How To Bet Online On Horse Racing – What You Need To Know
Before you place your first bet online on a horse race, you need to know the basics. Horse racing betting is a tradition as old as the sport itself.
In the UK, it has a rich history that dates back centuries. But times have changed, and few of us now need to queue outside of a bookies to place a bet.
Today, thanks to technology, betting on racing is more accessible than ever. As we all know, you can now place bets from the comfort of your home using various online platforms.
These platforms offer a range of horse racing bets to suit all experience levels. Which is great if you know what you’re doing!
If, however, you do not, then don’t worry. We will guide you through the best and easiest ways to bet online.
Choosing Your Bookmaker
The first step to betting online on horse racing is to choose your bookmaker. Look for websites that are reputable and have good reviews.
If you’ve never opened an online betting account before, then pick a company you are familiar with.
We suggest you do some homework first…
Ensure that the bookmaker is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Avoid any bookmakers that do not hold a valid license.
Choose a bookmaker that offers a wide range of betting markets and sports options. Even if you decide to bet on horse racing, you may eventually want to expand your horizons.
More importantly, compare the odds on offer because they can vary significantly between bookmakers, and this can affect your potential winnings.
Bonuses are a major factor, so look for bookmakers that offer generous and fair welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
Decide how you want to deposit and withdraw your cash and make sure the bookmaker can accommodate you. You should also know that you cannot use a credit card to make deposits in the UK.
Also, check if they have an app, as most people these days like to have a mobile-friendly bookmaker. Plus, there’s always a good chance that once you download it and login, there are extra promotions like a mobile casino bonus which you can use later.
Just make sure the mobile app is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and reliable. And after all of that, look for quality customer support such as live chat, email, and phone support.
Once you’ve found a bookie that meets all of your criteria, you can open an online account with them.
Opening An Online Betting Account
Now that you’ve found a reliable bookmaker and you’re happy with the service they provide, it’s time to open an online account with them.
And here’s how you do it…
- Look for a button or link that says “Join Now,” “Sign Up,” “Register,” or something similar.
- Click on the registration button and fill in your personal details.
- Select a unique username and a strong password for your account.
- Set deposit limits on your account.
- Verify your account which is a regulatory requirement.
- To verify your account, you’ll need to provide copies of personal documents.
- Once your account is verified, navigate to the “Deposit” section of your account.
- Follow the instructions to deposit funds into your account.
It is at this point that you can make your first bet online. But before you rush off to the horse racing section, check out any bonuses that may be on offer to you.
If the bookmaker offers a welcome bonus or promotion for new customers, make sure to claim it when making your first deposit. Read the terms and conditions of the bonus carefully to understand how it works and any wagering requirements.
Placing Your First Bet
With funds in your account and any bonuses claimed, you can start betting.
Navigate to the sport you are interested in, select your bets, and add them to your bet slip. Enter your stake, review your bets, and confirm to place your bet.
Most UK bookmakers list the sports on the right-hand side of the screen. On an app, they may run horizontally across the screen with little icons.
Assuming you are on a phone, click on the horse icon, which will take you to the horse racing section.
From there, decide which race you are interested in. As an example, if you click on ‘antepost’ you will be given a list of upcoming major races such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, Breeders Cup etc…
Pick the one you want e.g. Grand National 2024, and a list of all the potential runners and their ante-post odds will appear.
If you think Corach Rambler will win the National again and you want to back him, click on the odds, and instantly a betting slip will open on the screen.
Simply add your ‘stake’, which is how much you want to bet, and if you want to back it each way, click the little ‘Each Way’ box.
Your total stake will be displayed, as will your estimated returns if your horse wins.
If you are happy with your decision, click the ‘place bet’ button. And that’s it. Your bet is on. Now all you have to do is wait and see if you’ve won.
How To Withdraw Your Winnings
This is generally the easiest bit. Navigate to ‘My Account’ which is usually in the top right-hand corner of your app or screen.
Within the account section, find and click on the ‘Withdraw’ or ‘Withdraw Funds’ option.
Choose the payment method you want to use for the withdrawal which is generally the same method you used for depositing.
Type in the amount of money you wish to withdraw and make sure you have enough cleared funds in your account.
Once you are sure that all details are correct, submit your withdrawal request. Processing times can vary depending on the bookmaker and the withdrawal method, but it’s usually very quick in the UK.
Summary
Hopefully, our guide to making a bet online has been helpful, and you now know what to expect. Pick a good bookmaker, and go with a trusted name in the industry.
Take your time opening your account and make sure that you have a form of ID to verify your account.
Know which bet you want to make and how much you want to spend. Plan in advance so you don’t get carried away.
Bet responsibly, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Happy betting!
