Online Horse Racing Betting in Canada
Best Horse Racing Online Sportsbooks in Canada 2024
- Horse Racing
- Top Events
- Live Streams
- Calculation of possible winnings
- Singles and multi bets
- Various betting markets on top sporting events
- No Deposit Fees
- Exclusive Game Shows and Live Slots
- Calculation of Possible Winnings
- All Top Events
- Best Odds
- Live Streams
- 24/7 customer support
- Sports betting
- Slot races
- Minimum Deposit C$20
- Regular Promotions
- Free Play Mode
- VIP Program Featuring 99 levels
- Exclusive LeoVegas Games
- Mobile App on iOS and Android
- New Customer Offer
- Minimum qualifying bet $10
- Min odds for qualifying bet 1.80 or higher
- Secure and Banking Options
- Real-time Live Dealer Interaction
- VR-Enhanced Gaming
- Week bonuses
- Cashback
- Huge payment section
- Promo code:
- 125+ Sports
- eSports Betting
- VIP program with personal manager
- Wide variety of payment methods, including e-wallets and crypto
- 24/7 support
- Boosted Odds
- Minimum Deposit CA$15
20Bet
First established in 2020, 20Bet has come a long way within just a few years, now available in over 100 countries, including Canada. Regarding how to bet on horse racing, they have all the major betting markets covered. Even better, their excellent live streaming service is available free of charge once a user has opened an account. A Quick Bet service allows bettors to click on live odds and open a betting slip instantly.
Though many more traditional banking options can be found, 20Bet is a firm believer in cryptocurrencies, with over 18 different types listed. All deposits are instant no matter what method is used, and withdrawals take around 1 – 3 days. Note that, though the winning limits are set very high at CA$100,000 per bet, you can only cash out a maximum of CA$4,000 per day.
- Great live betting options
- Lots of banking methods
- Covers lots of horse betting markets
- Overly simplistic Layout
- Bonuses have many stringent terms and conditions
- No bet builder
22bet
22bet is the older sister of 20Bet, having first opened its doors back in 2007, which makes them industry veterans in the world of sportsbooks. Over this time, they have worked tirelessly to bring their customers the best in sports betting, with generous odds, a huge variety of banking methods, and quick withdrawals. Also, opening an account and betting for as little as CA$1 is possible. Another point that 22Bet prides itself on is offering higher odds on horse racing.
This translates into better results and shows that the platform takes customers’ needs seriously. Finally, a mobile app is available for iOS and Android users. Both of these have been optimized to give the best betting experience on a smartphone, thanks to their user-friendly interface and easy-to-use navigation.
- Excellent mobile app
- Live betting and Quick bets
- Deposit from CA1$
- Confusing site layout
- High wagering requirements
- No live streaming
Snatch Casino
As can be guessed from the name, SnatchCasino Sportsbook offers users both online casino games and a comprehensive sportsbook covering horse racing worldwide. The platform has been live for over a year, making it a new player in the sports betting market.
Nevertheless, they have carved themselves out a great reputation in such a short period of time. Thanks to seamless live streaming, bettors can enjoy in-play betting. Though an app is presently being developed, players can still experience all the excitement and fun of a day at the races by using a mobile version of the website on their smartphones.
- High withdrawal limits
- 24/4 live chat support
- Great choice of banking options
- No FAQ section
- Only a single welcome bonus option
- Events directory and front page are confusing
How to Bet on Horse Racing
A good place to start any horse betting on Canadian sports betting sites online journey is by choosing one of our recommended sportsbooks. Having checked every aspect, we can guarantee they are safe and offer some of the best racing experiences any bettor could wish for. Let’s go through the steps needed to sign up and place a bet:
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Step 1
Choose one of our sportsbooks above.
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Step 2
Sign-up and make an account.
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Step 3
Click on the horse racing tab and then make a deposit.
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Step 4
Spend some time researching the best odds, betting options, and strategies, as this is going to prove to be a more fruitful strategy.
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Step 5
Select the type of bet for the bet slip. If it’s a straight bet on a single horse, select the horse by name. Now, enter your stake.
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Step 6
Carefully review the bet details. If you’re happy with everything, then click “ Confirm Bet”.
How Horse Racing Odds Work
On the day of the races, but before the horse betting starts, the odds will be posted on the Tote board at the track. These odds are placed on the horses by the track handicapper and fluctuate as the race approaches and more customers are betting. The horse
Place
Bet on a horse to come in either first or second. However, depending on the number of horses in the race, it’s possible to be paid out if the selected horse finishes in the top three.
