Best Online Horse Racing Betting Sites in Canada

Though horse race betting was available across most of Canada, it was only in August 2022 that the final missing province, Ontario, was finally able to join the rest of the country in placing online bets on the horses. With so many licensed and regulated sportsbooks covering the horses, we decided to see which online horse racing sites offer the best betting experience. By registering, making a deposit, collecting any bonuses, and cashing out, we were able to reach a conclusion.

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Canada

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Casino Details
Bonus
Features
Play
1
Rating
Rating
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5 /5
100% up to C$150
on Elvis Frog in Vegas
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  • Only to new players 18+ on their first deposit with a maximum bonus of 180 CAD.
  • Depositing 180 CAD results in a starting balance of 360 CAD.
  • Players receive 120 free spins in sets of 30 over 4 days, with the first set credited immediately after bonus activation.
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  • Singles and multi bet
  • Various betting markets on top sporting events
  • Supports various currencies
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Established
2020
Total Games
5000+
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2
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
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4.8 /5
100% up toC$300
T&C apply

Sign up for an account and get a 100% welcome bonus capped at 300 CAD on your first deposit. No promo code is required. Simply register by providing personal details like name, phone number, and email. Verify your account using the code sent to your phone. Make your first deposit by choosing a payment method from the cashier section, and the bonus will be instantly credited to your account.

  • Sports betting and casino
  • 22 Extra Spins
  • No limit withdrawal
  • Daily bonuses
  • 1000+ daily events to bet on
  • VIP rewards
Established
2007
Total Games
3000+
  • Bitcoin
  • EcoPayz
  • Mastercard
  • Neosurf
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  • Visa
3
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4.8 /5
Get up to C$150 in Free Bets
on Dog House/Sweet Bonanza, Release the Kraken, Buffalo King Megaways and Big Bass Bonanza
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The Welcome Bonus Pack is available for your initial four deposits. To qualify for the bonus on each of these deposits, you must deposit a minimum of C$30.

  • In-play betting
  • eSports Betting
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Slot races
  • Tournaments available
Established
2021
Total Games
7000+
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Interac
  • MiFINITY
  • Paysafecard
4
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4.7 /5
Get 100% to your Deposit
T&C apply
  • The minimum deposit is $10.
  • The wagering period is 7 days.
  • Wager x10.
  • Sportsbook available
  • Wide variety of bonuses
  • Live chat 24/7
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Live casino
Established
2019
Total Games
3500+
  • Bitcoin
  • Dogecoin
  • Ethereum
  • Litecoin
  • Mastercard
  • MiFINITY
  • Neosurf
  • Skrill
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5
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
4.7 /5
100% up to C$150
T&C apply

New players can claim a 100% deposit bonus up to CAD 750 plus 200 free spins. Just make a minimum deposit of CAD 15 Free spins are distributed as 20 spins daily for 10 days. The bonus has a 35x wagering requirement, and free spin winnings require 40x wagering. Be sure to activate your bonus from the profile section before playing. Deposits via Neteller or Skrill aren’t eligible. Remember, a maximum bet of CAD 7.5 is allowed when using bonus money.

  • High odds, and low fees
  • Offers on horse betting
  • Crypto friendly
  • Live Chat Support
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Slot races
Established
2021
Total Games
1200+
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • Neosurf
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Litecoin
  • MiFINITY
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6
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
4.6 /5
C$30 in Free Bets
Up to C$1,000 cash
T&C apply

New players can access the Welcome Offer upon registration. They have 7 days to deposit, wager, and claim rewards. A minimum deposit of $10 is required. Three deposit cards are available: the 1st offers up to $300 and 50 spins on “9 Masks of Fire”; the 2nd and 3rd offer up to $100 and 25 spins each. Winnings from spins are credited as real money. Players must wager their deposit 20 times to claim rewards. Game contributions vary, with slots contributing 100% and some games excluded. Players can decline the offer or let it expire.

