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Your Guide to Choosing the Best Bookmaker for Horse Racing

Horses begin a race at NavanHorses begin a race at Navan
© Photo Healy Racing

If you are a horse racing fan, there is a good chance that you have placed a wager on the races at one time or another. Undoubtedly, horse racing is potentially one of the most lucrative options when it comes to sports betting. Moreover, ever since online bookmakers and free access to digital form have come into the picture many new fans are looking at trying to win from betting on horses.

One significant aspect of horse racing is that it is an international sport. Beside the local races taking place in Ireland, such as the Irish Derby and the Irish Champion Stakes, there are also major international races. Races such as the Dubai World Cup, the exciting Melbourne Cup and the historic the Kentucky Derby. For a fan who is new to betting on horses, choosing the right horse in the right race is essential. Still, it is equally vital that they spend time picking an excellent bookmaker beforehand, for the best possible betting experience.

Licensed or Not?

There is a simple way to start your journey into picking the perfect bookmaker, and that is to check whether they are legal and licensed or not. If it is the latter, you can skip them right away, no matter what they are offering you in terms of bonuses. Remember, betting on horse racing or any other sports for that matter should be an enjoyable adventure where you get to watch a race and hopefully make a profit from it. The last worry on your mind should be about deposits, payments, and whether a bookie will honour their part of the deal. All of which is avoidable by selecting a leading, well-known bookmaker or by checking whether or not they are licensed in the UK or Ireland.

Sports Varieties

Next in line is taking a look at all the sports that the bookmaker has in its catalogue of products to bet on. Many online bookmakers will bet on a large variety of sports, often including Irish GAA matches, but may not bet on horse racing. The reason for this is that they are buying in their betting products and don't have their own odds compilers to price horse racing. Furthermore, the top bookies also allow their customers to play virtual sports and host computer-generated races and matches at fixed times for everyone. Not only are they an added opportunity to try and make a profit, but also a great way to understand how betting works before you start wagering on real-life races.

Bonuses on Offer

Chruchill Downs the home of the Kentucky DerbyChruchill Downs the home of the Kentucky Derby
© Photo Healy Racing

Once you have the basics in place, it is most likely that you will end up with a few different sports betting websites to choose from. That is when you start to look at all the bonuses they offer. Any good betting site will have offers like no-deposit bonuses and cash rewards for their new customers. Choosing the most profitable option can help you start your betting journey in the black.

Added Features

While you are checking out the bonuses, also keep a lookout for how the website rewards its regular customers. Typically, online bookmakers offer free sports streaming services to their patrons, as well as the option of using a mobile app. many will let you view a wide variety of live sports by simply having a funded account. Lastly, read reviews to see how other punters like yourself rate the bookmaker's customer service and whether it is 24/7 or not. It might not come across as a huge point, but remember, since you can wager on sports at any time now, it only makes sense they have someone to help you no matter the hour of the day.