To make the most of your sports betting experience, it's essential to understand the various types of bets you can place. Here are some common Kentucky horse racing bets:.

Apart from these simple bets, there are more complex exotic wagers like exacta, trifecta, and superfecta that will require you to pick multiple horses. Finally, multi-race wagers require a gambler to correctly predict the outcomes of multiple races.

Odds play a crucial role in betting on horse races online. They not only indicate the probability of a horse winning a race but also determine your potential payout.

Generally speaking, there are three primary types of odds to consider when picking your winning horses:. Pari-mutuel betting is a popular form of wagering in horse racing, where bets are pooled together and the winnings are distributed among the successful bettors.

Unlike fixed-odds betting, where the odds are set by the bookmaker, the odds in pari-mutuel betting are determined by the total amount of money bet on each horse.

This system ensures that the payout for each winning bet is based on the popularity of the chosen horse and the overall betting pool, making it a dynamic and exciting wagering option for horse racing enthusiasts. Fixed odds wagering is a popular and straightforward betting method commonly used in horse racing.

When placing a fixed odds bet, you agree on the odds at the time of placing the bet, regardless of any fluctuations in the market before the race starts. This allows bettors to have a clear understanding of their potential returns and removes the uncertainty of pari-mutuel betting systems, where odds can change based on the total amount wagered on each horse.

Fixed odds wagering offers a sense of stability and control for bettors, enabling them to make more informed decisions and develop effective betting strategies. To identify a potential winning horse, it's crucial to consider various factors that influence a horse's performance. By carefully evaluating these elements, you can make more informed betting decisions and increase your chances of success.

Racing programs provide essential information about each horse, jockey, and trainer participating in a race, including statistics, previous performances, and race conditions. This valuable resource helps bettors make informed decisions and identify potential winners.

Managing your bankroll effectively is crucial for long-term success. Set a budget, establish limits, and avoid chasing losses to maintain a healthy financial balance and enjoy a sustainable horse racing betting experience.

Analyzing past performances of horses can reveal patterns and trends that may indicate future success. By examining factors such as track conditions, race distance, and competition level, bettors can make more accurate predictions about a horse's chances in an upcoming race.

Live betting and streaming allow bettors to place wagers and watch races in real-time, offering an immersive and interactive experience. This feature enables bettors to make more informed decisions based on the unfolding events of the race.

A bonus bet is a promotional offer provided by some betting platforms, allowing new or existing users to place a bet without risking their own money.

Taking advantage of bonus bets can help bettors build their bankroll and gain valuable experience. The experience of a jockey can significantly impact a horse's performance in a race.

By considering the jockey's past successes, experience on specific tracks, and compatibility with the horse, bettors can gain valuable insights that can influence their betting decisions. There are important dos and don'ts while betting on both domestic and international horse races in Kentucky.

Kentucky is home to some of the most famous horse racing events, such as the Kentucky Derby. Bettors can place wagers at licensed racetracks, off-track betting facilities, or through reputable online Kentucky sports betting apps and platforms that cater to Kentucky residents.

Many of these online platforms offer a wide range of betting options, live streaming, and expert insights. Be sure to choose a licensed and regulated operator with the best Kentucky sportsbook promotions to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Horse racing enthusiasts in the United States have numerous options for placing bets on their favorite events.

State-regulated racetracks, off-track betting venues, and online betting platforms are all popular choices for US bettors. When selecting an online platform, look for one that is licensed, regulated, and available in your state, offering a variety of betting options, live streaming, and comprehensive race coverage.

Top-rated US-based online sports betting sites, such as TwinSpires and TVG, cater to American bettors and provide a seamless betting experience. The United Kingdom boasts a rich horse racing tradition, and bettors have many opportunities to wager on races both domestically and internationally.

High street bookmakers, such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, and Coral, offer in-person betting services, while an abundance of online betting platforms cater to UK bettors as well. When choosing an online platform, look for one that is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, provides a wide range of betting markets, and offers live streaming of races.

