Horse betting in Australia is an established and regulated way to play. There are over 300 racecourses, and top online bookmakers popular with Aussie bettors. It’s great that there are so many options, but it can feel overwhelming for new players.
Our expert guide will help newbies get started. It also helps experienced gamblers get new tips while finding the best bookies and horse racing in Australia.
Our Recommended Australian Horse Betting Sites 2025
The Top Aussie Horse Betting Sites Reviewed
After reviewing all the available online platforms for horse betting, we have a list of the best bookies around. Discover these sites below.
- Mafia Casino – Features a fantastic array of horse-themed casino games
- Spinsy – Simple, effective betting interface with clear, understandable odds
- Instant Casino – Gain up to 40% extra with the Combi Boost promotion
- InstaSpin – Supports instant transactions via cryptocurrencies
- CrownPlay – Enjoy a welcome bonus of 100% up to $150
- Roby Casino – Purchase crypto via Skrill and Neteller for instant withdrawals
- Kingmaker – Easily navigate between races in different countries for fast wagering
- Prontobet – Impressive sportsbook for live betting
- Golden Panda – Leading Aussie sportsbook with innovative live bet features
- SpiNight – Quick Bet function, so you never miss out on placing wagers
The Best Horse Betting Sites Reviewed
Learn more about Australia’s best online horse racing betting sites in our expert reviews below.
Mafia Casino — 8,250+ Pokies & Crypto-Friendly Banking
| Quick Facts |
|---|
|
Why Choose Mafia Casino
Mafia Casino is a strong option for Australian players who want a huge game range backed by flexible payment methods, including fast crypto withdrawals. Its library is stacked with 8,250+ pokies and titles from Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Quickspin, Relax, and more. The welcome offer delivers solid initial value, though wagering is on the higher side.
The A$15–A$8,840 transaction range suits both casuals and high-rollers, while crypto users benefit from payout speeds that can clear within minutes. Combined with weekly cashback and reload bonuses, Mafia Casino is ideal for Aussie players who want variety, frequent promos, and reliable banking choices.
Updated 02-12-25 — Verified bonus terms & payout speeds
Crownplay — Casino & Sportsbook with Big Bonuses & Crypto Access
| Quick Facts |
|---|
|
Why We Chose Crownplay
Crownplay stands out for Australia-based players who want a large welcome package, strong game variety, and both fiat and crypto payment options. With more than 7,900 pokies, hundreds of live-dealer tables, and a sportsbook covering cricket betting, rugby, football, tennis, MMA, and more, it works well for mixed casino–sports bettors.
Crypto users benefit the most, as withdrawals typically clear within minutes to hours, and the site supports several major coins. The broad deposit ranges, regular tournaments, and weekly cashback add solid value for ongoing play. Crownplay fits players who like variety, big bonuses, and flexible banking — though verification delays and slower bank payouts are worth noting.
Updated 02-12-25 — Verified bonus terms & payout methods
Robycasino — Huge Game Library & Crypto-Friendly for AU Players
| Quick Facts |
|---|
|
Why We Chose Robycasino
Robycasino is a strong pick for Aussies who want a massive game library and reliable crypto support. Many players also enjoy using the connected sportsbook for popular Australian markets such as AFL betting and NRL wagering when available.. Crypto payouts are processed quickly—typically within minutes—which makes it appealing for players who value fast access to winnings.
The welcome package is generous, but the wagering requirements are on the higher side, so it suits players who aren’t put off by longer playthroughs. Minimum withdrawals start at only A$15, making it accessible for casual players as well as high rollers. Overall, Robycasino is best for those who want variety, crypto convenience, and a wide selection of fresh releases, along with access to additional markets like e-sports betting on supported sportsbooks.
Updated 02 Dec 2025 — Verified bonus terms & withdrawal times
Understanding Horse Racing Betting
Placing horse racing bets is a favourite pastime of many across Australia, with figures suggesting that around 1 million people gamble on these events monthly. The simplicity of betting on horses draws people in, as does the thrill of watching each race play out.
You need to understand betting on these races before you start, though. We have insight into the best Australian horse racing betting sites and helpful advice to help you get started.
Key Horse Racing Terms
There are specific terms linked to horse race betting to know about, including:
- Runner – Each participating horse in a race is called a “runner”.
- Form – The past performances of a horse, usually displayed by its name.
- Barrier – Another name for the starting gate, where each horse begins the race.
- Weight – The weight of each horse, providing potential insight into how each horse will run.
- Maiden – A maiden race is for horses that have never won.
- Spell/Spelling – A spell is a horse that has had at least a 60-day break from racing.