  • Mobile betting platform
  • Live streaming
  • English and French language
  • Sports betting available
  • Live Casino Games
  • LeoSafePlay tools
Established
2012
Total Games
1500+
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Visa
  • EcoPayz
  • Interac
  • Paypal
  • Paysafecard
  • Trustly
7
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
4.5 /5
Up to C$500 Risk Free Bet
T&C apply

A minimum $10 buy-in qualifies you for a 100% match in bonus cash up to $1000, usable on selected games. The offer is one-time per player, with the bonus valid for 7 days, subject to a 35x wagering requirement before withdrawal. Maximum winnings from bonus cash are capped at $1000. Bonus funds below $0.10 will be forfeited, and deposit fees may affect eligibility.

  • Website is easy to navigate
  • Live betting
  • Weekly reload bonus
  • Live chat 24/7
  • Top software providers
Established
1998
Total Games
1600+
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • EcoPayz
  • Paypal
8
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
4.4 /5
Read review
C$10 Free Bet
T&C apply

The casino’s welcome bonus is exclusively for new registrants. Players must be at least 18 years old. The initial deposit bonus matches 150% up to certain limits across various currencies, with a wagering requirement of 50 times the bonus amount. Only one welcome bonus is permitted per account, and it expires seven days after being awarded. Players must wager with a max bet of €5 or its currency equivalent until wagering requirements are met. If withdrawals are requested before wagering is complete, bonus and winnings are forfeited.

  • High Odds on Football
  • Quick Bet
  • Many Cryptos
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  • Week bonuses
  • Cashback
  • Huge payment section
Established
2022
Total Games
9000+
  • Skrill
  • Mastercard
  • Interac
  • Bitcoin
  • EcoPayz
  • Dogecoin
  • Ethereum
  • Litecoin
  • MiFINITY
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9
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4.3 /5
100% up to C$150
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On the first deposit, get 100% up to C$300 with code PSWEL200. The second and third deposits offer 50% up to C$375 using codes PSWEL250 and PSWEL50, respectively. The fourth deposit provides 100% up to C$450 with code PSWEL300. A minimum deposit of C$30 is required. Once the bonus is credited, there’s a 40x rollover requirement, which must be met within 21 days. Most slots contribute 100% to the wagering, while specific games like Live Casino and Blackjack don’t contribute. The maximum bet allowed is the lower of C$18 or 5% of the bonus.

  • Live streaming
  • Betting on special events
  • Accepts cryptocurrencies
  • Trusted casino
  • Live Casino Games
  • Weekly cashback 15%
Established
2022
Total Games
3000+
  • Mastercard
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Visa
  • Bitcoin
  • EcoPayz
  • Ethereum
  • Interac
  • Litecoin
  • MiFINITY
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10
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4.3 /5
100% up to C$150
Bigger Bass Bonanza and Aztec Magic Megaways
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In the “Casino” section, the first deposit grants a 100% bonus up to $100 USD, along with 120 free spins for games like Bigger Bass Bonanza and Aztec Magic Megaways. The second deposit in the “Casino” section offers a 50% bonus up to $200 and an additional 50 free spins for several slot games. To activate these bonuses, players must actively claim them. The bonus code “GIFT” is required for the second deposit offer.

  • Asian Handicaps
  • Cryptos supported
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • Weekly promotions
  • No deposit bonuses available
  • Sports betting
Established
2022
Total Games
1100+
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Interac
  • Litecoin
  • Mastercard
  • MiFINITY
  • Neosurf
  • Paysafecard
  • Visa
T&C apply
  • Only to new players 18+ on their first deposit with a maximum bonus of 180 CAD.
  • Depositing 180 CAD results in a starting balance of 360 CAD.
  • Players receive 120 free spins in sets of 30 over 4 days, with the first set credited immediately after bonus activation.
  • Winnings from free spins come with a 40x wagering requirement.

First established in 2020, 20Bet has come a long way within just a few years, now available in over 100 countries, including Canada. Regarding how to bet on horse racing, they have all the major betting markets covered. Even better, their excellent live streaming service is available free of charge once a user has opened an account. A Quick Bet service allows bettors to click on live odds and open a betting slip instantly.

Though many more traditional banking options can be found, 20Bet is a firm believer in cryptocurrencies, with over 18 different types listed. All deposits are instant no matter what method is used, and withdrawals take around 1 – 3 days. Note that, though the winning limits are set very high at CA$100,000 per bet, you can only cash out a maximum of CA$4,000 per day.

