🧐 Pros and cons of betting on horse racing
Before we take a look at the best horse racing sites in Ireland, I’d first like to cover the main pros and cons of betting on this particular sport:
- One of the oldest betting sports
- Short races
- Available globally
- Community
- Plenty of resources
🕟 One of the oldest betting sports
Horse racing is the original betting sport, to the point that it is almost built for betting. As a result, the markets and the structure are all in place and very well established.
Horse races are short, meaning that you can bet on multiple races in one day, even at the same event or track.
Even countries with stringent gambling restrictions, such as India, have racing tracks. So when betting on racing online, you have access to a massive selection of races at most times of the day.
There is a big sense of community in the world of horse racing, particularly in Ireland. If you really get into it, there are plenty of people you can chat with and share knowledge and tips with online.
If you are willing to put the time in, there are plenty of resources available to help with your horse racing bets. However, I must stress that you will have to put in the study time if you want to know your Bumpers from your Stayers.
On the face of it, betting on horse racing seems pretty easy. However, there are a lot of mitigating factors, some complex bet types and rules to learn if you want to get properly into it.
🌞 How to sign up to an Irish betting site?
Choosing the right horse betting site is key. Once you’ve found one that suits you, claim your offer by clicking the “Claim Here” link. Signing up is quick and easy – simply fill out the form with your details. The betting site will then send a verification email. Click the link in the email, and you’ll be ready to fund your account and start placing bets!
🍀 How to live stream horse racing events?
Many horse racing bookmakers offer live streams of the races! While some require placing a bet, others only need a funded account or a logged-in user. Check the specific website for details.
🥇 The best horse racing betting sites in Ireland
You can check out the current top-ranked
online betting sites
for horse racing in Ireland in 2024 in the banners on this page. The rankings are updated automatically based on my expert ratings, so you know that what you are looking for is accurate and up-to-date.
All of the sites have been tested and reviewed either by me or another horse racing betting expert. We base our reviews on a number of different categories and give each platform a final overall rating. We also rate and review casino sites as well as sportsbook platforms, for example the best
Bitcoin casino
as well as the best casinos for playing live dealer games.
As a result, you can trust our rankings and I have full confidence that we can lead you to your ideal betting platform on our site.
📱 Horse racing Ireland app
Like me, most of your online activity is probably done through your mobile phone. If that’s the case, you can check out the best
horse racing betting apps
in Ireland here on this page as well.
Even if your preferred platform doesn’t yet have an official app, you can be almost certain that it will have a mobile-optimised betting site instead. On most horse betting apps, you will be able to stream the races live as well as take a punt on them, which is make or break for most racing fans.
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🍀 The top bonuses from horse racing bookmakers IE
As well as giving an overall rating to the online bookies themselves, I have also rated their welcome promotions separately. In a separate list of banners on this page, you can find the
betting bonus Ireland
has to offer you as well.
Again, each bonus has been claimed and tested personally or by a member of the Jaxon.gg team. You can therefore be assured that our reviews and ratings are accurate and based on real-life experience as well as our expertise.
In addition to claiming and testing the bonuses, we also carefully read the small print and highlight any T&Cs to look out for. At the end of the day, I want to make sure that the bonus has some decent potential value and is worth your while.
🏆 The ideal bonus types of horse racing betting
I often find that many online bookies have bonuses that are specifically aimed at horse racing punters. This is particularly true in the lead-up to big events on the horse racing calendar, such as the Cheltenham Festival or the Grand National, where many sites will offer a special horse racing welcome promotion.
Here, I have highlighted some of the most common bonus types that you will find on the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland:
- 🏵️ Bonus bets
– These are single-stake tokens of a certain value that you can use on a horse racing bet. You can check out the best
free horse racing bets
here in the banners.
- 🔒 Risk-free/insurance bets
– Like bonus bets, but you will only get them if your first bet or some of your first few horse racing bets lose.
- 💶 Money-back specials
– SImilar to the above, but you will get a bonus bet or credits back if your horse finishes second, third or fourth.
- 🫰 Deposit match
– The bookie will match your first deposit up to 100% (or sometimes higher) in bonus credits.
- 📈 Enhanced odds/odds boosters
– The bookies will increase the odds for a certain race/horse or market.
- 📰 Best odds guaranteed (BOG)
– This is the most common promotion in Irish and UK horse racing and it simply means that if the odds shorten after you place your bet, you will still be paid out at the original price, but if they lengthen, you’ll be paid out at the higher price.
- 🪑 Extra places
– The bookmaker offers places beyond third for certain races. This is much more prevalent for races with a big field like the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Aintree Grand National where sometimes up to seven places are available.
🐎 Things to consider when choosing the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland
Here are some of the main factors that I consider when rating and reviewing an Irish horse racing betting site:
Naturally, we all want Ireland and UK tracks at the very least, but the best bookies online have a range of international racing options as well.
I always compare the odds between horse racing bookies to see which one offers the best value, or make use of an odds comparison site.
🤓 Horse betting promotions
The best horse racing betting sites in Ireland enhance their odds with BOG, boosted odds, extra places and other promotions.
As well as the promotions specific to horse racing, a good welcome bonus is also important.
Streaming rights for horse racing are easier to get than most team sports, so for me, there are few excuses for a betting site not showing you the races you have a punt on.
Depending on how you want to spend your money, you could consider Bitcoin betting apps or look for alternative payment providers if that is what you are after.
I test the site and rate it in terms of navigation and how user-intuitive it is.
Ideally, there should be an official app available, but if not I will consider the mobile website.
