Horse racing is one of the most popular ways to bet in Ireland. With as many as 2,000 races annually attended by more than 1.3 million people, horse racing in Ireland is an enormously popular sport in its own right.
Of course, though, the history of horse racing is tied up with the history of betting. As much as €2.5 million was spent on betting on a single event in 2020, at Leopardstown.
So, today, we’re going to look at how to find the best horse racing betting sites in Ireland—tips, tricks, and what to do to maximise your winnings.
Best Racing betting sites in Ireland
| Bookmaker | Logo |
|---|---|
| Ladbrokes |  |
| Coral |  |
| BoyleSports |  |
How to bet on horses
There are some simple pieces of advice you should know before you start betting on horses. Firstly, pick your events. The biggest races are usually the ones were you get the best odds and promotions. Races like Leopardstown and Punchestown are a great place to start.
Then, think about whether you want to take higher risks on longer odds, or lower risks, for lower rewards, on shorter odds. There’s merit to both strategies.
It’s important to be responsible when betting on horses, though. Always set yourself a budget, and don’t bet more than you’re willing to lose. Problem gambling can see you saddled with debts averaging up to €5,000, so don’t chase those losses or get emotional.
But betting on horse racing in Ireland is one of the nation’s favourite pastimes, and if you take it with a bit of caution, you can even make good money on it.
The other big question is where, and how, to do it.
The best Irish bookmakers for horse racing
Ireland has an extensive and vibrant history of horse racing, dating back hundreds of years, which gathered momentum in the 17th century as the sport became more competitive and organised. Though many of the participants in this historical era were noblemen, horseracing in Ireland spread and grew progressively across the nation, so much so that it has been enjoyed by people from all walks of life, from Cork to Dublin. With this rich history and culture behind the sport, it is no wonder that horse racing is one of the most in demand sports across Ireland when it comes to betting. Let’s explore some of the best Irish bookmakers tailored to horse racing.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power is a staple on the Irish betting scene, and offers a great range of events and bets when it comes to horse racing. The site offers accessible and easily digestible race cards to customers to ensure players have all the information they might need to make an informed bet. Paddy Power currently offers a £20 free bet when you bet £5, which is one of the most competitive introductory offers on the market. Paddy Power also publish racing tips and predictions from experts in the field, with useful commentary which gives insight into the wider sport. Paddy Power rank at 4.8/5 on the Racing Post, making them a strong choice when it comes to betting on horse racing.
Tote
Tote is a solid contender on this list, offering £20 credit when new players place a £5 bet on horse racing. Tote offers useful and descriptive summaries of each race card, so that players can gain quick insight at a glance, when deciding which race to bet on. With an overall rating of 4.2/5 on Racing Post, Tote has been praised for its thorough security system and user-friendly website and mobile app.
BetVictor
Known for their swish user-interface and website design, BetVictor offer excellent odds on a variety of horse racing events from St Leger to the Epsom. They cover all competitive Irish racing events, providing a comprehensive assessment of the Irish scene. BetVictor currently offer players the option to take the early price at any UK or Irish horse racing event, and they will pay out at the starting price if it is bigger. Though this introductory bet is hard to quantify in value, as it will depend on the race it is applied to, it is certainly one to watch.
Boylesports
Boylesports offer an exciting range of race cards, virtual racing, and extra place races. They are currently offering a generous free bet on the 2nd SP favourite at Brighton. Boylesports are known for their excellent customer service, and their website which is highly responsive and user-friendly. Boylesports also offer a modern live-streaming section, which offers live betting functions for players, creating an engaging and exciting experience in real time. With over 300 shops across Ireland and the UK, Boylesports is an accessible bookmaker and can be found on most busy high streets.
Where to bet on horses in Ireland
You have two main choices when it comes to betting on horses in Ireland. You can do it physically, at an off-track bookmaker, or with an online betting site or app.
Obviously, both have their advantages, but it’s going to be down to personal taste. If you’re looking to maximise your winnings, though, online is probably the way to go. You’ll have far more choice, as well as potentially better odds.
That said, the biggest races are always worth keeping an eye on. Like I say, the Leopardstown races tend to bring in the most money. But other races, like Punchestown, are attended by more spectators.
If a pure bet is what you’re looking for, then online is the way to go. You can compare far more odds and markets, and choose the best option.
If you’re looking for the thrill of the event with a bit of a bet on the side, then get yourself out to the track.
If you want to bet on horse racing in Ireland, then, there are countless ways you can do it and hundreds of races to bet on. It’s undoubtedly on of the most popular sports for betting in the country, so you’re going to have plenty of options to look at if you want to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned or totally inexperienced bettor, horse racing can work for you.