Horse racing has been a popular sport in Canada for centuries, and with the rise of online betting, it has become even more accessible to fans. With so many horse racing betting sites available in Canada, it can be overwhelming to choose which one to use. In this article, we’ll break down the top horse racing betting sites in Canada and what sets them apart from the rest.
Note: this guide is meant for non-Ontario players.
Top Horse Racing Betting Sites in Canada
- Wide range of sports and casino games
- Fast Payouts available 24/7
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- Generous welcome bonuses for casino players
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- Wide variety of games and payments options.
- Geneours welcome bonus for casino
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- Wide range of sports and games to bet on
- User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android devices
- Payment Methods: Mastercard, Neteller, Paysafecard, Skrill, Visa
- Wide range of betting options and casino games
- Generous bonuses and promotions for new customers
- Payment Methods: Gigadat, iDebit, Instadebit, Interac, Mastercard, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, Visa
What the Best Horse Racing Sites Can Offer
- TonyBet– TonyBet is quickly gaining recognition in the Canadian horse racing betting landscape. Known for its diverse betting options, Tonybet caters to a range of betting preferences, from straightforward win bets to more complex wager types. The platform’s live streaming feature significantly enhances the betting experience, allowing users to watch and bet on races as they happen. This, combined with their efficient mobile app, makes Tonybet a convenient choice for bettors who value flexibility and real-time engagement. The site’s user interface is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even for those new to horse racing betting.
- 888Sport – 888Sport is another popular horse racing betting site in Canada. They offer competitive odds and a variety of betting options, including live betting. They also have a loyalty program for frequent bettors.
- BetVictor – BetVictor stands out in the Canadian market for its extensive focus on horse racing. Offering a wide range of betting options, including exotic bets like trifectas and superfectas, BetVictor appeals to both novice and experienced bettors. Their commitment to providing competitive odds ensures bettors receive great value. The availability of a mobile app further enhances the convenience, allowing bets to be placed from virtually anywhere. BetVictor is known for its user-friendly design and seamless navigation, making the betting process straightforward and enjoyable.
- Sports Interaction – Sports Interaction is a popular choice for Canadian horse racing fans. They offer competitive odds and a variety of betting options, including futures bets on significant races. They also have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate the site.
- Betway: Betway is a prominent player in the online betting arena, with a strong emphasis on horse racing. The site is renowned for offering a variety of horse racing bets, complemented by competitive odds that appeal to a broad spectrum of bettors. Betway also provides live betting options, adding an extra layer of excitement to horse race betting. They have established a reputation for having a reliable and user-friendly mobile app, which is a significant advantage for bettors who prefer the flexibility of betting on the move. Additionally, Betway is known for its customer-centric approach, offering excellent customer service and a user-friendly interface.
- 22Bet: 22Bet is another notable name in the world of online horse racing betting in Canada. This platform offers a rich selection of betting markets, catering to diverse betting strategies and preferences. They are particularly appreciated for their live betting feature, which allows bettors to engage with races in real-time, adding a dynamic aspect to the betting experience. The mobile compatibility of 22Bet is a major draw, with a well-designed app that offers full functionality, mirroring the desktop experience. This makes it easy for users to switch between devices without losing out on features or usability. With its comprehensive betting options and user-friendly design, 22Bet is a strong contender for Canadian horse racing bettors.
What to Look for in an Online Horse Betting Site in Canada
When choosing a horse racing betting site, there are several factors to consider:
- Licenses and Security: Ensuring that the betting site is licensed by authorities like the iGaming Ontario License (if you reside in Ontario), Kahnawake Gaming Commission or Malta Gaming Authority is crucial. Also, look for robust security measures like SSL encryption
- Reputation – Look for a site with a good reputation and positive reviews from other bettors.
- Betting Markets and Odds: A variety of betting markets and competitive odds are key elements to look for. This includes options like win, place, show bets, and more exotic bets like Exacta and Trifecta.
- Odds – Look for a site with competitive odds and compare them to other sites to ensure you’re getting the best value.
- Live Streaming – If you want to watch races live, make sure the site offers live streaming of races.
- Mobile App – If you prefer to bet on the go, look for a site with a mobile app that allows you to bet from your phone or tablet.
- Payment methods – Make sure you choose a betting site that offers payment options that are more convenient for you. In Canada, most bettors and gamblers stick to Gigadat or Interac casinos.
