Horse Racing Betting Guide 2025

Written By Dave Bontempo | Last Updated at October 2, 2025

Horse racing has always been one of the most popular sports to bet on in the US. It's as straight forward as it gets - which horse(s) do you like in the race? Check out our horse racing betting guide for how to wager.

Typical horse races feature 5-11 horses. Some big races, like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, will have a field up to 20 horses. There are also big meets that feature multiple big races, like the Breeders' Cup.

Rank
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Play
1
BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
BetMGM Review
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2
Bet365 Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets
Bet365 Review
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Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3
Caesars Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
Caesars Review
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21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
4
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Hard Rock Bet Review
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5
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FanDuel Review
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6
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DraftKings Review
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T&Cs apply, 21+
7
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash
Fanatics Review
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New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TV, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.

How to bet on horse racing

Online betting on horse racing has never been easier as FanDuel Racing is legal is dozens of states.

Types of horse racing bets can be broken down into four categories: Easy, Moderate, Hard and Difficult.

Easier bets to win

Moderate bets to win

Hard bets to win

Most difficult bets to win

The Triple Crown

There are multiple horse races to wager on most every day throughout the year.  Casual horse racing bettors are typically focused on the Big 3 horse races each year, however. The Sport of King's Triple Crown includes the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Here is a look at when each big race will be running in 2025:

Kentucky Derby 2025 - 151st running

Preakness Stakes 2025 - 150th running

Belmont Stakes 2025 - 157th running

Which Betting Sites Offer the Best Horse Racing Promo Codes?

For horse racing enthusiasts, sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook offer top-notch promo codes tailored to the track. Expect deals like enhanced odds for big races, risk-free bets on your favorite horses, and exclusive bonuses during major events like the Kentucky Derby or Breeders' Cup. Check their promotions sections to saddle up with the best offers and codes.

Which Betting Sites and Apps Offer the Best Promotions for New Users?

The top betting sites and the best betting apps often provide generous welcome offers for new users, including deposit bonuses, risk-free bets, and enhanced odds. Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are known for their competitive sign-up promotions, making them attractive choices for those just starting out in sports betting. Be sure to compare these offers to find the best value for your initial wagers.

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