Horse racing is an industry that generates over a billion euros. We know that over half of adults in our country bet on horse races. Here is all the information you need to feel confident about betting. Let's get started.
You will learn how to:
- Understand how horse racing betting works in Ireland.
- How to know if the bookmakers we use are safe and where to find them.
- What types of bets are available and their respective values.
- The main news, festivals and applications available in 2025.
Horse Racing Betting Sites
The best licensed bookmakers in Ireland, safe and reliable, so you can enjoy horse racing betting with confidence.
| Rank | Bookmaker | Rating | Bonus | Get bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BetVictor | 4.8/5 | Bet €10 or more, Get up to €20 Matched Free Bets | Read review |
| 2 | Tonybet | 4.4/5 | Deposit €10+ and get a 100% free bet up to €100 | Read review |
| 3 | Quinnbet | 4.4/5 | Bet €10 - Get €10 in Free Bets | Read review |
| 4 | ![]() 10Bet | 4.8/5 | Get 100% up to £50 on First Deposit | Read review |
Now, let's go through them page by page and see how they stand out from the rest for Irish punters in 2025.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites

Betvictor


| ⚠️ Licence | GRAI (Revenue) |
| 🐎 Racing Edge | Worldwide |
| ⭐ Features | Cash out, BOG, Lucky 15, Horse bet finder, Streaming |
| 📱 App/UX | iOS and Android |
| 🎁 Offer | Up to £60 in Matched Free Bets when you place a bet of at least £10 on any Horse Racing market |
| 💳 Payments | PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro |
| ✅ Pros | Promotion focused on horse racing |
| ❌ Cons | Not available GAA Games |
Tonybet


| ⚠️ Licence | National Excise Licence Office (Reference No. 1017899) in Ireland |
| 🐎 Racing Edge | Worldwide (UK, Ireland, Chile, Australia, USA, Asia) |
| ⭐ Features | Streaming, BOG |
| 📱 App/UX | iOS and Android |
| 🎁 Offer | You will receive a free bet bonus of 100% of your first deposit amount for sports |
| 💳 Payments | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, Rapid Transfer, Neosurf, Astropay, Payz |
| ✅ Pros | Top customer service |
| ❌ Cons | Users mention delays in payments, few betting options |
Quinnbet


| ⚠️ Licence | GRAI – QuinnBet 1019644 BY IRELAND |
| 🐎 Racing Edge | Worldwide |
| ⭐ Features | BOG, Extra Places, Free Bet if 2nd |
| 📱 App/UX | iOS and Android |
| 🎁 Offer | 50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day’s losses |
| 💳 Payments | Visa and Mastercard |
| ✅ Pros | Streaming |
| ❌ Cons | Few payment methods |
10Bet


| ⚠️ Licence | UKGC |
| 🐎 Racing Edge | Worldwide |
| ⭐ Features | BOG, Freebets |
| 📱 App/UX | iOS and Android |
| 🎁 Offer | Horse racing free bet. Bet €75, get €10. |
| 💳 Payments | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Neteller, Skrill, Trustly, PaysafeCard, Google Pay, Fast Transfer |
| ✅ Pros | Promotions focused on horse racing |
| ❌ Cons | Not many markets |
🏅 Editor's Pick: Quinn Bet vs Betvictor
| Feature | Quinnbet | Betvictor |
|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ Licence | GRAI/UKGC | GRAI (Revenue) |
| 🎁 Welcome Offer | 50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day's losses | Up to €60 in Matched Free Bets when you place a bet of at least €10 on any Horse Racing market |
| 🐎 Horse Racing Coverage | Worldwide (UK, IRE, Chile, Argentina, USA) | Worldwide (UK, Ireland, Argentina, USA) |
| 📊 Odds & Value | Extra Places | Horse Bet Finder |
| 📱 Mobile App | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| ⭐ Special Features | BOG, Extra Places, Free Bet if 2nd | BOG, Cashout, Lucky 15, Horse Bet finder |
| 💳 Payment Methods | Visa and Mastercard | PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro |
| ✅ Verdict | Best for casual bettors | Best for experienced users |
Now let's take a look at how these two sites work, but with images.
