Horse racing betting has long been a favorite pastime for many Americans, and now, online platforms make it easier than ever to place wagers on races across the country. Whether you’re betting on the Kentucky Derby or local events, top horse racing sites like TVG and TwinSpires offer great odds, apps and horse wagering online experience overall.
At American.bet, we’ve compiled the best horse racing betting platforms, complete with exclusive bonuses and promo codes. Let’s dive into the details and help you find the right platform for your wagers.
Legal States for Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing betting is legal in many states, including:
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Texas
You must be at least 18 years old in most states to bet on horse racing.
Biggest and Best Brands in the Market
The leading horse racing betting sites offer extensive race coverage, competitive odds, and user-friendly platforms. Here are the top names:
- TVG
- NyraBets
- TwinSpires
- DRF Bets
Bonuses and Promotions
Horse racing sites entice users with attractive bonuses, ranging from deposit matches to free bets. Below are some of the best offers:
| Site | Bonus | Features |
|---|---|---|
| TVG | 100% Deposit Match up to $100 | Live streaming, expert picks, mobile app |
| NyraBets | Match Bonus up to $250 | NYRA track integration, exclusive promos |
| TwinSpires | $200 for Sign-Up | Owned by Churchill Downs, Derby content |
| DRF Bets | 100% Deposit Match up to $200 | Handicapping data, past performance access |
Top Horse Racing Betting Platforms
TVG
TVG is one of the most popular horse racing platforms, offering live streaming and expert picks for all major and minor races. With a 100% deposit match bonus up to $100, it’s a great choice for both new and seasoned bettors.
NyraBets
Run by the New York Racing Association, NyraBets integrates NYRA tracks and offers exclusive promotions. The $250 match bonus makes it an attractive platform for frequent bettors.
TwinSpires
Owned by Churchill Downs, TwinSpires is a trusted name in horse racing betting. Its $200 sign-up bonus and Kentucky Derby content make it a favorite among enthusiasts.
DRF Bets
DRF Bets combines horse betting with access to extensive handicapping tools and past performances. Their $200 deposit match bonus adds great value for serious bettors.
Xpressbet
This online horse betting platform was founded by major thoroughbred racehorse owner-breeder Frank Stronach and operates in almost 40 states. Their betting platform has loads of extra features, which you unlock by redeeming points.
AmWager
The horse betting racing app allows you to toggle seamlessly between straight bets and exotic wagers on their app. This is now available for both Apple and Android mobile devices.
Find out which states have US horse betting that is legal online and offline, and the best sites and apps to place your wagers on. With so many major horse racing events in the USA, we have provided this hub of information that tells you all about the best bet types and bonuses.
Where is Horse Betting Legal in the US?
All but six states have some form legalized land-based horse racing betting in the USA. Just Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Missouri, South Carolina, and Utah don’t offer on-track wagering and off-track betting facilities (OTBs), either because gambling of any kind is against the law there or they don’t have any active horse racing venues.
There are fewer US states, 40 out of 50, that have legalized online horse betting. In Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah, you cannot currently bet on horses over the internet. Leading online sportsbook providers aren’t active in these areas, but do accept players from four-fifths of states in the USA.
They support bettors with lots of stats, info, and data on horses and upcoming races from all across America, as well as providing internet betting odds. This can help you find the horse racing wager that is right for you.
Most of the states that allow for online betting also permit mobile apps, such as well-known racebooks TVG, NYRA Bets, AmWager and Xpressbet and new brands.
Horse Betting Bonus Types
Unlocking most types of horse betting bonuses available require advanced deposit wagering. The sign up offers you can get should fall into one of these categories:
- Deposit bonuses that match the amount of money you initially fund your account with are the most common. Beware of wagering requirements!
- Bet-and-get deals don’t just require a deposit, but qualifying bets to unlock bonuses too. You have to wait until your wager is settled before the bonus is credited.
- Risk-free bets give the first wager you place on joining a sportsbook some insurance. If your pick doesn’t win, then the stake you gambled is returned.
Types of Horse Race Bets
Depending on whether you play fixed-odds or parimutuel betting on the horses, there are many bet types. A fixed-odds sportsbook will offer you prices for a horse to win, place (finish first or second) or show (first, second or third). You can also put parlay bets on across multiple races.
With parimutuel services, US horse betting can get quite exotic. Here, win, place and show options will be available to you, but also the choice of backing more than one horse in the same race. This means exotic bets like exactas, quinellas, trifectas, and even superfectas are on offer.
Major Horse Betting Events
There are major US horse betting events throughout the year. From the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in Florida in January through to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May; there’s plenty of action for you to wager on.
Other famous US horse races include the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore and the Belmont Stakes run outside New York City. Tracks including Belmont Park and Saratoga stage big races over the summer, while everything builds to the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships held at different venues across America every year in the fall.
US Horse Racing Betting: Racetracks & Online Payment Methods
You will find that US horse betting sites accept a range of payment methods. From credit and debit cards like Visa and MasterCard linked to your bank account, to digital friendly eWallet services; all the best sportsbooks allow you to fund your gambling in a variety of ways. Besides eWallets such as PayPal and Skrill, prepaid cards may also be an option open to you.
What does ‘Parimutuel’ mean?
Parimutuel is another name for pool betting, a popular form of horse betting in the US. Winnings are paid as dividends based on market interest.
What is ‘Fixed-Odds’ Horse Betting?
Fixed-Odds horse betting is where bookmakers set the prices offered on sportsbooks based on implied probabilities of horses winning races. It’s different from Parimutuel betting.
Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings?
In the eyes of the IRS, your winning bets are classed as taxable income with a flat rate of 24 percent.
Where can I find Horse Betting Communities for Free Picks?
There are many places available online where you can get US horse betting picks for free. Equibase provides some handicapping services without charging, while TimeformUS and Daily Racing Form are other respected sources. Not all betting tips come from free.
Discover the best horse racing betting sites with American.bet and claim exclusive bonuses today!