus in the process!
Online Horse Racing Betting in India FAQs
Is online horse racing betting legal in India?
Are horse racing betting apps available?
Where can I find the best horse racing betting odds?
How can I deposit and withdraw money at the best horse racing betting sites?
What additional features can I find on horse racing betting sites?
James Fuller
James Fuller