Some popular UK-based betting sites include Bet, Paddy Power, and Betfair. When exploring options for the best horse racing betting sites, it's essential to be cautious of blacklisted betting sites. These are platforms that have been flagged by regulatory authorities or industry watchdogs for reasons such as unfair practices, non-payment of winnings, or inadequate security measures.

By avoiding blacklisted horse race betting sites and choosing a licensed, reputable, and well-reviewed betting platform, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience.

Conduct thorough research and consult trusted sources, such as online reviews and forums, to avoid falling prey to disreputable operators in the horse racing betting industry. As you venture into the world of online horse racing betting, it's essential to understand the different types of horse racing that you may encounter.

The three primary forms of horse racing include thoroughbred racing, jump racing, and harness racing, each offering unique challenges and excitement for both competitors and bettors alike. In the following sections, we will delve into the characteristics of each racing type, providing you with valuable insights to enhance your betting experience and knowledge of the sport.

Thoroughbreds are the most popular breed for flat racing events, known for their speed and agility. They are often featured in prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup.

Jump racing, also known as steeplechasing or National Hunt racing, involves horses navigating a course with a series of obstacles such as hurdles and fences. This type of racing requires a unique combination of speed, agility, and jumping ability, making it an exhilarating spectacle for spectators and bettors alike.

Harness racing features horses, known as Standardbreds, pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. The horses are required to maintain a specific gait, either pacing or trotting, as they compete around the track.

Bettors enjoy the tactical aspect of harness racing, as jockeys must carefully manage their horse's energy and positioning throughout the race. Horse racing betting offers numerous advantages, including a wide variety of wagering options, frequent events to bet on, and the potential for substantial payouts.

It also provides an opportunity to delve into a wealth of data and statistics, allowing bettors to make informed decisions and develop winning strategies. The Triple Crown is a prestigious achievement in American Thoroughbred horse racing, consisting of three iconic races: The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes.

Winning all three races in a single season is an extraordinary feat, as each event tests a horse's speed, endurance, and versatility. Since its inception in , only 13 horses have managed to capture the Triple Crown, with the most recent winner being Justify in Triple Crown odds will show any bettor how extraordinary this accomplishment is, and the rarity adds to the excitement and allure of the racing season.

Parimutuel horse racing betting is overseen by the Division of Racing under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Michigan passed online horse racing betting legislation at the end of , establishing a licensing process for Advance Deposit Wagering sites to operate in the state.

Advance deposit wagering providers are required by MN law to acquire licenses to offer online wagering to residents. Online horse racing betting in Mississippi is prohibited, but retail sportsbooks at casinos are allowed to offer parimutuel horse wagers.

Missouri law does not specifically address advance deposit wagering, and most horse racing betting sites do not accept MO residents. The Montana Board of Horse Racing oversees the conduct of horse racing and parimutuel wagering, including online betting.

Parimutuel wagering is legal in Nebraska but state law does not clearly address the legality of advance deposit wagering. Some lawmakers argue that online betting sites violate state law, but the opinion is not universal.

Nebraskatate state law enforces a minimum age of 19 to bet on horses. New Hampshire law clearly permits parimutuel wagering at race tracks and is unclear on the status of online betting. Even so, all major ADWs accept New Hampshire residents.

New Jersey allows advance deposit wagering, but 4NJBets. com is the only operator authorized to offer parimutuel wagering online. New Mexico horse racing law is unclear on the legality of advance deposit wagering, but several operators offer online betting to residents.

New York law allows online horse racing betting operators to apply for licenses to offer advance deposit wagering to residents. North Carolina authorized off-track betting at tribal casinos in and online horse racing betting in The ND Racing Commission maintains an up-to-date list of licensed ADWs here.

The legality of advance deposit wagering is debatable in Ohio. State law on horse racing does not specifically address online betting, but the Ohio State Racing Commission has rules governing telephone wagering. Oklahoma horse racing regulations allow wagering by telephone but do not specifically address the legality of online betting.

Online horse racing betting is legal in Oregon and ADWs are licensed by the state Racing Commission. Pennsylvania law authorizes advance deposit wagering and the majority of ADW operators accept residents.

