How We Rate and Rank Bitcoin Horse Racing Betting Sites

At Salon.com, we pride ourselves on identifying the best crypto horse racing betting sites for our audience. Horse racing betting is an exhilarating experience. Few feelings compare to the raw emotion of seeing your carefully chosen selection pass the winning post first.

How We Rate and Rank Crypto Horse Racing Betting Sites

Frankly, adding crypto to the mix only heightens the excitement. To ensure that bettors get the most out of their experience, we examine several key factors when determining the best crypto gambling sites.

Bonuses and VIP Programs

Bonuses are the first impression that a platform makes on a bettor. They can significantly impact how much value you get from your bets. Welcome offers, free bets, and ongoing promotions give bettors extra funds to work with, and we highlight the top crypto-based bonuses in our reviews.  

In crypto horse racing betting, VIP programs often provide tailored rewards for high-rollers or frequent bettors. These can include faster withdrawals, higher betting limits, or even exclusive odds. A generous VIP program can make all the difference for serious bettors, offering perks that enhance their overall betting experience.

Variety of Accepted Cryptocurrencies

Horse racing is a global sport. Therefore, it’s no surprise that those who enjoy Bitcoin horse racing betting come from all over the world and use different types of crypto. Therefore, the best platforms understand the need to support an assortment of coins.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other popular currencies should be available. After all, there’s no reason why a horse racing fan shouldn’t have the opportunity to enjoy Ethereum sports betting.

Yet, the best sites go further, offering stablecoins like USDT or emerging altcoins. Having a variety of choices gives bettors the flexibility they need to bet with the currency they prefer, making the platform more accessible.

This is especially useful in horse racing, where speed and accessibility to funds can determine how quickly you can react to changing odds or last-minute bets.

Fast and Easy Payments

Horse racing is fast paced. The fastest recorded speed (over a two-furlong distance) is 70.76km/h by Winning Brew in May 2008 at Penn National Race Course. You can expect a five-furlong sprint race to finish within a minute, depending on the course and going.

Therefore, bettors want to be able to deposit and withdraw funds without delay. The best Bitcoin horse racing betting sites offer near-instant deposits and quick withdrawals.

Crypto platforms have the advantage of processing payments quickly compared to traditional banking, but there are differences between platforms. We focus on sites that ensure fast transactions, low fees, and a simple user experience so that you can focus on betting instead of worrying about payments.

Security and Licensing

Betting with crypto is highly convenient, but security is a top concern, especially when real money is at stake. Platforms must use strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security protocols to protect your funds and data.

Licensing is equally important because it ensures the site follows strict regulations and operates fairly. For Bitcoin horse racing betting, we check that the platforms are licensed by reputable authorities, ensuring that bettors can trust they are playing in a safe, legal environment.

Anonymity

Anonymity is one of the top reasons why many bettors turn to crypto in the first place. In traditional betting, your identity is often closely tied to your activities, but Bitcoin horse racing betting allows for a level of privacy that you can’t get elsewhere.

A platform that respects and prioritizes user anonymity is a big draw, especially for those who want to keep their betting activities private. We rate anonymous casinos that allow users to register and play without needing to submit unnecessary personal details.

This is a crucial element in crypto’s appeal, and it can make or break the decision to choose a platform.

Diversity of Betting Markets and Competitions

While horse racing is the main focus, it’s important that a platform also offers a wide range of betting options, from local races to international events. A high-quality site allows you to bet on different types of races and various odds formats, whether you’re looking at races on the flat or All-Weather or over hurdles and fences.

Additionally, the best crypto horse racing sites cover a variety of other sports, making it easy for bettors to place wagers on whatever interests them. This includes some of the highest-rated eSports betting platforms, which are growing in popularity among crypto bettors. This diversity keeps the experience fresh and exciting, appealing to a broader range of interests.

Player Support

Customer support is vital for any online platform, but it’s especially important for crypto bettors. Given the complexities of cryptocurrencies, bettors need to have access to quick and reliable help when issues arise.

Whether it’s a question about processing a payment or navigating the site, responsive and knowledgeable support can make all the difference in ensuring a positive experience. We always look for platforms that offer 24/7 customer service through multiple channels, such as live chat, email, or even phone support.

The best Bitcoin horse racing betting sites make it easy to get help when you need it, which is especially important in a fast-paced betting environment.

User Experience and Mobile Friendliness of the Platform

Horse racing bettors are often on the go, and they need a platform that works smoothly on any device. Sites that offer crypto-focused mobile apps with intuitive interfaces help bettors place their wagers quickly and easily.

A mobile-friendly platform ensures that you can participate in the excitement of horse racing from anywhere, and smooth navigation is crucial when time-sensitive bets need to be placed.

We always favor sites that prioritize user experience, ensuring seamless handling of everything from deposits to bets, regardless of the device used.

Brand Reputation

Crypto betting already involves some inherent risks, so it’s important to know whether a platform is trusted by its users. We look closely at player reviews to see if the site is considered legit or if any red flags should raise concerns.