- Bonus possibilities: if you are looking for extra credit to place more bets, you may be interested in looking for the most advantageous Sportsbook bonus offered by different betting sites in Canada. Although they are a bit rare, especially for horse racing, you may be able to grab some free bets with no deposit to try the betting site before you play with real money.
How to Start Betting on Horse Racing Online in Canada
Starting to bet on horse racing online in Canada involves a few key steps, as well as understanding the types of bets and strategies to enhance your betting experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to get you started:
Step 1: Choose an Online Betting Site
Firstly, select a reputable online sportsbook that offers horse racing betting. Canadian bettors have a variety of options, including well-known sites like WilliamHill, Betway, and 888sport, among others. These sites typically provide both online betting and mobile apps, compatible with iOS and Android platforms, allowing you to bet on the go. When choosing a site, consider factors like betting markets, odds, user interface, and bonuses offered.
Step 2: Sign Up and Deposit
After selecting a sportsbook, you’ll need to sign up and create an account. This process typically involves filling out a registration form with your details. Once your account is set up, fund it using one of the available deposit methods, which may include debit and credit cards, e-wallets, or even, in some cases, cryptocurrencies.
Step 3: Start Betting
With your account funded, navigate to the horse racing section of the site. Choose the race you’re interested in and the type of bet you want to place. Before placing any bet, it’s important to understand the odds, which could be fixed or use the parimutuel betting system. In parimutuel betting, odds can change up until the race, as they are calculated based on the pool of all wagers placed on each horse.
Types of Bonus at Horse Racing Sites in Canada
In a competitive market, sports betting websites must attract and retain customers. A popular strategy they employ is providing bonus incentives, typically categorized into three types:
Sign-Up Bonus
- As a standard practice, new customers often receive free horse racing bets or tokens after registering and depositing funds.
- A sportsbook that doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus may not be worth considering.
- It’s important to review the terms and conditions of these welcome offers to ensure their legitimacy and value.
Improved Betting Odds
- During significant horse racing events, keep an eye out for improved betting odds.
- These promotions might include higher odds of winning or additional places in races with many participants.
- Both new and existing customers can access these offers, but be aware of any stake limits that might apply.
Exclusive Membership Club
- Loyal customers often get rewarded through exclusive membership clubs.
- By opting in and placing a certain number of bets weekly, members can earn rewards like free bet tokens.
- Being part of a VIP Club offers a unique experience, as such benefits are not available to all site users.
Best Horse Racing Sites with Bonuses
| # | Horse Betting Site | Bonus | Unique Horse Racing Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 888Sport | 100% up to $500 | Win at 4/1 Or Bigger And Receive A £5 Free Bet |
| 2 | Sports Interaction | Up to C$1.000 matched bonus | Horse racing bets include straight, exacta & trifecta |
| 3 | BetVictor | Welcome Bonus Up to $500 Deposit Match | Live-streaming offered for horse racing Offers each way bets of up to 5 places Daily horse racing odds boosts |
| 4 | Betway | $200 if your first bet loses + 50 Bonus Spins no matter the result | Boost Up To 8 Combination Horse Racing Bets Per Week |
| 5 | Mr.Play Sports | 100% up to C$200 | Boost Your Horse Racing Acca Winnings By Up To 77% |
| 6 | William Hill | Risk Free First Bet, Up To $500 | Extra Places On Races Every Week |
| 7 | LeoVegas | Up to $1,000 cash & $30 in Free Bets | Bet on win/place for trotting |
Live Horse Racing Betting Online or In-Play
Bettors can now watch the races unfold in real-time, adding a layer of engagement and immediacy that traditional pre-race betting can’t match.
This immediacy is crucial in a sport like horse racing, where conditions can change rapidly; a horse’s performance can vary due to factors like track conditions, weather, or even its position during the race. Live betting, therefore, requires quick thinking and a keen understanding of the sport.
This feature can be particularly advantageous for those who understand the nuances of horse racing, allowing them to make split-second decisions based on the unfolding dynamics of the race.
Live betting also opens up a host of new betting options, such as betting on a horse that starts slowly but tends to finish strong, or vice versa. This real-time strategic element injects an additional layer of skill and excitement into horse racing betting, making it an increasingly popular choice among bettors in the digital age.
However, there is one BIG con in the live betting form for horse racing is that, unless you have great streaming or you are rather in the event sitting down and following the action, there is a huge chance that your streaming is delayed by some seconds. So it is hard to match the live odds.