Pros
  • Great live betting options
  • Lots of banking methods
  • Covers lots of horse betting markets
Cons
  • Overly simplistic Layout
  • Bonuses have many stringent terms and conditions
  • No bet builder
T&C apply

Sign up for an account and get a 100% welcome bonus capped at 300 CAD on your first deposit. No promo code is required. Simply register by providing personal details like name, phone number, and email. Verify your account using the code sent to your phone. Make your first deposit by choosing a payment method from the cashier section, and the bonus will be instantly credited to your account.

22bet is the older sister of 20Bet, having first opened its doors back in 2007, which makes them industry veterans in the world of sportsbooks. Over this time, they have worked tirelessly to bring their customers the best in sports betting, with generous odds, a huge variety of banking methods, and quick withdrawals. Also, opening an account and betting for as little as CA$1 is possible. Another point that 22Bet prides itself on is offering higher odds on horse racing.

This translates into better results and shows that the platform takes customers’ needs seriously. Finally, a mobile app is available for iOS and Android users. Both of these have been optimized to give the best betting experience on a smartphone, thanks to their user-friendly interface and easy-to-use navigation.

Pros
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Live betting and Quick bets
  • Deposit from CA1$
Cons
  • Confusing site layout
  • High wagering requirements
  • No live streaming
T&C apply

The Welcome Bonus Pack is available for your initial four deposits. To qualify for the bonus on each of these deposits, you must deposit a minimum of C$30.

As can be guessed from the name, SnatchCasino Sportsbook offers users both online casino games and a comprehensive sportsbook covering horse racing worldwide. The platform has been live for over a year, making it a new player in the sports betting market.

Nevertheless, they have carved themselves out a great reputation in such a short period of time. Thanks to seamless live streaming, bettors can enjoy in-play betting. Though an app is presently being developed, players can still experience all the excitement and fun of a day at the races by using a mobile version of the website on their smartphones.

Pros
  • High withdrawal limits
  • 24/4 live chat support
  • Great choice of banking options
Cons
  • No FAQ section
  • Only a single welcome bonus option
  • Events directory and front page are confusing

How to Bet on Horse Racing

  1. Choose one of our sportsbooks above.

  2. Sign-up and make an account. 

  3. Click on the horse racing tab and then make a deposit.

  4. Spend some time researching the best odds, betting options, and strategies, as this is going to prove to be a more fruitful strategy.

  5. Select the type of bet for the bet slip. If it’s a straight bet on a single horse, select the horse by name. Now, enter your stake.

  6. Carefully review the bet details. If you’re happy with everything, then click “ Confirm Bet”.

Snatch Casino registration
Snatch Casino registration

How Horse Racing Odds Work

On the day of the races, but before the horse betting starts, the odds will be posted on the Tote board at the track. These odds are placed on the horses by the track handicapper and fluctuate as the race approaches and more customers are betting. The horse

Place

Bet on a horse to come in either first or second. However, depending on the number of horses in the race, it’s possible to be paid out if the selected horse finishes in the top three.

Show Bet

Wager that your choice of horse will come in the top three positions in a given race.

with the lowest odds is the one that most customers have bet on and is called the “favourite.” Conversely, “longshots” have the least amount of money placed on them.

In the Great White North, odds are normally displayed as either “Fractional” or “Decimal.” With the former, odds of 6/1 mean that the bettor wins CA$6 for every CA$1 wager. Decimal odds are a single number that represents the total amount a winner would receive on a CA$1 bet.

For those new to waging on the horses, with so many types of bets and terms, it can all be slightly overwhelming initially. The first thing to note is that there are essentially two types of bets: “straight” and “exotic”. Beginners should stick with straight bets, as they are the simplest to master. It’s true that exotic bets like the Quinella and Trifecta can offer bettors the possibility of landing bigger payouts than straight bets. However, there are more variables involved, and the chances of winning are much reduced.