How we choose the best horse racing sites
Secondly, it should provide comprehensive coverage of both Irish and British races (Flat and National Hunt), so that we have more chances to enjoy ourselves.
Thirdly, it should have specific promotions that increase our chances when betting and, last but not least, it should offer live streaming and fixed odds during events.
If it meets these four points, it definitely makes it into our top places to play.
How horse racing betting works in Ireland
Horses and racing have been part of Irish history for over 2,000 years and are not only a sport but also an economic driver with significant social value. Over 80,000 international visitors attend horse racing events.
Let's start by explaining the types of races: Flats and National Hunt. The former take place on flat tracks without obstacles and are faster than the latter. The latter include jumps called hurdles and steeplechases. This highlights strategy and tradition, as Ireland is world-renowned for producing the best jumping horses in the world. This is reflected in the large crowds.
The Irish market has two betting systems: fixed odds and Tote. The former set the price offered by the bookmaker at the time of betting, even if it changes later. Tote odds are a mutual and historic system, managed by Tote Ireland, in which bets are placed in a common pool and the winnings are distributed among the winners (pool betting). These are variable and are most commonly used in large events. However, they are available in physical form at racecourses.
Finally, you should be aware that there are differences between the Irish and English markets. Although they share a history and similar formats, the main difference is that the Irish market is more local and has a direct link to breeders, festivals and tradition, which is why this country emphasises quality, while England emphasises mass appeal.
Types of Bets & Markets Explained
Main types of bets: Win, Place and Each-Way.
- Win: this is a bet on the horse that wins. Basic and popular.
- Place: this is a bet on the place or position where the horse finishes. The amount varies depending on the number of horses.
- Each-way: this bet is a combination of the previous two, paying double but allowing you to win even if one of the two does not match.
Combo bets: Forecast, Tricast, Accumulator
- Forecast: you bet on the first two places.
- Tricast: you bet on the first three places.
- Accumulator: in this case, different bets are combined, but you have to get them all right. The winnings are very attractive.
Advanced multi-race bets: Jackpot (Pick 6) and Place Accumulator
- Jackpot (Pick 6): you bet on who you think will win 6 consecutive races. As the prize is shared among all bettors, the winnings are very high. Typical in Tote.
- Place accumulator: you must correctly predict the position in which your horse will finish consecutively in different races. This is very popular at festivals.
These bets mainly reward consistency.
Complex high-reward bets: Trifecta and Quarter
- Trifecta: you must correctly predict the first three horses in their exact order and are available at Tote.
- Quartet: in this case, the first four in exact order, so the difficulty is very high, but the winnings are very significant.
Their popularity stems from the fact that they are small bets and very difficult to get right, but the possibility of big winnings is huge.
Special markets: head-to-head and without favourite
- Head to Head: you bet by choosing two horses and marking which one will take the lead between the two. Ideal for those who do not want to depend on the final positions. Not always available.
- Without Favourite: you bet as if the favourite horse did not exist, useful if the favourite is usually unbeatable. Used in races where the horses are trained by the best in Ireland.
Visual table of risk vs. reward
| Bet Type | Chance | Risk | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win | Medium | Medium | Classic and safe |
| Place | High | Low | Safe and ideal fixed odds |
| Each-Way | Medium | Medium | Popular for beginners and pays well at festivals |
| Forecast/Tricast | Low | High | Experienced players |
| Accumulator | Very Low | Very High | High potential but high risk |
Horse Racing Odds (Fractional, Decimal, American)
We will explain in simple terms how to understand odds and their main formats: fractional, decimal and American. They tell us how much we can win on a bet, and although racecourses and the Tote use fractional odds, we can find other formats on websites dedicated to this.
- Fractional: used particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. For example, if 5/1 appears, it means that for every euro bet, you will win five, so the total return will be your winnings plus your initial stake. If you bet €10 at 5/1, you will collect €60 (€50 winnings + €10 stake). Therefore, you win 5 times your bet.
