Are you searching for the ultimate horse racing betting experience? Youâve just landed in the perfect spot! This page is all about helping you find the best platforms for betting on the races. Horse racing isnât just a sport here â itâs a legacy. With roots that dig deep into our history, this thrilling pastime has been captivating fans long before South Africa became a republic. Ready to pick your winner? Letâs dive in!
What Makes a Great Horse Racing Betting Site?
The long history of horseracing in South Africa gives rise to good and bad sites. So, it is up to bettors to choose carefully and avoid marketing gimmicks like promos with unfair conditions. Great sites must include a variety of events and additional features, as discussed in the next section.
Key Features to Look For
We recently reviewed top sites focusing on features that enhance the experience. Hereâs what we evaluated:
- License and regulation – We only trust sites that are licensed to operate in South Africa. In light of this, we recommend sites that display licensing information from recognized bodies at the footer section of the landing page.
- Variety of events and bets – Top sites include multiple races for members to bet on. Our top recommended sites offer horse races held in SA and international markets. Additionally, we endorse sites with competitive odds for popular markets.
- Convenience of the platform (design, navigation) – We tested sitesâ compatibility with popular gaming devices. The sites featured in this review work well on Android phones, apple devices, or tablets.
- Speed of withdrawal of winnings – We evaluated the speed of processing winnings. In addition, we compared available payment options and whether the Rand is among the accepted currencies.
- Availability of live bets and broadcasts – Knowing that the dynamics in a race can change in a short time, we tested the availability of live bets. With this, you can place bets based on the events in a race.
Comparison table of all casinos
Here is a table outlining the outstanding features of our top recommended operators.
| Site | Mobile App | Withdrawal Time | Min Bet Size | Payment Methods |
| Jackbit | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R20 | Astropay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Jeton, Mastercard |
| Melbet | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R20 | Astropay, Bank Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Jeton, Mastercard, Neteller |
| MegaPari | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R584 | Astropay, Bank Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Ecopayz |
| 1xBet | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R10 | Visa, Neteller, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Perfect Money, Litecoin, Jeton Wallet |
| Hollywood Bets | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R20 | Ozzow, Zapper, Instant EFT, Payfast |
| Betway | Yes | Up to 24hrs | R100 | Neteller, Skrill, OTT Voucher, 1Voucher |
Top Horse Racing Betting Sites – Detailed Review
Jackbit – Best Horse Racing Betting Site with the Best Odds
Sign Up promo details
- 100% no-risk bet on the first deposit awarded if a new player places a losing bet.
- R100 maximum limit on the offer
- Free bet amount excluded from winnings.
- A minimum of 3 positions must appear on the first bet to qualify for the free bet promo
- Each position on the first bet must have 1.4 odds or higher for you to qualify for the free bet after the first bet
- A R20 minimum stake is required on the initial bet to active the free bet offer
Main advantages
- Bets on can be placed via cryptocurrencies and e-wallets
- 24/7 access to live chat support
- Bettors can purchase crypto directly from the landing page
- Free promos are available on the casinoâs social media pages
Unique Features
- Well-presented odds on live and upcoming events
- Fast transactions via Bitcoin, USDT, and Litecoin
- Simple registration process
Convenient bets types
- Exact place bets for position 2 or 3
- Winner
- Place 1-2 and place 1-2-3
Experts Rating
4.5/5 – The site has a wide variety of events and supports payments in cryptocurrencies and SA Rand.
Melbet – Best Horse Racing Betting Site with the Best Markets
Welcome promo details
- Fund your account to receive a 100% match up to 1900 ZAR on the first payment
- Only available to players with a newly registered user account on Melbet
- A minimum of 19 ZAR is required to activate the promo
- 5x wagering requirements on awarded funds with a minimum of 3 events on each slip
- Events added to each bet slip to meet wagering requirements must have at least 3 events with 1.4 odds and above. Each position on the first bet must have 1.4 odds or higher for you to qualify for the free bet after the first bet.
- Promos are not awarded to players using cryptocurrencies.
Main advantages
- Dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices
- Instant access to live chat and email support
Unique Features
- Statistics review on horses’ age, manager, form, and weight
- Fast transactions via cryptocurrencies and fiat
Convenient bets types
- Winner starting price
- In top 2
- In top 3
Experts Rating
4.0/5 – Bettors can view each horse’s recent form, age, and weight before betting. Pages lag and on mobile.
MegaPari – Top Ante Post Horse Racing Betting Site
Welcome bonus details
- The first payment activates a 15% free bet chip up to 2,025 ZAR
- New bettors must accept to receive the promo on the registration page or when making the payment
- A minimum of 584 ZAR is required to claim the promo
- Wagering requirements include placing an accumulator bet with 4 events with 1.6 odds or higher
- Bettors have up to 30 days to use the promo before it expires.