- First-Up and Second-Up – A horse’s form in the first and second races back following any breaks.
- Heavy/Soft/Good/Firm – Relating to the moisture in the ground at the racetrack. The drier a ground is, the firmer or faster the going becomes.
- Late Scratching – Horses withdrawn from a race after 8 am on the event day.
How to Bet on Horses
There is a huge choice of horse racing events around the world that you can bet on, such as the UK’s Grand National and the Kentucky Derby. With so many races and wagering options, betting online can be confusing. That’s why we have put together a helpful guide for you to follow to make things easier.
Step-by-Step Horse Betting Guide
To help you get started at your chosen online sportsbooks, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for you below:
Step 1: Sign Up for an Account
Read through our expert reviews and pick a site that matches your interests. Click the link to open the site. Navigate to the “Sign Up” button, click it, and complete the registration process. Complete any verification steps the sportsbook requests.
Step 2: Make a Deposit
Once you’ve created your account, log in to your chosen horse betting site. Navigate to the deposit or cashier section. You’ll see a list of options. Pick the payment method that works best for you. Enter the value and click to confirm.
Step 3: Find Horse Races in the Lobby
Open the sportsbook lobby and navigate to the horse race betting section. You’ll see all the races and odds available on the sportsbook.
Step 4: Place a Bet
Pick a race and a horse, and you’ll open a bet slip. Enter the amount you want to wager, then click the button to place your bet.
Popular Types of Horse Racing Bets
A wide range of wagers is available at Australia’s best horse racing betting sites. It’s important to know what these are and how they differ, which you can discover more about below.
Straight Bets
- Win – This bet requires selecting the horse you think will win the race.
- Place – Wager on a horse to finish first or second in the race.
- Show – Bet on a specific horse to finish first, second, or third.
Exotic Bets
- Exacta/Perfecta – Choose two horses you think will finish first and second.
- Trifecta – Predict which horses will finish first, second, and third in the exact order.
- Superfecta – Bet on which four horses you think will finish in the top four positions.
- Quinella – Select two horses to finish in positions one and two in either order.
- Quadrella/Quaddie – Select the winning runners of four consecutive races.
- Daily Double – Choose the winners of two consecutive horse races.
- Pick 6/Big 6 – Wager on which horses you think will win six consecutive races.
- Boxed Bet – A wager where you can include multiple finishing orders for the same group of horses. Any combination of your selected horses finishing in the top positions yields a payout.
- Flexi Bet – You can increase the number of selections in your bet without affecting the wager’s cost.
Top Tips for Picking the Right Horse
There are no guarantees when betting at horse racing betting sites, just as with anything related to gambling. However, you can use specific top horse betting tips to enhance your chances of winning.
🔹 Checking the Form and Performance
An integral part of picking horses is checking the form of all runners. This gives valuable insight into their recent performance and potential chances in the next race. The numbers next to a horse’s name tell you how it finished in previous races. So, if you see 36131 next to a horse, it means they won the last race, finished third in the one before that, won the one before that, etc.
If a horse has won more races recently, it stands a good chance of winning again.
🔹 Consider the Odds
Before you place any wagers, consider the racing odds. Look at different Aussie online sportsbooks to find the best odds. Compare them and determine the best payout if you place a wager on a horse.
🔹 Analyse the Track, Conditions, and Distances
You should always research the track before a race. Whether this is firm, good, soft, or heavy will impact how the runners perform in an event. Some horses are much better suited to firmer ground, while others will perform better in other conditions.
Ensure you know the distance of the race(s) you intend to bet on, too. Some horses may be better with shorter, almost sprinting races, while others display endurance over longer tracks.
🔹 Trainer and Jockey Influence
Races don’t rest solely on the hooves of the horses running. Jockeys and trainers have an impact, too. A more experienced rider can pair well with horses that frequently perform well. Some trainers may also be known for training runners who often win, so bear that in mind.
🔹 Tips from the Experts
Some of the best horse betting tips come from experts online. Follow the guidance of the best bettors and tipsters to locate the best wagers available. Don’t make all your decisions under this insight, though. Consider all betting factors before parting with your funds.
The Best Australian Horse Betting Events
Knowing when the biggest and best horse races happen can help you plan your betting schedule and budget throughout the year. Every track and event will have different conditions, making each unique. You can learn more about the biggest carnivals and races below.
Magic Millions Carnival
A summer racing festival on the Gold Coast featuring the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas. Both offer million-dollar prize pools and attract emerging talent. The beachside setting, fashion, and relaxed atmosphere make it a fun start to the racing year for punters and fans.