- Decimal: mainly used in the rest of Europe. Let us explain: if we take odds of 6.00, the total return is the odds for the bet, for every euro wagered. For example, if you bet €10 at 6.00, you win €60. In this case, the stake is already part of the winnings. In this case, you multiply the bet by 6.
- American: commonly used in the United States. In this case, if we see +500, this tells us how much we win if we bet 100. For example, we will win €500 if we bet €100.
In Ireland, it is common to ask for 5/1 in reference to betting odds. This means that the net profit is €5 for every €1 bet, while the total return is €6 for every €1 bet (your stake is returned).
Conversion table between formats
| Fractional | Decimal | American | Betting €10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/1 | 6.00 | +500 | €60 |
On the other hand, another term is "odds-on", which means that the odds for a horse are less than 1/1, implying low risk and low returns, as it is usually a favourite that is expected to win. Finally, another term that cannot be overlooked is "value betting", which occurs when the odds offered are higher than the horse's actual probability of winning. This is common among the most experienced bettors, because they compare prices at different bookmakers, find the most underestimated ones and bet before the odds change. Put simply, they seek to detect miscalculated odds and profit from them.
Proven Horse Racing Betting Strategies
Among the strategies that work when betting is the 80/20 Each-Way, which divides the winnings between 80% for the winner and 20% for the position, thus reducing the risk of losses without losing a potentially good return. This is a perfect balance between risk and reward.
On the other hand, the 1-3-2-6 progressive plan is a stake management plan that consists of placing four consecutive bets, with which you win and place betting units as time goes by. It is chosen to keep potential risk under control, protect winnings and avoid irresponsible gambling.
As for the Value bet mentioned above, it appears when the odds are higher than the actual probabilities.
It is also important to manage your bankroll wisely, because although this sport is one of the most entertaining, it is also one of the most volatile. Strategies for surviving in this world are based on patience, analysis and observation. Do not chase your winnings; think ahead.
Best Horse Racing Betting Apps
Betting apps are ideal because they allow us to bet quickly and easily, before and during the race. They are also convenient because we can use them from our mobile phones wherever we want, such as at the racecourse itself.
The difference between their features depends on how optimised each one is. For example, Betvictor offers live streaming and cash-out, while Tonybet offers a good streaming service but no cash-out. Then, in terms of available payment methods, BetVictor has more options than Quinnbet. The latter also offers us the "horse bet finder" which recommends the horse that best suits your search for betting.
Finally, if we had to advise on which site apps are easiest to use if you are new to this world, we would recommend Betvictor, as its interface is simple and intuitive.
We recommend that you look for the app that best suits your betting profile and always check that it corresponds to bookmakers that are verified and approved to operate legally. Also, always remember to bet responsibly.
🎥 Streaming & Live Betting
Nowadays, we don't have to rely on a television to watch horse races, as bookmakers offer streaming services and allow us to bet live while the excitement of the sport is happening.
- Betvictor: HD stream · Price boost
- Tonybet: cash-out · app available
- Quinnbet: good streaming quality · live offers
Most of these bookmakers require you to be registered and have at least €1 in your account in order to access the streaming service.
Horse Racing Free Bets & Promotions
Compare today’s horse racing bonuses from trusted Irish bookmakers
| Operator | Welcome bonus | Horse Racing Offer | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to €60 in Matched Bet | Up to €60 in Matched Bet when you place a bet of at least €10 on any Horse Racing market Price boost in every race Cash Refund if your horse loses all its chances at the start of the race Early Price | Visit | |
| You will receive a free bet bonus of 100% of your first deposit amount for sports | - | Visit | |
| 50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day's losses | Best Odds Guaranteed Free Bet if 2nd to the SP Favourite Extra places every day | Visit | |
| 100% up to €50 on first deposit. | Horse racing free bet: Bet €75, get €10. 100% racing boost: From singles to accas! | Visit |
Bonuses, Extra Places & BOG Explained
The bonuses you can enjoy are Free Bets, BOG, Extra Places and NRNB, designed specifically for this sport. Let us explain: BOG stands for Best Odds Guaranteed, which aims to eliminate the risk of betting early and losing the value of the odds if they rise over time.