A solid reputation means that the platform is more likely to be not only safe but also fair, with transparent terms and policies. If players report shady practices, delayed payments, or poor service, that’s an immediate strike against the site. By contrast, platforms that consistently receive positive feedback from their community of bettors rise to the top.

Most Popular Events to Bet on Horse Racing with Bitcoin

Quite a few of the world’s most famous horse races have been around for centuries. For instance, three of the five “English Classics” were introduced between 1776 and 1780. Meanwhile, the three American Triple Crown races started between 1867 and 1875.

Over the years, a growing number of races were added to the calendar. We’re at the point where it seems as if a big event is almost always around the corner! Below, we highlight five of the biggest horse races around the world.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby was the last of three races that comprise the American Triple Crown, having been introduced in 1875. It’s a 10-furlong race that takes place at Louisville’s legendary Churchill Downs track. Only 3-year-old horses can enter, and fillies receive a 5-pound allowance.

Secretariat, widely regarded as the best racehorse ever, holds the fastest winning time of 1:59.4, which he achieved in 1973. Monarchos (in 2001) is the only other horse to break the two-minute barrier.

Grand National

For many British race fans, the Grand National, a handicap steeplechase race, remains the highlight of the entire National Hunt calendar. The race’s distance has been shortened to 4 miles, 2.5 furlongs, but it remains the ultimate test for riders and horses.

Taking place in Aintree on Merseyside, the Grand National invokes many memories of horses defying the odds. Red Rum’s relentless pursuit of Crisp in the 1973 race will never be forgotten, for example. The Irish legend is the only horse to win the Grand National three times.

However, the chaos of the 1967 race, which resulted in 100/1 outsider Foinavon winning, probably remains the defining moment in the event’s history.

Bettors on Bitcoin horse racing betting sites are treated to a cavalcade of betting options, ranging from horses finishing in the top 10 to simply wagering on whether a horse will finish the race!

The race is open to horses aged 7+ who also have a British Horseracing Authority rating of 125+ and have taken part in a chase race of at least 2 miles 7.5 furlongs.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is a handicap race just shy of two miles that’s among the most lucrative handicap events in horse racing. In 2023, the prize pool was over A$8.4 million! This famous event takes place at Flemington Racecourse.

Inaugurated in 1863, this famous race is a major part of Australian culture and is open to horses aged 3+. Kingston Rule holds the record for the fastest time, winning the 1990 race in 3:16.3. Makybe Diva is the only three-time winner, registering a three-peat in 2003, 2004, and 2005.  

Dubai World Cup

Not many races can match the Melbourne Cup in terms of prize money, but the Dubai World Cup does! The purse in 2024 was US$12 million, making it the second richest race in the world behind the Saudi Cup (which has a $20 million prize fund).

By horse racing standards, this is a relatively new event, with the first running taking place in 1996. The Dubai World Cup is a 2,000m (approximately 10 furlongs) race held on Meydan Racecourse’s dirt track in the UAE. Initial runs of the race took place at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, only changing to Meydan in 2010.

To date, Thunder Snow is the only two-time winner, having achieved the feat in 2018 and 2019. The famed Saeed bin Suroor is the dominant trainer, having sent out nine winners in the race’s history.

Preakness Stakes

As the second leg of the American Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is hotly anticipated. This is especially the case if the Kentucky Derby winner is among the favorites, as racegoers want to see if a horse can join the other 13 that have won all three races.

Inaugurated in 1873, the Preakness Stakes is held at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course over 9.5 furlongs. Once again, it is open to 3-year-olds, and unsurprisingly, Secretariat holds the record for the fastest time, 1:53:0, achieved in 1973.

One should note that Secretariat’s time relates to the current race distance, which was introduced in 1925. The distance changed several times before organizers settled on 9.5 furlongs.

Horse Racing Bet Types

One of the reasons why bettors enjoy horse racing is due to the potential for large wins. Finding long-shot winners in the Sports of Kings is more likely than in sports like soccer, where bookmakers keep odds tight.

Of course, unraveling the puzzle that is horse racing is extremely challenging, so you’ll need to work hard for those occasional wins! In any case, you can expect to find the following among the most popular markets on Bitcoin horse racing betting sites.

Win Bet

Whether you’re new to horse racing or want a straightforward wager, the win bet is a fine place to start. It is as ‘simple’ as backing a horse to win and hoping for the best!

Granted, making an accurate prediction is easier said than done, but at least there are no additional permutations to consider when making a win bet. While all bettors dream of picking a Foinavon-style outsider, you may find it best to stick to the top of the betting market.

Each Way

This is a famous wager in horse racing and consists of two separate bets: a win and a place. The terms of the ‘place’ part of the wager can vary according to the bookmaker and race.

For example, a standard 8-11 runner handicap may consider horses in the top three as ‘places.’ In bigger events, such as the Grand National, a Bitcoin horse racing betting site might offer 6+ places.

Usually, you receive a payout worth one-fifth of the win odds for a place bet, though it can differ depending on the race. So, imagine you made a $10 each-way bet on a horse with win odds of +800 (9.00 decimal or 8/1 fractional).