Best Live Stream Horse Racing Betting Sites
- LeoVegas: LeoVegas stands out in the realm of horse racing betting with its user-friendly mobile platform, which is particularly beneficial for live streaming. Their live-stream service covers a wide range of horse racing events from around the globe, offering high-quality visuals and smooth streaming. Additionally, LeoVegas often includes useful betting features like in-play statistics and live odds updates, which are especially handy for making informed decisions during live horse racing events.
- WilliamHill: WilliamHill is a venerable name in the world of sports betting, and their live streaming service for horse racing is among the best. They offer extensive coverage of horse racing events, encompassing both domestic (Canadian and American) and international races. Their live streaming platform is integrated with expert commentary and real-time updates, enhancing the overall viewing and betting experience. WilliamHill also provides detailed racecards, giving bettors valuable insights into the horses’ past performances, track conditions, and jockey statistics. This level of detail is particularly beneficial for bettors who rely on thorough analysis before placing their live bets.
- 888Sport: 888Sport has established itself as a strong contender in live sports betting, and its horse racing live stream service is no exception. They offer comprehensive coverage of major horse racing events, complete with live streaming that is accessible both on their website and through their mobile app. 888Sport’s interface is user-friendly, allowing bettors to easily navigate between races and betting markets. They also offer a variety of betting options that can be placed in real-time as the race unfolds. In addition, 888Sport often provides promotional offers specific to horse racing, such as free bets and enhanced odds, which can add extra value to the live betting experience.
Each of these sportsbooks provides a unique live-streaming experience for horse racing, with specific features and benefits that cater to different preferences of bettors. Whether it’s the mobile-centric approach of LeoVegas, the detailed race insights from WilliamHill, or the user-friendly interface and promotions of 888Sport, these platforms offer comprehensive and engaging ways to enjoy live horse racing betting.
Tips to Bet on Online Horse Betting in Canada
If you’re new to horse racing betting, it can be intimidating at first. Here are some basic tips to help you get started:
- Study your sportsbook – Not all betting sites offer the same quality. That’s why it is key to compare them and read reviews of the different options of horse racing betting sites available.
- Understand the Odds – Odds are the most important factor to consider when betting on horse racing. They represent the likelihood of a horse winning a race. The lower the odds, the more likely the horse is to win.
- Study the Form – Before placing a bet, take a look at a horse’s past performances. This will give you an idea of their abilities and track record.
- Consider the Conditions – Factors like track conditions, weather, and jockey can all impact the outcome of a race. Take these into account when placing your bets.
- Start Small – If you’re new to betting, start with small bets and work your way up as you gain more experience.
How Horse Racing Odds Work
There are three main types of odds in horse racing and sports betting, that vary depending on where you are from:
- British fractional odds (eg. 2/1).
- American moneyline (+200).
- Decimal prices (3.00), which is the most common in Canada.
To calculate how horse racing odds work, we’ll take decimal odds of, for example, 3.00 with a stake of C$10 on a horse winning a race. Considering these odds and stakes, your overall winnings would be your stake times the price (10 x 3.00).
So, if you bet C$10 on the horse to win, your potential winnings would be C$30 (C$20 profit plus your stake back).
Try your odds and stakes for horse betting bets with our bet calculator. You can convert odds, find out profits for certain bet combinations and see what the implied probability of winning is.
Best Types of Bets for Horse Racing
When it comes to horse racing betting, there are many types of bets to choose from. Some of the most popular bets include:
Straight bets
In this type of bet, you are betting for one only outcome: either to Win, to Place or to Show.
- Win – A win bet is a simple wager on which horse will win the race. If your horse comes in first, you win.
- Place – A place bet is a wager on a horse to finish in first or second place. The odds are lower than a winning bet, but the chances of winning are higher.
- Show – A show bet is a wager on a horse to finish in first, second, or third place. The odds are even lower than a place bet, but the chances of winning are higher.
Calculate straight bets calculator.
Combined bets or Across the board
These types of bets can reunite many combinations of bets. You can try Parlay Bets, also called accumulators or more specific types of bets for horse racing such as the Lucky 15.
The Lucky 15 is a combination of 15 options that could combine different outcomes. We offer also a Lucky 15 bet calculator for those into horse racing betting in Canada. Other combined bets that work just fine for horse racing are:
- Doubles (2 picks parlay).
- Trebles (3 picks parlay).
- Trixies.
- Patent.
- Lucky 31.
- Lucky 63.
- Heinz.
- Super Heinz.