Then there are Extra Places, which are more commonly used in races with more horses, as they add the possibility of naming up to a sixth place. For example, at major festivals such as Galway or Punchestown.
On the other hand, NRNB stands for Non Runner No Bet, meaning that if our horse does not run, the bookmaker returns the money. Finally, some sites return money or free bets if you bet on a horse to come first and it comes second. However, these are usually used in large, televised competitions and in races between two favourite horses.




Licensing & Safety in Ireland
Then we have the UKGC, which is the regulatory body in the United Kingdom, and the MGA, the regulatory body in Malta. Both have more experience but do not focus on the Irish or their context in the same way that the GRAI does. By choosing to use GRAI-approved operators, you are choosing security, as they are regulated by Irish law, comply with local regulations and preserve your protection.
The sites also have other features such as identity verification (KYC), personal data protection, protection of minors and responsible gaming policies. The latter also includes self-imposed limits that users can set, self-exclusion and external help that is offered.
Top Irish Racing Events & When to Bet
Horse racing is part of Irish identity. Here are some of the festivals:
Firstly, there is the Cheltenham Festival, where the volume of bets is very high and the "Irish takeover" takes place, as the best horses and trainers are Irish. It takes place in March in England and is usually followed by "Cheltenham week", where everyone follows the races and the odds. In these cases, it is ideal to use BOG and Extraplaces.
The Grand National takes place in April in Aintree, England, and is the most famous race in the world. It consists of long distances and obstacles. People who do not usually bet during the year place bets on this race. In these cases, we recommend Each-Way bets, as they take place on large fields and it is ideal to keep an eye on the most skilled horses.
Then, the Irish Derby takes place in June at Curragh Ireland and is the jewel in the country's crown. The best three-year-old colts compete on flat tracks and it is a weekend of national prestige. Be patient with the odds, as they stabilise late due to the smaller field.
Related Competitions
In summary, Grand National Betting highlights tradition, mass participation and the involvement of the Irish community from all over the country. Cheltenham Betting highlights prestige, with several days of excitement and attention to the event in every corner of the country. For its part, Royal Ascot Betting is an event that attracts attention from all over the elegant world and features a top-level horse race on a flat course.
Players often crossover their bets, for example with events such as the Premier League and the Irish national team, or with rugby, which is also popular among people who follow horse racing.
Conclusion: Pros & Cons of Horse Racing Betting in Ireland
Before we reach the end of the text, let's briefly review the pros and cons of betting on this fun and traditional sport.
- Strong sense of tradition
- Exciting races
- Local licensing and regulation (GRAI)
- National participation, both horses and trainers
- Odds formats and markets can be confusing for beginners
- Results can vary very easily
- Some bookmaker bonuses do not take horse racing into account
- Weather changes can affect races
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
Is horse racing betting legal in Ireland?
Yes, betting on horse racing is legal and regulated by the national body GRAI.
How do each-way bets work?
An each-way bet is a double decision, as you bet on the winner (or the top places) and the position. If you lose one, you can win the other.
What is the best app for horse racing betting?
Among the best apps, and therefore the most widely used in Ireland, are Betvictor and Quinnbet.
How are odds calculated?
Odds are calculated based on the money that players bet on each horse, its performance, the terrain on which the race will take place, among other aspects. Meanwhile, in Tote, odds are calculated based on the total betting pool.
What is the smartest way to bet?
If the race is held on large courses, Each-Way is recommended. You should always be on the lookout for Value Bets and keep your bankroll plan in mind.
Do I pay tax on winnings?
No, players do not pay tax on their winnings.
What is BOG and why does it matter?
BOG stands for Best Odds Guaranteed, which means that if you bet on a certain amount but then the odds at the start of the race are higher, you will be paid the higher amount.
How to bet responsibly in Ireland?
Always use legal sites, set limits and always bet based on your bankroll.
Can I watch live races online?
Yes, various bookmakers offer this service.
What is the difference between Tote and fixed odds?
Tote uses pool betting, where all bets go into a common pool and the final odds depend on how they are distributed among the winners. Fixed odds, on the other hand, are set at the time of betting.