👨💻 The most popular bet types on horse racing sites in Ireland
There are almost too many different types of horse racing bets for me to list. Some of them are quite complex, especially when compared to wagers that you can place on other sports.
In the table below, you can find a brief explanation of the five most commonly placed horse racing bet types in Ireland:
| Bet type | Description |
| Win | You bet on the horse to win the race |
| Place (US) | You bet on the horse to finish 2nd 3rd or 4th |
| Each Way | Your single wager is split into two bets – one on the horse winning and the other on it placing |
| Forecast | You bet on two horses to finish 1st and 2nd in the correct order |
| Tricast | Like the forecast, but with a third horse added to the wager |
🐎 How I review horse racing betting sites
Finding the perfect online horse racing platform can feel like picking a winner at the track. But worry not, I’ve assessed the key factors to consider before you place your bet.
- Maximizing Your Winnings:
It all boils down to value. Top horse racing betting sites offer competitive odds, maximizing your potential returns over time. I meticulously compare odds across different bookmakers to identify those consistently offering the best bang for your buck.
- A World of Wagers:
Choice is everything. Leading bookmakers provide a vast selection of betting markets for major UK and Irish races. But the best don’t stop there – they’ll also cover international races from powerhouses like France, the USA, and Australia.
- Betting with Confidence:
Licensing and regulation are paramount. Licensed sites guarantee the protection of your personal information and responsible gambling tools. Bet with peace of mind.
- Effortless Funding:
The best platforms cater to your preferred payment methods, be it debit card or e-wallet. Look for a variety of options, along with reasonable deposit/withdrawal limits and processing times.
- Betting On-the-Go:
Freedom is key. Mobile apps and optimized mobile sites allow you to wager from anywhere. Top bookies boast user-friendly apps with all the desktop features, plus potential perks like betting notifications.
- Exclusive Offers:
Daily promotions elevate the best betting sites. Keep an eye out for enticing offers like odds boosts, extra places, and best odds guaranteed.
- Round-the-Clock Support:
Need help? Top-notch customer support is available 24/7. Whether it’s live chat, email, or telephone, you should have multiple options to reach them.
- Festival Fanfare:
Major races deserve special treatment. Top bookmakers go all out with promotions for events like the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, and the Grand National. Expect exciting offers like price boosts, free bets, non-runner no bet deals, and extra each-way places.
- Experience the Thrill Live:
Can’t be there in person? Live streaming brings the racecourse to you. Top bookmakers offer daily live streams, letting you cheer your chosen horse to victory (hopefully!).
- The Verdict from Racers:
I delve into online reviews and user feedback to gauge a betting site’s reputation. Comments on payouts, customer service, and overall user experience provide valuable insights.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to selecting a top-rated horse racing betting site and enjoying a winning experience.
🫏 Top horse racing events for every punter
Horse racing offers a world of excitement, and some events rise above the rest. Here’s a jockey through the most prestigious races that will have you cheering on the home stretch:
Jump Racing Extraordinaire:
-
Cheltenham Festival (UK):
The crown jewel of jump racing, Cheltenham boasts 14 Grade 1 races, including the legendary Gold Cup. Witness the finest chasers, hurdlers, and jockeys battle it out in March.
-
Punchestown Festival (Ireland):
Ireland’s Cheltenham rival, Punchestown, features top horses and €3.5 million in prize money. Don’t miss the Champion Chase, lively entertainment, and the racecourse’s signature flair.
-
Galway Races (Ireland):
A summer extravaganza, Galway combines heart-pounding racing with a festive atmosphere. The historic Galway Plate and themed days make it a unique experience.
-
Dublin Racing Festival (Ireland):
A crucial prep for Cheltenham, Dublin features high-profile Grade 1 races like the Irish Gold Cup. Witness future champions and find valuable betting offers in February.
-
The Irish Derby Festival (Ireland):
The Curragh Racecourse stages the Irish Derby, a prestigious flat race for three-year-olds. Held in late June or early July, it’s the Irish equivalent of the Epsom Derby.
Global Spectacles:
-
The Grand National (England):
The world’s most popular race, the Grand National, sees elite stayers tackle a grueling four-mile course. Witness iconic jumps like The Chair and cheer on your pick in April.
-
Royal Ascot (UK):
Elegance meets competition at Royal Ascot, Britain’s richest flat racing meeting. Witness top horses from across the globe compete for over £9.5 million in prize money. Don’t miss the eight Group 1 races in June.
This is just a taste of the exhilarating world of horse racing. So, saddle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
🧑⚖️ Best horse racing betting sites Ireland – Conclusion
Show me a nation that loves their horses more than the Irish and I’ll show you a liar. Some of the best breeders, trainers, jockeys and horses are Irish. It’s therefore only natural that the biggest and best racing betting brands also offer their services here.
As a result, you have plenty to choose from, which is why I’ve ranked the best of them for you on the banners on this page. Now that we’ve covered the main ins and outs, you can choose your ideal platform and get started today.
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❓ Best horse racing betting sites Ireland FAQ
🔧 How do you bet on horses online in Ireland?
Simple, you just need to sign up to a bookie on the website or download the app. Then, you can make your first deposit, claim your welcome bonus and place your first bet.
🐴 What is the best horse betting site in Ireland?
There are so many quality horse racing betting sites available in Ireland that it’s hard to pick the best one. However, you can find a ranked list of the top 10 and beyond here at Jaxon.gg.
🏅 What is the most popular type of horse racing bet in Ireland?
Besides a straight win bet, each way and acca bets are also popular among Irish punters. For those with more experience, exotic bets like forecast, tricast and Lucky 15 are often used.
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