Best US Horse Betting Sites
There is a long history of legal horse betting in the US, more so than sports betting or online casinos. If you want to sign up for a horse betting site to bet on the Preakness and other popular horse races, you’ve got multiple options.
On this page, we will go over the best horse betting sites, the welcome bonuses you can claim, and everything you need to know before placing your bets.
Our Favorite Online Bookmakers!
| Sportsbook | Features | Bonus | Promo & Code |
|---|---|---|---|
1.
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$300 Deposit Match |
Play Now |
Choosing the Best Horse Racing Sites
There are several factors to consider when choosing a horse betting site.
- Bonuses, promotions, and VIP programs
- Mobile app usability
- Live streaming
- Payment methods
- Customer service
- Betting options
Not all horse betting sites are equal, so we go through these categories in our reviews. You can make the right decision based on what is most important to you.
Here are a couple of sites that we believe hit the mark on providing a great horse betting experience.
#1 Bookie for the Kentucky Derby- TVG
TVG is now owned and operated by the FanDuel Group. It includes features such as Watch TVG, the Handicapping Store, and Wager Rewards.
New customers can follow our links to claim the TVG welcome bonus. You can get a risk free bonus up to $200.
When betting on races, TVG will notify you which ones have a live stream. One of the biggest perks of using TVG is the number of races you can watch from your computer or phone.
After using the welcome offer, there are other bonuses to use, such as a refer a friend promo and trifecta bonuses.
#2 Bookie for the Preakness – AmWager
AmWager is among the easiest sites to use for horse betting. The design and features make it simple to place all kinds of bets.
AmWager has two welcome bonuses you can choose from. One of those is a $100 deposit match, which you can claim by using the code “100MATCH.” Make an initial deposit of $100, and then bet a minimum of $100 over the first 30 days.
The other AmWager welcome offer is $500 bonus cash back. Sign up with code “500BONUS,” and then you will earn 10% cash back on every wager for the first 30 days. To receive the maximum $500 bonus, you must bet $5,000 during the 30 days.
How to Bet on Horse Racing
To bet on horse racing, we recommend using the legal US horse betting sites we include on our page. These sites and apps are approved, meaning you can be sure that all of your personal information will be safe, and your winnings will be paid.
Before signing up for an app, look through our exclusive horse betting promotions. You may need to use a promo code, which you will need during the sign-up process.
There will be responsible gaming tools that are included to help you control your gambling. These sites allow you to set deposit and time limits so you know how much you are spending.
While betting on the Preakness Stakes is one of the most popular, there are horse races that occur every day all around the world.
Types of Wagers
Horse racing betting is much more than betting on the winning horse, although that is an option. There are many ways you can bet on a race.
Here are some of the types of horse racing bets, not including any special features or bets an operator may also include.
- Win – Betting on a horse to come in 1st
- Place – Betting on a horse to come in 1st or 2nd
- Show – Betting on a horse to come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
- Across the Board – Placing all three of the above wagers at once
Since picking the winner is harder to do, you will win more money than placing a place or show bet, which gives you a better chance of cashing a ticket. An across-the-board bet on a winning horse would pay out all three amounts.
These are some of the exotic horse racing wagers and what they mean.
- Exacta – Picking the horses that come in 1st and 2nd
- Trifecta – Picking the horses that come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
- Superfecta – Picking the horses that come in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
A single bet on any of the above wagers would require you to pick the horses in the exact order that they finish. If you “box” the wager, then the finishing positions of the horses you have selected will not matter.
You can also bet on multiple races at once with the following wagers:
- Daily Double – Select the winner of two races in a row
- Pick 3 – Select the winner of three races in a row
- Pick 4 – Select the winner of four races in a row
Betting on the Preakness Stakes
The second most famous horse race to bet on in the Triple Crown, is the Preakness Stakes. Taking place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland; it is the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Also known as the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, the annual race occurs on the third Saturday of May. The other two legs of the Triple Crown are the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Only the top thoroughbreds in the world get to compete in these three races.
When betting on the Preakness Stakes and the other Triple Crown races, you will see horse betting sites offer special promos and bonuses.
To see what the experts think, sites like TVG have handicappers that offer free picks for the Preakness Stakes.
Horse Betting Promotions and Bonuses
Horse betting bonuses will be offered for new customers, but the best sites will continue to offer ongoing promotions, even including a loyalty program.
One of the most common horse betting promos is a refer-a-friend bonus. If you get someone to sign up for the site you are using and make a deposit, you will receive a prize.
Horse racing occurs year-round, but more promotions in the US will happen during the Triple Crown. Preakness Stakes betting promos will be widely offered across all of the sites we have featured.
Always check the bonuses page of the site to stay up to date with the latest offers. Some operators will allow you to sign up for emails to know when a new promotion has been released.
Horse Betting Mobile Apps
Not all horse betting apps will operate the same. We prefer finding a user-friendly app that includes all of the features of the desktop version.
Since horse racing betting is so complex, it’s nice to have an app that makes an easy transition to a smaller screen.
To download a horse betting app, sign up and then go to the site on your mobile browser. The operator will have a link for iPhones and Androids.
US horse betting apps allow you to bet on horse races on the go and even tune into the live stream. Geolocation services will be required to ensure you are in a state that offers horse betting.
Payment Methods for Horse Betting Sites
Horse racing sites will offer different payment methods for funding your account, as well as making withdrawals. Some of the payment methods will include fees, so be sure to check before making a deposit.
In our reviews, we will show you all of the banking methods that are accepted. Some of the most popular methods include:
- PayPal
- Debit/Credit Card
- eCheck
- PayNearMe
- Physical Check
- Bank Wire Transfer
When using the legal US horse betting sites on our page, you won’t need to worry about the security of your banking information.
Horse Betting Sites Customer Service
When conducting horse betting site reviews, customer service is an important part. The best horse betting sites will include a useful FAQ page where you can see some of the most common issues.
If you need to contact customer service, multiple methods will be provided. Our preferred choice is live chat, which allows you to talk with a live representative when you are on the site or app. This is usually the quickest way to contact customer service.
Customer support emails are also provided, which can be useful if you need to attach a document or screenshot of your issue. If a horse betting site has a phone number, we take a look at the waiting times.
Customer service for horse betting sites will become much busier during the days leading up to popular races, such as the Preakness Stakes. We recommend getting your account set up and making a deposit days before the event you want to bet is happening.
History of Horse Racing Betting in the United States
Horse racing has a long history, starting in the UK in the 1600s. It wasn’t until the early 1900s when the US offered horse betting at 100s of racetracks across the country and introduced pari-mutuel wagering.
The first Kentucky Derby occurred in 1875 and continues to be one of the most exciting two minutes in all of sports. It has created countless horses that have become household names, such as Seabiscuit.
US horse racing expands to many types of races and horses, but thoroughbred races are by far the most popular. With advancements in technology, horse betting became even more accessible with the emergence of betting apps.
Bettors in the US wagered over $10 billion on horse races in 2020, and the industry will continue to see an advantage with legal sportsbooks and online casinos entering US states.
Horse Racing Sites FAQs
Horse racing betting sites are legal in most US states. All of the sites on our page are authorized and trusted operators.
Before betting on the Preakness Stakes, look through the sign-up offers and claim a bonus when signing up.
The best horse betting apps and sites will have user-friendly software, unique features, and plenty of payment options. We have included our top choices on this page.
Payment methods will vary with each site, but most will offer PayPal, eChecks, and credit/debit cards.