Puerto Rico has just one thoroughbred racetrack but is home to a massive horse racing betting industry. Fans can bet on horse races in Puerto Rico through licensed ADWs and at more than off-track betting facilities. Rhode Island regulations on simulcast wagering do not specifically address online betting.

South Carolina laws prohibit most forms of betting. South Dakota law permits advance deposit wagering and requires all operators to acquire a license prior to accepting wagers from residents.

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming oversees all parimutuel betting and the licensing of ADWs. The law that formerly authorized parimutuel wagering was repealed in , but numerous horse racing betting sites still accept customers from Tennessee. Texas permits in-person wagering but amended the Texas Racing Act in to prohibit advance deposit wagering.

Horse racing betting is legal in Vermont and regulated by the state Racing Commission. Most online racebooks accept customers from Vermont even though the law on online betting is unclear.

Advance deposit wagering is authorized in Virginia under the Administrative Code and is offered by a handful of licensed horse betting sites. The Virginia Racing Commission oversees all horse racing and parimutuel wagering. The Washington Horse Racing Commission maintains a list of licensed horse betting sites here.

Specifically, WV Racing Commission rule § states wagers may be accepted via self-service terminal, telephone, or internet. Wyoming law authorizes the Wyoming Gaming Commission to regulate advance deposit wagering. Online horse racing betting is legal at the federal level and in most US states.

Off-track betting OTB was first legalized in with the passage of the Interstate Horseracing Act. The Act made it legal for horse racing venues to accept wagers at off-track betting locations provided that all wagers taken at OTB locations went directly to the prize pools of the tracks hosting live horse races.

Online horse racing betting received further legal protection in when it was specifically exempted from a law the UIGEA intended to crack down on illegal online gambling.

Shortly thereafter, the first US horse racing betting sites went live. Today, the majority of US states permit online horse racing betting apps. Betting at licensed US horse racing sites contributes to the domestic racing industry because all wagers placed online are pooled with those taken at the track.

This means that not only do you get paid at full track odds, but your business contributes to racing purses and the care of horses. Also, US horse betting sites are not limited to taking wagers on domestic races.

One of the most significant reforms to the US horse racing industry in several decades came in the form of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act HISA , signed into law by President Trump in December Congress passed HISA to bring uniformity to horse racing safety, medication, and anti-doping standards that were previously enforced at the state level.

Under the old model, the horse racing industry operated under a patchwork of regulations that varied by state, which supporters of HISA argued was dangerous for horses and jockeys alike.

To improve the integrity and safety of horseracing by requiring uniform safety and performance standards, including a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program to be developed and enforced by an independent Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, and for other purposes.

HISA established the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to work alongside the United States Anti-Doping Agency USADA under the oversight of the Federal Trade Commission to form regulations, monitor the use of medications in horses, and to combat illegal doping.

As BettingUSA noted in a post discussing the issue, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel said he was moved to act after reading a March op-ed in the Washington Post that called for an end to horse racing. People bet money on horse races year-round, but a large portion of betting action revolves around major horse racing events.

The Kentucky Derby , Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes comprise the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and collectively mark the high point of the thoroughbred horse racing betting season. The Triple Crown kicks off each year with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday of May.

The Derby is followed by the Preakness Stakes on the third Saturday of May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, and this is where the equine racing world gets to see if there will be a Triple Crown contender.

The third and final Triple Crown event is the Belmont Stakes, held on the third Saturday following the Preakness Stakes. If one horse wins all three events, a Triple Crown winner is crowned for having achieved one of the most difficult feats in all of horse racing!

Note : Winning all three Triple Crown events is the pinnacle of horse racing glory, but is exceedingly difficult because every race is a different track length, and horses typically fare better at some lengths than at others.

Placing horse racing wagers is simple. Anyone who wants to bet on horse races online can select a licensed racebook, sign up for an account, and make a deposit to get started. Legal horse racing betting sites accept various deposit methods, ranging from credit cards to e-wallets like PayPal, and even cash at the track.

