If you are new to horse racing betting in Canada and are looking for a place to compare and choose the best option of horse racing sites available, you have landed in the right place. Below you will find one of the most complete guides on the Internet to start betting on horse racing in Canada. This guide covers the best horse racing betting sites in Canada, the most popular races, key betting markets, and expert tips to help you make smarter wagers
Note: this guide is meant for non-Ontario players. If you are coming from Ontario, please go to our guide of Ontario Betting Sites.
- Wide range of betting options and casino games
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- Fair Deposit Bonus T&Cs
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- Wide range of sports and games to bet on
- User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android devices
- Payment Methods: Interac
Getting Started with Horse Racing Betting in Canada
Here’s how to get started with horse racing betting in Canada, step by step:
- Choose a Betting Site
Pick a site that’s legal and secure in Canada. Look for licensing info and good reviews. Make sure it covers the big races like the Queen’s Plate and Kentucky Derby. - Create an Account
Sign up by filling out your details. Most sites will ask you to verify your identity—it’s standard procedure to keep everything legit. - Deposit Funds
Add money to your account. Canadian sites usually accept Interac, credit cards, and e-wallets. Go with the payment method you’re most comfortable using. - Explore Betting Options
Start by checking the races available. Don’t jump straight into complex bets. If you’re new, try basic options like Win, Place and Show. - Do Your Research
Learn about the horses, jockeys, and track conditions. Small details can make a big difference. Many betting sites have stats and guides to help you. - Place Your Bet
Once you’re confident, place your bet. Keep your stakes small if you’re just starting. It’s about learning the ropes, not chasing big wins. - Watch the Race and Track Results
Follow the race live or check the results later. Watching can help you understand how your picks perform and improve your future bets.
Why Bet on Horse Racing?
Horse racing betting has been a timeless favorite for Canadians, combining strategy, tradition, and the thrill of the race. Whether you’re placing a wager on the Kentucky Derby or a local meet, finding the right betting site is key to enjoying a seamless experience and maximizing your returns.
This sport offers something unique compared to other sports. Here’s why it’s such a popular betting option:
- Fast-Paced Action: Races are quick, exciting, and packed with adrenaline.
- Variety of Events: From local meets to international races, there’s always something happening.
- Strategic Betting: Analyzing form, track conditions, and odds makes it as much about skill as luck.
However, there are many other sports worth betting! Check everything you need to know about sports betting in Canada, including the many sports you can bet on!
How to Pick the Right Betting Site
Finding the right betting site can make all the difference. Here’s what to focus on:
Explore the Racing Options
Not all sites are built for horse racing fans. Check if the site covers major events like the Queen’s Plate, the Kentucky Derby, or even international races. A site with a wide variety of races and betting markets will give you more flexibility.
Compare Odds
Odds vary between sites, and better odds mean better payouts. Before committing, take a moment to compare the odds for the same race across a few platforms. Even small differences can add up over time.
Look at the User Experience
The site should be easy to navigate and work smoothly on desktop and mobile. If you plan to bet on the go, make sure the mobile app or site is intuitive and fast. A cluttered interface can make betting frustrating, especially during live races.
Review Payment Options
Pick a site that supports the payment method you’re comfortable using. Most Canadian sites accept Interac, credit cards, and e-wallets. Also, check the withdrawal processing times—quick payouts are a big plus.
Extra Features That Add Value
Some sites go beyond basic betting and offer live streaming, detailed stats, or betting tools. These features can help you make smarter decisions and enjoy the races more.
Customer Support That’s Actually Helpful
If something goes wrong, you’ll want a support team that responds quickly. Look for sites with live chat, email, or phone support, and test their response time if you can. A good support team is a sign the site values its users.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Canada
The best horse racing betting sites in Canada are the ones that have a healthy mix of competitive odds, and a wide covering of events that include flat races and jumping events. It also helps if they offer boosting bonuses on parlays or specific bets for horse racing.
Based on our experience, the best betting sites for horse racing in Canada that most closely fit that definition is Betway, because of its competitive odds, live betting and an app to download to place bets, followed by MrPlay, with fewer options and optimized only for laptop devices.
1. Betway
Betway shines with its laser focus on both local and international sports events, including the noble sport of horse racing. It’s a haven for bettors seeking detailed markets for major events, offering diverse bet types to suit any strategy. Betway goes the extra mile with features like Best Odds Guaranteed and Enhanced Odds, ensuring bettors get the most bang for their buck. Its comprehensive coverage and competitive odds on events like the Breeders’ Cup make it a go-to platform for serious bettors.