- Bettors who transact with cryptocurrencies are excluded from the free bet chip
Main advantages
- Downloadable apps for iOS and Android phones
- Over 600 sports included in sportsbook
- Lists local and international events
Unique Features
- Statistics displayed include horsesâ age, if it’s the horseâs first time with no shoe, weight, and form
- Bettors can transact in cryptocurrencies or ZAR
Convenient bets types
- Race winner
Experts Rating
4.0/5 – We liked this site for investing in apps for iOS and Android phones. Slight delay in the live bet window updates.
1xBet – Best Tote Horse Racing Betting Site
Sign Up bonus details
- Register and complete verification to claim up to 3,000 ZAR on the first payment and get 150 additional spins
- The initial payment must be at least 10 ZAR to claim the welcome promo, while the minimum for the second to the fourth payment is 15 ZAR
- Account owners must agree to receive the offer in the account settings or when completing the payment.
- Free spins are awarded in batches of 30 spins after the first payment, 35 spins after the second payment, 40 spins after the third payment, and 45 spins after the fourth payment.
- Wagering requirements are set at 35x and must be met within 7 days.
- The maximum stake when using promo funds is 5 ZAR
Main advantages
- Downloadable apps for iOS and Android phones
- Local and international events listed
Unique Features
- Real-time statistics displayed, including non-runners, horsesâ age, weight, and weather conditions on the racetrack
Convenient bets types
- Winner starting price
- In top 2
- In top 3
- Winner
Experts Rating
2.5/5 – We were disappointed by the limited banking options for SA, hence the 2.5 rating.
Hollywood Bets – Best Horse Racing Betting Site with Live Streaming
Welcome promotion details
- R25 no deposit chip + 50 free spins
- Free spins have 5x rollover.
- Only available to new bettors
- Promo cash has 1x rollover.
- Maximum payout from the welcome offer is capped at R1,200
Main advantages
- Sportsbook lists multiple international events
- Mobile friendly interface
Unique Features
- Sportsbook displays scheduled events by time
- Each horse’s age, weight, and form are included
Convenient bets types
- Race winner
Experts Rating
4.0/5 – Smooth running site that runs fast on phone and PC browsers. Cryptocurrencies missing among banking options.
Betway – Top Horse Racing Betting Site with Free Bets
Welcome promo details
- 100% first deposit match up to R 1,000
- Only available to new bettors
- Account owners must pass the FICA verification during sign up to claim the promo.
- New customers are required to place bets worth 3x of their initial deposit to claim the offer. Bet must have 3 odds or more to qualify for the offer.
- 30-day expiry period after registration applies.
- Sports welcome offer cannot be used if you claim the casino welcome package
Main advantages
- Apps for iOS and Android phones are available
- Sportsbook lists multiple international events
Unique Features
- Sportsbook displays scheduled events by time
- Tote and jackpot windows included
- Each horse’s age, weight, and form are included
Convenient bets types
- Race winner
Experts Rating
3.0/5 – Bonus and promo conditions are poorly displayed.
How to Bet on Horse Racing
Once your account is set up, you can place basic bets or customize your slip. Our experts suggest you consider these aspects when curating your bet slips:
- Do your research: Look up how the participants in a particular race have been performing in past events. Compare factors like age and weight. Youthful horses with lightweight have high odds of finishing in top positions. However, very young horses may lack experience on the tracks. A good strategy recommended by experts is to strike a balance, where you back a horse with 4 to 6 years of experience over older and younger horses.
- Pay attention to the form: The form gives you a look at how horses have performed in recent events. If a horse is on a winning over the last 5 events with no injuries, there are high chances of continuing the winning streak.
- Consider horse positioning: Consider where the horse you want to bet on is positioned at the start. Participants who start off in the innermost lane often have better chances of holding an advantage over participants positioned in the outermost lane.
- Choose the right bet types: You may opt to play safe by sticking with âto winâ bets. Alternatively, you can have better chances with exotic bets or trifecta bets, where you pick horses to win in first, second, and third positions. A more fun way to bet is pooling your bet with others in tote bets. With these, you get a share of the pooled prize, which could be bigger than placing a bet as an individual.
- Jockey and trainer effect: Extend your research to the jockeys and trainers paired with horses. Experienced trainers could have a history of getting horses to win or come in top positions. Top-ranked jockeys may have a record of performing well in certain races by guiding horses along the track.
Types of Horse Racing Bets
Horse racing sites have a wide variety of opportunities, including basic and exotic bets. Our researchers explain the types of bets in horseracing below:
Straight Bets
Win: Bet on the horse you expect will cross the finish line ahead of all other horses in a race. Use the win bet type when there is a very strong horse racing against old or weak horses.
Place: Bet placed on a horse to finish in the first or second place. Place this bet when you are unsure of an outright winner.