If the horse places, you receive odds of +160 (or 2.60 or 1.6/1) because (8 / 5 = 1.6). Therefore, you receive a return of $26. If the horse wins, you are paid out on the win AND place. In the above scenario, you receive $116 ($90 + $26).

Exacta

Also known as a forecast, the exacta wager should probably be your first port of call when it comes to “exotic” bets on Bitcoin horse racing betting sites. It is an extremely difficult bet to win; you have been warned!

With an exacta, you select the first two horses to win in the correct order. So, if you back #1 to win and #4 to finish second, you lose if there is any other horse in the top two. You also lose if #4 wins and #1 finishes second!

Some bettors may mitigate the latter risk by choosing a reverse exacta. This involves making two separate wagers. So, in our example above, you would win as long as both #1 and #4 are in the top two, regardless of the order.

Trifecta

Also called a tricast, the trifecta makes things even tougher as you have to predict the first three horses in the precise order. For instance, you may pick #2 to win, #5 to finish second, and #9 to finish third. This wager is often only available on races with 8+ horses, but this isn’t always the case.

Due to the difficulty involved in getting a trifecta correct, the odds are often huge, which means you could enjoy a massive payout with a small wager.

There is also the chance to make a reverse trifecta wager where you win if your three chosen steeds all finish in the top three in any order. Bear in mind that there are six combinations, so a $2 reverse trifecta actually involves risking $12.

Place Bet

Many of the best Bitcoin horse racing sites now permit a place-only wager. This is ideal if you see a horse that tends to finish second or third without winning too often. It is also a good option in competitive races where a top 4 finish is enough to win the bet.

Please note that in American racing, a ‘Place’ bet may specifically mean that the horse must finish in the top two. Meanwhile, a ‘Show’ bet pays out when your selection finishes in the top three. Make sure you understand these rules to avoid disappointment.

Tips When Betting on Horse Racing with Bitcoin

You’ll have more fun if you learn how to get the most out of your wagers. Below, we provide some tips on ensuring your bankroll stands the test of time on Bitcoin horse racing betting sites:

• Learn About Odds & Probability: Many novices don’t understand the basics of probability. Consequently, they get disappointed when their long-odds wagers don’t win, failing to realize that at odds of +900 (10.00 decimal, 9/1 fractional), the bet will lose 90% of the time, assuming they receive fair odds!
• Price Shop: The odds on horse races can vary drastically from one Bitcoin horse racing betting site to the next. You could see a horse at odds of +1600 to win on one site and +2500 on another. Therefore, take time to see which platforms consistently offer the best prices
• Understand Losing Streaks: The longer the odds, the longer the losing streak. For instance, statistically, if you make 1,000 wagers at odds of +100 (an expected strike rate of 50%), you can expect to encounter at least one losing streak of 10+ bets in that sequence
• Become a Specialist: There are often hundreds of races a day. Find a specific race type or course, learn the intricacies, and become an expert. This process saves you time and increases your likelihood of winning
• Use a Specific Data Set: Horse racing has countless variables, and there’s not enough time to account for them all. Focus on half a dozen, and rather than look at recent form, look at a horse’s suitability for a race. It may excel on soft ground but flounder on firmer going, for example

How to Start Playing at Bitcoin Horse Racing Betting Sites

Getting started with Bitcoin horse racing betting is simple and exciting, especially with the ease and privacy that crypto offers.

How to Start Playing at Crypto Horse Racing Betting Sites

If you’re new to this, don’t worry—the process is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to help you gallop into the action.

Step 1. Choose One of the Recommended Horse Racing Betting Sites

The first step is to choose a trustworthy platform. Salon’s list of recommended sites is a great place to start, as we’ve conducted detailed research to ensure these sites are safe and user-friendly.

Picking a well-reviewed site helps guarantee smooth deposits, fast payouts, and a variety of betting options.

Step 2. Register

Once you’ve chosen a site, create an account by following the registration steps. If you don’t have Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, you can buy it from a trusted exchange like Binance.

Afterward, deposit the funds into your betting account, and you’re good to go. This process is quick, with most platforms offering easy-to-follow guides for new users.

Step 3. Take the Bonus

Many sites offer welcome bonuses, so make sure to claim them! These are often in the form of free bets or a deposit match, which gives you extra funds to bet with.

Taking advantage of these bonuses boosts your initial bankroll, giving you more opportunities to explore the platform and place wagers.

Step 4. Start Gambling

Now, it’s time to start betting. Explore the vast range of horse racing markets available, from local races to major international events like the Aintree Grand National or Preakness Stakes.

Most platforms also offer dozens of other sports betting options, so if you want to try your luck on football, tennis, or even eSports, you can do that, too. Enjoy the fun of betting with crypto!

Gamble Responsibly with your Crypto

You’ll have a much better time betting on horse racing using Bitcoin if you stick to these responsible gambling protocols:

• Create a bankroll for your horse racing bets and divide it into units to ensure your money lasts longer
• When gambling, always maintain a clear head; this means no alcohol or other intoxicants
• Resist the urge to chase your losses; accept them as part of the gambling process
• Learn the gambling laws in your region, especially the minimum legal age
• Seek help from reputable groups such as NCP Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous if you’re worried that gambling is taking hold