20Bet Horse betting
20Bet Horse Betting
  • Straight Wagers is Probably the easiest way to get into betting on horse races. Simply choose a horse and wager on whether it’ll win, place, or show.
  • Win. This is the easiest bet to make in horse racing. Pick the horse that comes first, beating all other horses in the race. This bet is also called “betting on the nose.”
  • Place: Bet on a horse to come in either first or second. However, depending on the number of horses in the race, it’s possible to be paid out if the selected horse finishes in the top three.
  • Show Bet: Wager that your choice of horse will come in the top three positions in a given race.
  • Across the Board: This is a combination of the Win bet, the Place bet and the Show bet on a single ticket. Essentially, it’s three different bets rolled into a single wager.
  • Each-Way bets allow bettors to combine traditional single bets. For example, a Win/Place Each-Way bet includes a win bet and a place bet on the same single ticket. Likewise, a Win/Show Each-Way bet combines a winning bet with a show bet on a single slip.
  • Exactor: Placing a bet on two horses to take first and second place in a particular order.
  • Quinella: Betting on two horses to finish first and second place without considering their order.
  • Triactor: Predicting the exact order in which three forces will come in first, second, and third place. It’s also known as the “Trifecta” in the US and Australia, the “Tierce” in Hong Kong, the “Tricast” in the UK, and the “Tierce” in France. 
  • Double: This is a single wager on two horses to win two different races. 
  • Triple: A single bet on three horses to win their respective races. 
  • Multi: These bets allow bettors to choose a combo of two, three or more single nets and combine them into one wager. Some examples include the “Trixie” (three selections and four bets), the “Patent” (three singles, three doubles and one treble), and the “Yankee” (six doubles, four trebles and a fourfold).

Horse Racing Betting Tips 

There’s much more to betting on the horses than slamming down your hard-earned cash and crossing your fingers. If you want to up your betting game, it’s a good idea to approach horse racing like any other activity you want to improve with. This involves a deeper understanding of the many different factors that go towards what makes an intelligent bet.

  • Research the Jockey – Check their history to see if they’re a winning jockey, including if they are maintaining their weight. Also, check out the type of horses and tracks they excel on and how experienced they are overall.
  • Check the History of the Horse – Look at the condition of the horse. For example, is it healthy? When did it last run? Has it had adequate rest? Research to see the type of running conditions it enjoys. Finally, the horse’s running style – whether they sprint off the line or are steady in pace – can affect the race.
  • Track Conditions – On the day of the race, make sure you check the condition of the racetrack. After all, if it’s muddy, then that’ll have a huge influence on the outcomes. Following on from this, keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
  • Join More Sportsbooks – By having accounts with at least three different bookies, you’re going to find better odds for the same race. This can have a huge impact on possible profits. So, as a rule, before placing a bet, always check each online website for their odds. This also applies to bonuses and promotional offers. 
  • Proper Bankroll Management – Having a bankroll strategy is an essential element of enjoyable betting. To that end, it’s important to pace your betting rather than blow everything on a single bet, no matter how sure you might be of the result. As a rule, we suggest never betting more than 1% – 5% on any single wager.
snatch casino canada welcome bonus
Snatch Casino welcome bonus

Major Horse Racing Events to Bet on

Breeders’ Cup Classic

With a huge purse of several million dollars, the Breeder’s Cup is run annually for thoroughbred horses three years of age or older. First run in 1984, the Classic is held in November and is the final race of the Grand Slam, which includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. So far, only one horse, American Pharoah, has won all four races.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

This is a steeplechase with a course of 5,294 metres with 22 fences to be jumped. It’s open to all horses over five years and takes part in March as part of the Cheltenham Festival. The race is a non-handicap chase and is the most valuable race in the UK, with a 2023 winning purse of £625,000.

Kentucky Derby

Since 1875, on the first Saturday of May, the Kentucky Derby has been held in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s the first race in the Triple Crown Series, which also includes the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Generally regarded as one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, the race draws more than 150,000 spectators to the Churchill Downs racetrack and thousands of Kentucky derby online betting fans each year.

Melbourne Horse Racing Cup

Queen’s Plate

With the death of the Queen of England in 2022, the name of the race has reverted to the King’s Plate in honour of the succession of Charles III. It’s Canada’s oldest horse race, being first run in 1860. Today, it’s something of a Canadian cultural icon, with thousands of spectators attending the event at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

Horse Racing Schedule 2023

The horse racing calendar offers a rich and varied platform throughout the year. Below, we’ve listed some of the most famous races in the world.