Bettors can select any race to view its program, which shows the runners, current betting odds, jockeys, track conditions, weather, and more. Online horse racing betting occurs in the pari-mutuel format explained below through contracts with each host racetrack.

For example, if an online racebook wants to offer wagers on the Belmont Stakes, it must reach an agreement with Belmont Stakes for access to its pari-mutuel wagering pools and live video feeds.

Licensed racebooks may only offer wagers on tracks with which they have contracts, which is why not all racebooks cover all tracks. However, the largest online racebooks have agreements with hundreds of tracks to offer pari-mutuel wagering. As a result, customers receive live-streaming video feeds, a full betting menu, and payouts that are identical to what patrons at the track receive.

The basic idea of pari-mutuel wagering is that patrons bet with one another rather than against the house. To put it simply, all wagers taken on a race are pooled together, the house takes a cut of the pool as commission, and it pays the rest to winning bettors.

As a result, popular horses pay less because many winners split the pool. Conversely, long shot horses pay more because they attract fewer bettors who each get a larger piece of the pool.

Now, imagine Horse B wins the race. The upside to parimutuel wagering is that it does not put you in direct competition against a highly skilled oddsmaker.

Racebooks do not care who wins any given race because they receive a commission regardless of the outcome. The downside to pari-mutuel horse wagering is that the odds can fluctuate until the race begins, especially as late money comes in.

That can frustrate bettors who bet on a longshot horse at great odds only to see the odds change. The bets outlined below can be placed in-person or online via advance deposit wagering sites and online horse racing betting apps. The best way to learn how to bet on horses online is with the basic straight bets.

As you become comfortable with how to bet on horse races you can progress up to more complex wagers. There are all kinds of different bets that can be placed on a single race. The general rule is that the more difficult the bet is to win, the higher it pays.

For example, a straight bet on a single horse to win pays pretty well, but a bet on the exact finishing order of the top 3 horses pays even better. There are three different types of straight bets in horse racing. Straight bets are pretty simple and a good starting point for beginners.

Across the board horse racing bets are a combination of three straight wagers: a win bet, a place bet, and a show bet all put on a single horse in an upcoming race. The end result is a combination of bets that pays for a horse that finishes anywhere in the top three:.

Across the board bets are particularly attractive because they give bettors a chance to bet on a horse they like while providing a margin of error but with bigger potential payouts for a first-place showing than place or show bets. Exotic bets are more complicated than straight bets.

In an exotic bet, you make multiple picks that include more than one horse and maybe even more than one race. In this example, you need the 1 horse to win, and then any of the other three horses to finish in 2 nd and 3 rd place in no particular order.

Now that you have a grip on the basics, you can apply that knowledge to horse betting online. The only difference is that instead of talking to a cashier at the racetrack, you select your wagers online.

Most online racebooks provide a selection of convenient horse betting deposit methods , including but not limited to :.

Thankfully leading horse racing betting apps make this process simple with high-quality software and an easy-to-use interface. The modern-day equivalent of chariot racing, harness racing features a single horse pulling a rider on a two-wheeled cart.

Many online racebooks offer harness racing betting and provide free race previews, picks, in-depth podcasts, and other educational content. Greyhound racing betting is governed by different rules than horse racing, but the basic idea is the same.

In states that allow online greyhound betting, fans can use greyhound betting apps to bet on dog races. The first odds to be posted for any particular race are the morning line odds , often abbreviated as ML. An oddsmaker at the track determines the morning line by comparing the horses slated to run and his or her expectation of the public betting action.

Secondly, the ML only serves as a rough estimate. As wagers start coming in, the odds will change to reflect the betting action.

The actual odds are based on public pari-mutuel betting action, and payout odds are determined by the amount of money wagered. The licensing requirements for horse betting sites vary from state to state, and not all racebooks acquire licenses in all states.

The easiest way to see which ADW betting sites operate where you live is to see our state-specific pages. Tip : All of our betting site reviews list accepted and restricted states.