Show Bet
Wager that your choice of horse will come in the top three positions in a given race.
with the lowest odds is the one that most customers have bet on and is called the “favourite.” Conversely, “longshots” have the least amount of money placed on them.
In the Great White North, odds are normally displayed as either “Fractional” or “Decimal.” With the former, odds of 6/1 mean that the bettor wins CA$6 for every CA$1 wager. Decimal odds are a single number that represents the total amount a winner would receive on a CA$1 bet.
Popular Types of Horse Racing Bets
For those new to waging on the horses, with so many types of bets and terms, it can all be slightly overwhelming initially. The first thing to note is that there are essentially two types of bets: “straight” and “exotic”. Beginners should stick with straight bets, as they are the simplest to master. It’s true that exotic bets like the Quinella and Trifecta can offer bettors the possibility of landing bigger payouts than straight bets. However, there are more variables involved, and the chances of winning are much reduced.
Horse Racing Betting Tips
There’s much more to betting on the horses than slamming down your hard-earned cash and crossing your fingers. If you want to up your betting game, it’s a good idea to approach horse racing like any other activity you want to improve with. This involves a deeper understanding of the many different factors that go towards what makes an intelligent bet.
- Research the Jockey – Check their history to see if they’re a winning jockey, including if they are maintaining their weight. Also, check out the type of horses and tracks they excel on and how experienced they are overall.
- Check the History of the Horse – Look at the condition of the horse. For example, is it healthy? When did it last run? Has it had adequate rest? Research to see the type of running conditions it enjoys. Finally, the horse’s running style – whether they sprint off the line or are steady in pace – can affect the race.
- Track Conditions – On the day of the race, make sure you check the condition of the racetrack. After all, if it’s muddy, then that’ll have a huge influence on the outcomes. Following on from this, keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
- Join More Sportsbooks – By having accounts with at least three different bookies, you’re going to find better odds for the same race. This can have a huge impact on possible profits. So, as a rule, before placing a bet, always check each online website for their odds. This also applies to bonuses and promotional offers.
- Proper Bankroll Management – Having a bankroll strategy is an essential element of enjoyable betting. To that end, it’s important to pace your betting rather than blow everything on a single bet, no matter how sure you might be of the result. As a rule, we suggest never betting more than 1% – 5% on any single wager.
Major Horse Racing Events to Bet on
Being one of the world’s oldest yet most popular sports, millions of hopeful people place bets on horse racing events every year. Of the many races held, some stand out thanks to their size and prestige. Just as in the US, Canucks have their own Triple Crown Series: The Queen’s Plate and Breeders stakes at Woodbine Racetrack and the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack. Below, we’ve listed some of the best worldwide racing events to bet on.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
With a huge purse of several million dollars, the Breeder’s Cup is run annually for thoroughbred horses three years of age or older. First run in 1984, the Classic is held in November and is the final race of the Grand Slam, which includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. So far, only one horse, American Pharoah, has won all four races.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
This is a steeplechase with a course of 5,294 metres with 22 fences to be jumped. It’s open to all horses over five years and takes part in March as part of the Cheltenham Festival. The race is a non-handicap chase and is the most valuable race in the UK, with a 2023 winning purse of £625,000.
Kentucky Derby
Since 1875, on the first Saturday of May, the Kentucky Derby has been held in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s the first race in the Triple Crown Series, which also includes the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Generally regarded as one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, the race draws more than 150,000 spectators to the Churchill Downs racetrack and thousands of Kentucky derby online betting fans each year.
Melbourne Horse Racing Cup
This 3,200-metre race is Australia’s most popular annual horse race, so much so that it’s known as the “Race that Stops a Nation”. It’s an event that Canucks love to bet on and is held on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. The total purse for the race is A$8 million, with the winner receiving just over half.
Queen’s Plate
With the death of the Queen of England in 2022, the name of the race has reverted to the King’s Plate in honour of the succession of Charles III. It’s Canada’s oldest horse race, being first run in 1860. Today, it’s something of a Canadian cultural icon, with thousands of spectators attending the event at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
Horse Racing Schedule 2024
The horse racing calendar offers a rich and varied platform throughout the year. Below, we’ve listed some of the most famous races in the world.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 15 | Cheltenham Gold Cup | Cheltenham racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham |
| Mar 30 | Dubai World Cup | Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE |
| Apr 13 | Grand National | Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool |
| May 4 | Kentucky Derby | Louisville, Kentucky, US |
| May 18 | Preakness Stakes | Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| June 8 | Belmont Stakes | Belmont Park, Elmont, New York, USA |
| June 22 | Ascot Gold Cup | Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, England |
| Nov 1 | Breeders Cup | USA |
| Nov 5 | Melbourne Cup | Victoria, Australia |
How do we Check Horse Racing Betting Sites?
