Horse Racing Betting Ireland

⏲️ Reading time: 15 minutes

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
4.8/5
Bet €10 or more, Get up to €20 Matched Free Bets
Read review
2
4.4/5
Deposit €10+ and get a 100% free bet up to €100
Read review
3
4.4/5
Bet €10 - Get €10 in Free Bets
Read review
4
4.8/5
Get 100% up to £50 on First Deposit
Read review
All the websites we show you are secure and licensed by GRAI and EU-recognised authorities, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind.

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

The best betting sites for Horse racing in Ireland

 

Betvictor

Betvictor Ireland Betting Horse Racing pcBetvictor Ireland Betting Horse Racing
Betvictor
⚠️ LicenceGRAI (Revenue)
🐎 Racing EdgeWorldwide
FeaturesCash out, BOG, Lucky 15, Horse bet finder, Streaming
📱 App/UXiOS and Android
🎁 OfferUp to £60 in Matched Free Bets when you place a bet of at least £10 on any Horse Racing market
💳 PaymentsPayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
ProsPromotion focused on horse racing
ConsNot available GAA Games

 

Tonybet

Homepage Sportsbetting Tonybet IHomepage Sportsbetting Tonybet Ireland mobile
Tonybet
⚠️ LicenceNational Excise Licence Office (Reference No. 1017899) in Ireland
🐎 Racing EdgeWorldwide (UK, Ireland, Chile, Australia, USA, Asia)
FeaturesStreaming, BOG
📱 App/UXiOS and Android
🎁 OfferYou will receive a free bet bonus of 100% of your first deposit amount for sports
💳 PaymentsVisa, Mastercard, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, Rapid Transfer, Neosurf, Astropay, Payz
ProsTop customer service
ConsUsers mention delays in payments, few betting options

 

Quinnbet

Quinnbet Ireland Betting Horse Racing pcQuinnbet Ireland Betting Horse Racing
Quinnbet
⚠️ LicenceGRAI – QuinnBet 1019644 BY IRELAND
🐎 Racing EdgeWorldwide
FeaturesBOG, Extra Places, Free Bet if 2nd
📱 App/UXiOS and Android
🎁 Offer50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day’s losses
💳 PaymentsVisa and Mastercard
ProsStreaming
ConsFew payment methods

 

10Bet

10bet Ireland Betting Horse Racing pc10bet Ireland Betting Horse Racing
10Bet
⚠️ LicenceUKGC
🐎 Racing EdgeWorldwide
FeaturesBOG, Freebets
📱 App/UXiOS and Android
🎁 OfferHorse racing free bet. Bet €75, get €10.
💳 PaymentsVisa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Neteller, Skrill, Trustly, PaysafeCard, Google Pay, Fast Transfer
ProsPromotions focused on horse racing
ConsNot many markets

🏅 Editor's Pick: Quinn Bet vs Betvictor

FeatureQuinnbetBetvictor
⚠️ LicenceGRAI/UKGCGRAI (Revenue)
🎁 Welcome Offer50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day's lossesUp to €60 in Matched Free Bets when you place a bet of at least €10 on any Horse Racing market
🐎 Horse Racing CoverageWorldwide (UK, IRE, Chile, Argentina, USA)Worldwide (UK, Ireland, Argentina, USA)
📊 Odds & ValueExtra PlacesHorse Bet Finder
📱 Mobile AppAndroid and iOSAndroid and iOS
Special FeaturesBOG, Extra Places, Free Bet if 2ndBOG, Cashout, Lucky 15, Horse Bet finder
💳 Payment MethodsVisa and MastercardPayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
VerdictBest for casual bettorsBest 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

To choose our next favourite site correctly, we must first ensure that it has the correct licence to operate in the country (GRAI). This means that it will be a secure site that promotes fair and, above all, responsible gaming.

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.

The minimum age for betting is 18, and betting is regulated to ensure transparency and legitimacy.

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 TypeChanceRiskTip
WinMediumMediumClassic and safe
PlaceHighLowSafe and ideal fixed odds
Each-WayMediumMediumPopular for beginners and pays well at festivals
Forecast/TricastLowHighExperienced players
AccumulatorVery LowVery HighHigh 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

FractionalDecimalAmericanBetting €10
5/16.00+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.

Here is an example of ROI, or return on investment: if you bet €10 (8 on the winner and 2 on the place), with odds of 10/1 and a place paying 1/5, and the horse wins, you would get a return of €84. Why? You would get €8 × 10/1 = €80 from the winner and €2 × (10/1 × 1/5) = €2 × 2/1 = €4 from the place bet. Whereas, if you only win on the place bet, you lose €8 on the winner, but you get €2 × 2/1 = €4 from the place bet and recover part of your stake.

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.

If we had to recommend any, with the clear understanding that they are well received by their users and are convenient, we would have to mention Quinnbet and Betvictor. These are chosen for their special offers and, most importantly, they are licensed to operate legally.

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.

AppLicenceLive StreamCash-outBOGPayments
BetvictorGRAIYesYesYesGood
TonybetGRAIYesYesYesExcellent
QuinnbetGRAI – UKGCYesYesYesFew methods
10BetGRAIYesNoYesExcellent

 

🎥 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.

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

OperatorWelcome bonusHorse Racing OfferVisit
betvictor logo irelandUp to €60 in Matched BetUp 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
Tonybet Logo IrelandYou will receive a free bet bonus of 100% of your first deposit amount for sports- Visit
Quinnbet logo50% back up to L25 // 50% back as Free Bet on your day's lossesBest Odds Guaranteed
Free Bet if 2nd to the SP Favourite
Extra places every day
Visit
10bet logo ireland 300x140100% 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.

Betvictor - Claim Now

Betvictor Ireland Offers Horse RacingBetvictor Ireland Offers Horse Racing

 

Quinnbet - Claim Now

Quinnbet Ireland Offers Horse Racing pcQuinnbet Ireland Offers Horse Racing

Licensing & Safety in Ireland

In Ireland, betting is regulated by the GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland), which has been operating since 2025 and is the authority responsible for overseeing compliance with the Gambling Regulation Act. Among its tasks, it maintains a National Gambling Exclusion Register.

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.

Pluses
  • Strong sense of tradition
  • Exciting races
  • Local licensing and regulation (GRAI)
  • National participation, both horses and trainers
Minuses
  • 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.

Author
Jacob Peter - iGaming Content Writer
iGaming Content Writer
With years of experience in sports betting and iGaming, he writes bookmaker reviews, betting guides, and articles that make the betting world easier to understand. Having explored different sportsbooks himself, he brings an insider’s view that helps readers place smarter bets.
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