Show: Bet placed on the horse you expect to finish in the first, second, or third place. Use the show bet on when there are many strong horses competing.
Exotic Bets
High odds are available on exotic bets. We have included a brief overview of common exotic bets you can place below:
Trifecta: Bet comprising the top three finishers in the correct order.
Exacta: Bet with the two first horses in the correct order.
Quinella: Bet placing the first and second horses correctly in any order.
Superfecta: Bet predicting the first four horses arranged in the correct order.
Increase the chances of winning exotic bets by studying each horse’s history and the rider. Consider reported injuries or sickness when picking out the order in your bet.
Popular Horse Racing Events for South African Bettors
Local Events
South African residents flock to local tracks to see the action in person. The Durban July takes place in Greyville Racecourse in Durban and brings together fans in a colorful event that blends fashion and racing. Visitors and residents of Capetown get to vie thoroughbreds and take on the tracks in the Sun Met tournament. This is Cape Townâs premiere event that takes place inside the Kenilworth Racecourse. Johannesburg hosts the Summer Cup inside the Turffontein Racecourse, which is frequented by locals and tourists.
Events held in South Africa bring together members from all social classes and are great networking events. Bettors enjoy African culture and the latest talent, making the events popular for socializing.
International Events
Bettors turn to international horseracing when local racetracks do not have events. Popular horse racing featured on sports sites include the Kentucky Derby, Melbourne Cup, and the Royal Ascot.
International events are featured on top bookmarkers. Then, bettors can sign up and place pre-match bets and live bets when races are in progress. You can view real-time statistics of each horse, the age, and form to make informed decisions when placing bets.
Mobile Horse Racing Betting
According to statistics, the majority of bettors use smartphones to access sites in South Africa. Operators now invest in making their sites optimized for mobile through downloadable apps.
Best Mobile Apps for Horse Racing
Android apps are widely used in SA due to the wide spread of users who bet on smartphones. iOS apps come second. Downloadable apps are convenient and allow instant access to horseracing sites. You can quickly get your 100% first deposit offer from 1xBet on mobile. Similarly, you can access the Melbet new player offer of a 100% match on the initial deposit up to R 1809 with the mobile app. Based on our findings, the top 3 recommended apps for SA are Melbet, 1xBet, and Mega Pari.
Tips for Successful Horse Racing Betting
Bet with these tips in mind to improve your experience. Good implementation of our tips can increase your chances of making profits with bets.
- Focus on “Trip Handicapping”
Analyze race replays to spot horses that were blocked, forced wide, or lost momentum in prior races. These animals often outperform their past results when they get a cleaner run. Most bettors skip this step, relying solely on raw finish positions. - Track Trainer-Jockey Micro-Niches
Certain trainer-jockey combos dominate specific scenarios (e.g., turf sprints, muddy tracks, or claiming races). Use databases like Equibase to uncover these hidden partnershipsâtheyâre often undervalued in odds. - Bet Against Public Sentiment in Exotics
In trifectas/superfectas, avoid using the “obvious” favorites as anchors. The public overbets big names, creating value in lesser-known horses for 3rd/4th places. Build tickets around contrarian picks with strong late speed. - Prioritize “Second-Time Starters” in Races
Horses debuting for the first time (first-time starters) are unpredictable. Focus on those racing for the second timeâtrainers often have them “tightened up” after a learning debut. - Weather & Surface Transitions
A horse moving from synthetic to dirt (or vice versa) can see drastic performance shifts. Similarly, look for pedigrees bred for wet tracks if rain is forecastâthese horses often jump from 8:1 to 2:1 without public notice. - Decode Workout Patterns
Fast workout times arenât always better. Look for consistent bullet workouts (top times) at specific distances, or trainers known for “breezing” horses (slow, stamina-building workouts) before big races. - Fade the “Bridgejumper”
If a heavy favorite is overbet in show pools (e.g., 1/9 odds), avoid joining the crowd. Bridgejumpers (bettors who wager huge sums on near-certain outcomes) inflate payouts for other horses to showâa 4 if the favorite loses. - Class Drop + Equipment Change Combo
Horses dropping in class (e.g., from allowance to claiming) and adding equipment (blinkers, cheekpieces) signal a “go” move. Trainers often use this combo to spark improvement, but casual bettors rarely connect the dots. - Late Money vs. Early Money
Odds shifts matter. If a horseâs odds shorten drastically in the final 10 minutes (“late steam”), it often indicates insider confidence. - Study “Losers” with Hidden Merit
A horse that lost its last race but posted a faster final furlong than the winner might be primed for a rebound. Use fractional time data to spot these stealth contenders.
Pro Move: Build your own database of track biases and trainer intent. Most bettors rely on generic statsâyour edge is in the micro-trends.
Final Rule: Treat betting like a part-time job. Allocate 80% of your time to research and 20% to wagering. The majority lose because they do the inverse.