2. MrPlay
MrPlay offers a more curated horse racing betting experience, with a focus on providing quality over quantity. This platform is ideal for bettors who prefer a straightforward betting experience without the overwhelming choice of some larger sites. MrPlay’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great starting point for those new to betting on major horse racing events. While it may not offer the breadth of markets found on other sites, its competitive odds and special features like PlayBoost, which offers enhanced odds for accumulator bets, make it a worthy consideration.
Key Horse Racing Events Worth to Bet On
The world of horse racing is filled with prestigious events that attract bettors from around the globe. Here are the biggest races to watch and wager on:
1. The Kentucky Derby
Known as “The Run for the Roses,” this is the most famous horse race in North America.
Popular Bets: Win, place, or show; Exacta (predict the top two horses in order).
2. The Grand National
A legendary steeplechase race held in the UK, the Grand National is perfect for bettors who love a challenge.
Popular Bets: Each-way betting and Top 3 finishers.
3. The Queen’s Plate
Canada’s most prestigious horse race, held annually at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
Popular Bets: Outright winner and Trifecta (predict the top three horses in exact order).
4. The Melbourne Cup
Australia’s “race that stops a nation” is a global betting favorite.
Popular Bets: Quinella (top two horses in any order) and Place betting.
5. The Breeders’ Cup
A two-day championship event featuring the best horses worldwide.
Popular Bets: Daily doubles and Parlay bets across multiple races.
2025 Schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 11th – 14th | Cheltenham Festival | Cheltenham, UK |
| April 3rd – 5th | The Randox Grand National | Liverpool, UK |
| May 3rd | Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs, Kentucky, USA |
| May 17th | Preakness Stakes | Baltimore, USA |
| June 6th – 7th | The Derby Festival | Derby, UK |
| June 7th | Belmont Stakes | Saratoga Springs, USA |
| June 17th -21st | Royal Ascot | Ascot, UK |
| July 29th – August 2nd | Glorious Goodwood | Goodwood, UK |
| October 4th – 5th | Arc Weekend | Longchamp, France |
| October 31st- Nov 1st | Breeders’ Cup | Keeneland, USA |
| November 4th | Melbourne Cup | Victoria, Australia |
Popular Horse Racing Betting Types
Horse racing offers a wide variety of betting options. Here are the most common markets you’ll find:
Win, Place, Show:
- Win: Pick the horse that finishes first.
- Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Bet on a horse to finish in the top three.
Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta:
- Exacta: Predict the first two horses in the correct order.
- Quinella: Predict the first two horses in any order.
- Trifecta: Predict the top three horses in the exact order.
Each-Way Bets:
A combination of win and place bets, giving you a payout even if your horse doesn’t win but finishes high.
Parlay Bets
Combine bets across multiple races for a higher payout.
Live Betting
Bet mid-race on adjusted odds as the action unfolds.
Winning Tips for Horse Racing Betting
Want to improve your horse racing bets? Follow these expert tips:
- Study the Form Guide: A horse’s form tells you how it has performed in previous races. Look for consistency and performance on similar track types.
- Analyze Track Conditions: Track conditions (firm, soft, muddy) can significantly impact a horse’s performance. Some horses excel on dry tracks, while others thrive in the mud.
- Know the Jockey and Trainer: Jockeys and trainers with a strong track record often have an edge. Research their stats for better-informed bets.
- Bet on Value, Not Favorites: While favorites win frequently, the odds often don’t offer much value. Look for horses with decent odds and strong potential.
- Start with Simple Bets: If you’re new, stick to win/place/show bets before trying more complex markets like trifectas or parlays.
Learn more betting strategies →
FAQs About Horse Racing Betting
Yes, horse racing betting is legal in Canada. 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.
Some of the best horse racing betting sites are Betway, WilliamHill and Sports Interaction.
It’s not so much that you can’t bet on horse racing in the Province of Ontario, only that the Ontario private sportsbook market is not allowed to offer odds on horse racing. Instead, horse racing enthusiasts in Ontario can use Woodbine Racing’s two betting options “Dark Horse” and “HPIbet“.
Win refers to the winner of the race. Place refers to the second-place horse, and show is the horse that finishes third.