Alternatively, you can always just try signing up at one of the major horse racing betting apps. In other words, ADW requires you to pay for your bet at the time it is placed as opposed to being able to wager on credit with a shop that settles accounts at the end of the month.

Note : Online racebooks accept credit card deposits but cannot lend bettors credit. Not exactly. Florida voters approved Amendment 13 in the midterm elections to outlaw exactly two activities:. Florida residents may still bet on greyhound races held in other states through online betting sites.

Major horse racing events draw impressive crowds and massive betting handles, but the sport as a whole is experiencing a slow, steady decline over the past couple of decades.

Annual betting handle is down significantly since the s and many live horse racing tracks are suffering financially. Americans have more gambling options, and other sports have grown in popularity. Proximity to tracks and an aging customer base are also contributing factors.

Racetracks first looked into adding other gambling games to their premises as a way to bump up revenues. Tracks that have added slots, table games, and poker have benefitted greatly from the added revenue.

The horse racing industry still holds considerable political clout, which is why horse racing betting was exempted from the UIGEA in Online betting benefits tracks directly and gives smaller tracks access to a much wider audience. Accessibility via ADWs and online horse betting apps has done wonders for increasing revenue, but the industry still has a long way to go.

There are still concerns about PEDs, inhumane horse treatment, risks to racehorses, and life for horses after racing. Combine that with unique marketing strategies, such as what Churchill Downs has accomplished over the past few years, and there are bright spots in the future.

Online racebooks accept a variety of easy-to-use betting deposit methods including credit and debit cards, PayPal, online bank transfers, and cash at the track. Read more about depositing at online horse betting sites using our guide to betting deposits.

Virtual horse racing betting is a form of gambling in which players bet on the outcomes of simulated horse races. The experience is similar to parimutuel wagering, but virtual races occur every few minutes to provide fast-paced action around the clock. Fixed-odds horse racing betting is an alternative to pari-mutuel wagering.

The difference is that fixed-odds racing locks in the price bettors receive when they place their wagers, whereas pari-mutuel odds remain in flux until post-time. The odds a bettor receives when placing the wager are fixed in place, even if a horse drops out of the race or a whale places a large bet on the favorite.

In contrast, pari-mutuel wagering odds are subject to change even after the bettors place their wagers. The changing nature of pari-mutuel odds may turn off some bettors, especially those accustomed to locking in their prices, as with standard sports betting. New Jersey legalized fixed-odds racing in , and hopes are high that it will revitalize interest in horse racing.

Key figures in the NJ horse racing industry are hopeful other states will do the same to get more tracks on board, build momentum, and introduce the concept to the public. Colorado followed suit in after regulators approved sportsbooks to offer fixed-odds horse racing betting.

Federal regulations do not allow bettors to subtract the costs of wagers from their winnings, but the IRS did introduce new horse racing tax rules in to lighten its automatic reporting and withholding requirements. Note : Winning horse bettors should speak with a qualified tax professional for assistance in all financial matters.

Historical horse racing machines look and feel like slots but use past races to generate the outcome of every spin of the reels. As a former professional online poker player, Wes approaches his work from the viewpoint of players. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest US betting news and gain access to exclusive bonuses, promotions, and offers.

Skip to content. Gambling Problem? Call GAMBLER Get Bonus. Table of Contents. TwinSpires Review TVG Review AmWager Review FanDuel Horse Racing Review BetMGM Horse Racing Review Xpressbet Review DK Horse Review Caesars Racebook Review.

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Racebook Reviews. Horse Racing Betting Bonuses. Horse Racing. Alabama has two greyhound race tracks and no active horse racing tracks. com Alabama Horse Racing Betting. California has five race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com California Horse Racing Betting.

Colorado has one racetrack and state residents may bet online at: www. com Colorado Horse Racing Betting. Delaware has three race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www.

com Delaware Horse Racing Betting. Florida is home to numerous horse and greyhound race tracks. com Florida Horse Racing Betting. Idaho has two race tracks and several fairgrounds that hold races on occasion. com Idaho Horse Racing Betting.