A Google search for sportsbooks that cover horse racing comes up with literally hundreds of results. To determine the best, we examine the most important factors that can make or break your betting sessions. Below are the main points you should know before joining any online bookie.
Bonus Availability
All our recommended sites offer a welcome bonus for new users signing up for the first time and making a minimum deposit. Other promotions for returning players may include a Friday Reload bonus, 100% bet insurance, daily accumulators, and bonuses on losing bets. Take note that all bonuses are subject to wagering requirements as well as time limits within which they must be used. Furthermore, there may be minimum odds for free bonus bets.
| 20Bet | 22Bet | Snatch Casino |
|---|---|---|
| 100% up to CA$150 in Free Bets (Min Deposit CA$2) | 100% up to CA$300 + 22 Bet Points (Min Deposit CA$2) | Free bets worth CA$100 (Min Deposit CA$10) |
Best Odds
It’s important to keep in mind that the odds on a horse race are not fixed. They often fluctuate as a race nears as the amount of betting activity increases. For example, if a horse is backed heavily, then the odds go down. Conversely, if many bets are placed on other horses, then the odds on that particular horse go up simply because the bookie is trying to encourage bettors to back it. All our recommended bookmakers have competitive priced racing odds. But it’s always a good idea to compare odds between sportsbooks, as the same horse may attract different estimations.
Deposit and Withdrawals
In the interest of offering the best customer service, all top online sportsbooks will offer their users a large selection of banking options to make both deposits and withdrawals from their online accounts.
| Banking Method | 20Bet | 22Bet | Snatch Casino | 20Bet | 22Bet | Snatch Casino |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Deposit | Deposit | Withdraw | Withdraw | Withdraw | |
| Bank Transfer | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Credit/Debit Cards | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| EcoPayz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ |
| Interac | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| MyFinity | ➖ | ➖ | ✔️ | ➖ | ➖ | ✔️ |
| Klarna | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ➖ | ➖ | ➖ |
| Jeton | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ |
| CashtoCode | ➖ | ➖ | ✔️ | ➖ | ➖ | ➖ |
| Revolut | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Neosurf | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Neteller | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ |
| Perfect Money | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ |
| Skrill | ✔️ | ✔️ | ➖ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| EZeeWallet | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Mobile Betting
With so many sports bettors utilising their mobile phones to bet online, it’s no surprise that Canadian sportsbooks all offer betting apps as a means of ensuring a smooth betting experience. Whether using an iPhone or Android device, you can relax, as today’s betting websites are all optimised for easy navigation on smaller screen size.
Licence and Security
Before signing up and opening a sportsbook account for horse betting, always check that the platform is fully licensed and regulated by a relevant gaming commission. Canadian bettors looking to use home-grown sportsbooks still need to check if they’re licensed by their respective provincial authorities. A licence ensures the betting company enforces high standards when it comes to looking after your personal details and your funds.
FAQ
Is online horse betting Canada even legal?
Yes, it is! All horse race betting in Canada is 100% legal. However, ensure you meet the legal age requirements for gambling in your province.
Is there a bonus for betting on horse racing?
Virtually all CA sportsbooks reward users with generous welcome bonuses when they sign up to the betting platform for the first time. These can come in the form of 100% matched bonuses up to CA$1,000 or free bets. Also, when an important horse race is taking place, bookies give out boosted odds and bonus bets in a bid to generate new business.
How to choose the best horse racing betting site?
The sites recommended above have been examined to determine that they offer the best value and betting experience across the board. They are all fully licensed and offer users both great odds as well as a secure betting environment.
What types of bets are there on horse racing?
Horse racing bets can be divided into two categories: straight bets and exotic bets. With the former, betting couldn’t be easier, with bets on which horse will win or come in the top three places. Exotic bets are built up from straight bets in that they often comprise multiple bets.
How do horse racing odds work?
If using Decimal odds, a bettor wagering CA$1 at 3.25 expects to see CA$3.25 on the winner (a profit of CA$2.25). For those using fractional odds, the first number of the equation is what you stand to win, with the second number being the amount needed to be staked.
What are the main horse racing events to bet on?
Throughout the year, horse racing has a busy schedule, with significant races taking place globally. Have a look at our list of the best events of 2023 above.
Where can I watch horse racing live online?
Many Canadian sportsbooks feature online streaming of horse racing. For an even more convenient experience, it’s also possible to watch on mobile devices.