- Yankee.
- Canadian.
- Goliath.
- System bets.
Each-way
If you’re wondering how to bet on horse racing with an each-way bet, think of it as a two-in-one wager. Half of your stake goes on a win and half on place terms that are determined by the site. These vary depending on the type of horse race and number of runners.
If your horse wins, you’ll receive a bigger return. If your horse places, then you’ll receive a smaller fraction of the win odds. Each way can be the best value horse racing bet especially when you pick a big outsider.
You can place each-way bets in practically any type of bet: straight, double, trebles, lucky 15, etc.
More complex bets
- Exacta – An exacta is a bet on which two horses will finish in first and second place, in the correct order.
- Trifecta – A trifecta is a bet on which three horses will finish in first, second, and third place, in the correct order.
- Superfecta – A superfecta is a bet on which four horses will finish in first, second, third, and fourth place, in the correct order.
These bet types cannot be calculated easily due to the complexity of the calculations. Check more types of bets in our overall betting odds calculator.
Popular Horse Racing Events in Canada & Around the World
Several major horse racing events in Canada attract bettors from around the world. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Queen’s Plate – The Queen’s Plate is Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race, dating back to 1860. It’s held annually at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
- Canadian International – The Canadian International is a prestigious turf race held at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. It attracts some of the best horses from around the world and has a purse of over $1 million.
- Breeders’ Cup – The Breeders’ Stakes is the third and final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. It’s held annually at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and features some of the best three-year-old horses in the country.
- Cheltenham Gold Cup: If you prefer betting on horses over jumps and under National Hunt rules, then the Cheltenham Gold Cup is for you. It’s the feature steeplechase race during four fabulous days from the Cheltenham Festival held in the UK every March.
- Kentucky Derby: The best three-year-old North American thoroughbreds contest the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville in early May. Nicknamed ‘the Run for the Roses’, it is arguably the world’s most famous Flat dirt race. The Kentucky Derby is certainly the most prestigious in the USA and it’s the first leg of the American Triple Crown.
Horse Racing Schedule for 2024
What horse races are coming up? These are the official dates for the most important events for Horse Racing this year.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 7th -8th | Queen’s Plate | Woodbine, Canada |
| March 12th - 15th | Cheltenham Festival | Cheltenham, UK |
| April 11th - 13th | The Randox Grand National | Liverpool, UK |
| May 4th | Kentucky Derby | Louisville, USA |
| May 20th | Preakness Stakes | Baltimore, USA |
| May 31st - June 1st | The Derby Festival | Derby, UK |
| June 8th | Belmont Stakes | New York, USA |
| June 14th -18th | Royal Ascot | Ascot, UK |
| July 30th - August 3rd | Glorious Goodwood | Goodwood, UK |
| October 5th - 6th | Arc Weekend | Longchamp, France |
| November 1st-4th | Breeders’ Cup | Keeneland, USA |
| November 5th | Melbourne Cup | Victoria, Australia |
Evolution and Popularity of Horse Racing in Canada
Horse racing holds a significant place in Canadian sports history, dating back to 1767. The sport has maintained its appeal over the years, with events like the Canadian Triple Crown and Canadian International Stakes drawing attention annually. These races, overseen by the Jockey Club of Canada, exemplify the sport’s enduring popularity.
Legal Landscape of Horse Racing Betting in Canada
Horse racing betting in Canada is fully legal. This legalization dates back to 1969, with online horse betting being a part of this legal framework. However, in Ontario, the situation is slightly different, with specific legal sites like HPI Bet and Dark Horse being the primary options for bettors
Conclusion: Many Good Choices for Online Horse Betting in Canada
There are many horse racing betting sites available in Canada, but by considering factors like reputation, betting options, odds, and live streaming, you can choose the one that’s right for you.
If you’re new to horse betting, remember to take it slow, use free bets or bonuses to be able to risk less in your first bets, study the odds and form, and start small.
With a little bit of luck and some skill, you could be on your way to winning big on the horses.
FAQ – Horse Racing Betting Sites in Canada
Is horse racing betting legal in Canada?
Yes, it is. Players in Canada can bet on horse racing on authorized and regulated betting sites. Make sure you check what are the betting sites that are authorized in your region. For example, Ontario players can only bet on Ontario betting sites.
What are the best horse racing betting sites in Canada?
There are a good bunch of options for Canadian players. Some good names of horse racing betting sites are Betway, WilliamHill and Sports Interaction.