Indiana has four race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com Indiana Horse Racing Betting. Kansas no longer has any active race tracks but state residents may bet online at: www. com Kansas Horse Racing Betting.

Kentucky has six race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com Kentucky Horse Racing Betting. Maine has two race tracks and state residents may bet online at: Maine Horse Racing Betting.

Michigan has one racetrack and residents may bet online at: www. com Michigan Horse Racing Betting. Minnesota is home to two race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com Minnesota Horse Racing Betting. Nebraska is home to six race tracks but state residents are prohibited from betting online.

All wagers must be placed in person. Nebraska Horse Racing Betting. New Hampshire no longer has any active race tracks but state residents may bet online at: www.

com New Hampshire Horse Racing Betting. New Mexico has six active race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com New Mexico Horse Racing Betting. New York is home to numerous horse racing tracks and state residents may bet online at: www.

com New York Horse Racing Betting. North Dakota has two race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com North Dakota Horse Racing Betting. Ohio is home to eight race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www.

com Ohio Horse Racing Betting. Oklahoma is home to four race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com Oklahoma Horse Racing Betting.

Oregon has one active racetrack and state residents may bet online at: www. com Oregon Horse Racing Betting. Pennsylvania has three thoroughbred race tracks and residents may bet online at: www.

com Pennsylvania Horse Racing Betting. Rhode Island hosts live harness racing at Plainridge Park Casino and state residents may bet online at: www. com Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting. South Dakota conducts horse racing on select days every year at two fairgrounds.

com South Dakota Horse Racing Betting. Tennessee does not have any active race tracks but state residents may bet online at: www. com Tennessee Horse Racing Betting. West Virginia is home to two horse racing tracks and two greyhound racing tracks.

com West Virginia Horse Racing Betting. Wisconsin no longer has any active horse or greyhound race tracks. com Wisconsin Horse Racing Betting.

Wyoming has three race tracks that hold races on select days every year. com Wyoming Horse Racing Betting. Illinois is home to three active thoroughbred tracks and one harness track.

com Illinois Horse Racing Betting. Alaska does not have any active race tracks and online betting is not allowed. Alaska Horse Racing Betting. Georgia does not have any race tracks and parimutuel wagering is outlawed. Georgia Horse Racing Betting. There are no race tracks in Hawaii and state law forbids racing betting.

Hawaii Horse Racing Betting. Maryland is home to four thoroughbred race tracks and two harness racing tracks. com Maryland Horse Racing Betting. Massachusetts has one thoroughbred racetrack and one harness racing track. com Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting. Mississippi does not have any active horse racing tracks and online betting is prohibited.

Mississippi Horse Racing Betting. Nevada does not have any active race tracks at this time and online racing betting is prohibited. Nevada Horse Racing Betting. North Carolina does not have any dedicated horse racing tracks, but lawmakers legalized online horse racing betting in North Carolina Horse Racing Betting.

South Carolina does not have much of a horse racing industry aside from the annual Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup held at Springdale Racecourse. South Carolina Horse Racing Betting.

Utah has a couple of minor race tracks that hold races only a few days a year. Utah Horse Racing Betting. Colonial Downs is the only racetrack in Virginia and state residents may bet online at: www. com Virginia Horse Racing Betting. Arizona has a couple of horse racing tracks but does not permit online betting.

Arizona Horse Racing Betting. Iowa is home to one horse racing track and one greyhound racetrack. com Iowa Horse Racing Betting. Louisiana has four race tracks and state residents may bet online at: www. com Louisiana Horse Racing Betting. Montana is home to two active horse racing tracks and state residents may bet online at: www.

com Montana Horse Racing Betting. Washington has two horse racing tracks and 13 OTB locations. com Washington State Horse Racing Betting. Missouri does not have any race tracks but one online racebook accepts customers: TwinSpires Missouri Horse Racing Betting.

Vermont no longer has any horse racing tracks. com Vermont Horse Racing Betting. New Jersey is home to three horse racing tracks and state residents may bet online at: 4NJBets New Jersey Horse Racing Betting. Arkansas has one racetrack and state residents may bet online at: www.