DateEventLocation
Mar 17Cheltenham Gold CupCheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, UK
Mar 27Dubai World Cup Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE
Apr 15Grand NationalAintree Racecourse, Liverpool, UK
May 3-4Kentucky DerbyChurchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, US
May 20Preakness StakesPimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
June 10Belmont StakesBelmont Park‎, ‎Elmont, New York‎, USA
June 14Royal AscotAscot, Berkshire, UK
July 26-30Glorious GoodwoodGoodwood, West Sussex, UK
Aug 20King’s PlateWoodbine Racetrack, Toronto, CA
Aug 23-26Ebor FestivalYork Racecourse, North Yorkshire, UK
Sept 12Prince of Wales StakesFort Erie, Ontario, CA
Sept 16St Leger FestivalDoncaster Racecourse, Doncaster, UK
Sept 30Prix de L’Arc de TriompheLongchamp Racecourse, Paris, France
Oct 8Canadian InternationalWoodbine Racetrack, Toronto, CA
Nov 3-4Breeders CupSanta Anita Park, Arcadia, California USA
Nov 4Melbourne CupFlemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Horse Racing Schedule 2023

How do we Check Horse Racing Betting Sites?

A Google search for sportsbooks that cover horse racing comes up with literally hundreds of results. To determine the best, we examine the most important factors that can make or break your betting sessions. Below are the main points you should know before joining any online bookie.

Bonus Availability 

20Bet22BetSnatch Casino
100% up to CA$150 in Free Bets
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Free bets worth CA$100
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bonus availability
Snatch Casino Canada VIP
Snatch Casino VIP

Best Odds

Deposit and Withdrawals 

In the interest of offering the best customer service, all top online sportsbooks will offer their users a large selection of banking options to make both deposits and withdrawals from their online accounts.

Banking Method20Bet22BetSnatch Casino20Bet22BetSnatch Casino
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Cryptocurrencies✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
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Mobile Betting

With so many sports bettors utilising their mobile phones to bet online, it’s no surprise that Canadian sportsbooks all offer betting apps as a means of ensuring a smooth betting experience. Whether using an iPhone or Android device, you can relax, as today’s betting websites are all optimised for easy navigation on smaller screen size.

20Bet Mobile
20Bet Mobile

Licence and Security

Before signing up and opening a sportsbook account for horse betting, always check that the platform is fully licensed and regulated by a relevant gaming commission. Canadian bettors looking to use home-grown sportsbooks still need to check if they’re licensed by their respective provincial authorities. A licence ensures the betting company enforces high standards when it comes to looking after your personal details and your funds.

20 bet Licensing
20Bet Licensing
Is online horse betting Canada even legal?
Yes, it is! All horse race betting in Canada is 100% legal. However, make sure you’re over the legal age for gambling in your province.
Is there a bonus for betting on horse racing?
Virtually all CA sportsbooks reward users with generous welcome bonuses when they sign up to the betting platform for the first time. These can come in the form of 100% matched bonuses up to CA$1,000 or free bets. Also, when an important horse race is taking place, bookies give out boosted odds and bonus bets in a bid to generate new business.
How to choose the best horse racing betting site?
The sites recommended above have been examined to determine that they offer the best value and betting experience across the board. They are all fully licensed and offer users both great odds as well as a secure betting environment.
What types of bets are there on horse racing?
Horse racing bets can be divided into two categories: straight bets and exotic bets. With the former, betting couldn’t be easier, with bets on which horse will win or come in the top three places. Exotic bets are built up from straight bets in that they often comprise multiple bets.
How do horse racing odds work?
If using Decimal odds, a bettor wagering CA$1 at 3.25 expects to see CA$3.25 on the winner (a profit of CA$2.25). For those using fractional odds, the first number of the equation is what you stand to win, with the second number being the amount needed to be staked.
What are the main horse racing events to bet on?
Throughout the year, horse racing enjoys a busy schedule, with important races taking part all over the globe. Have a look at our list of the best events of 2023 above.
Where can I watch horse racing live online?
Many Canadian sportsbooks feature online streaming of horse racing. For an even more convenient experience, it’s also possible to watch on mobile devices.