Golden Slipper Stakes
Held at Rosehill during Sydney’s autumn carnival, the Golden Slipper Stakes is the world’s richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds. It’s a fast 1200-metre sprint with prize money of A$5,000,000 for the winner. The high stakes and rapid race pace make it a great choice if you’re a more casual bettor.
The Everest
Run at Randwick in spring, The Everest is a 1200-metre sprint and the richest turf race in the world. It brings together elite sprinters and huge crowds, with its slot-holder system creating buzz and anticipation. Bettors enjoy its high-energy pace and massive payouts.
Caulfield Cup
This 2400-metre handicap at Caulfield is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most prestigious races. It’s become one of Australia’s richest thoroughbred races, with a A$5,000,000 prize for the winner. It’s used as one of the possible qualification routes to run in the Melbourne Cup. It balances tradition, big prize money, and competitive fields, making it one of the most popular races on the calendar.
The W. S. Cox Plate
Dating back to 1922, the W. S. Cox Plate is run over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley. It’s a popular weight-for-age race, with a jackpot of A$5,000,000. It’s popular among Aussie bettors due to its long history, the potential for dramatic finishes, and the special atmosphere of the event.
Melbourne Cup
Every spring at Flemington, the Melbourne Cup takes centre stage. This 3200-metre handicap truly lives up to its nickname, “the race that stops a nation.” Dating back to 1861, it’s one of the highlights of the Australian horse betting calendar. It’s the richest two-mile handicap in the world, mixing heritage, style, and fierce competition seen in few other races.
Which Payment Methods Are Accepted at Horse Betting Sites?
Online bookmakers accept various payment methods, many of which cater to Aussie bettors. These options include fiat currencies, while introducing digital currencies also allows for crypto betting. Here is some more insight into supported payment methods at horse betting sites.
🪙 Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin allow instant deposits and withdrawals. Transacting with these digital currencies always offers security and anonymity.
🌐 E-Wallets
An e-wallet offers high security and privacy for your funds, with popular options including Skrill, MiFinity, Jeton, and Neteller. Upload funds to the wallet and deposit and withdraw to and from sportsbooks for a fast, free transaction experience.
💳 Credit/Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards, like those available from Visa and Mastercard, are familiar to bettors. You can make instant deposits with them, and often, there are high limits to take advantage of. Keep in mind that withdrawals through a card usually take longer, though.
📱 Apple Pay/Google Pay
Use the mobile wallet on your handset from Apple Pay or Google Pay to make instant deposits at your chosen sportsbook. You may not be able to withdraw through these wallets, so you’ll need to request a bank transfer.
🏦 Bank Transfer
You can sometimes deposit and often withdraw higher amounts through bank transfers. This method offers secure transactions at the top horse-betting Australia sites; payments can take longer.
Can You Bet on Horse Racing on Your Mobile?
Most licensed and verified horse betting sites feature mobile compatibility, allowing you to place your favourite bets on the races you want wherever you are. Even though this is the case, not all of them provide apps to download. Instead, you will likely need to bet this way through your mobile web browser.
The great part about this is that you don’t need to install anything onto your handset. Mobile sports betting websites are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The platforms are designed to be responsive to the different screen sizes, so whether you’re playing on a smartphone or a tablet, you’ll have a great experience.
Some horse racing betting sites also offer services via the Telegram app, providing secure mobile gambling.
How We Rate the Best Online Horse Betting Sites
We always provide honest, in-depth sportsbook reviews. We do this by joining, depositing, and placing bets at popular betting sites, giving us the same experience you’ll have. When reviewing these sites, we look for specific features, including:
- Security Features – We ensure that each site we review uses SSL encryption to protect your data. We also look for clear and comprehensive privacy policies to ensure that the bookies we review take your privacy seriously.
- Betting Options – A key check for each sportsbook is the range of betting options available for Aussie horse bettors. We consider the odds offered, the bet types supported, the quality of the live betting, and more.
- User Experience – We browsed the website to ensure all links work, everything adheres to the screen size, accessing the betting markets is easy, and there are no site issues.
- VPN Compatibility – We browsed the website to ensure all links worked, everything fit different screen sizes, and the sportsbook was easy to use and loaded quickly.
- Mobile Gambling Support – Testing the site via a mobile device is key. We ensure it provides as good an experience as betting on a desktop computer and operates smoothly on tablets and smartphones.
- Range of Promotions – We browse and claim the bonuses and promotions, making sure there is a good selection of these, that they activate properly, feature fair terms and conditions, and provide a rewarding experience.
- Customer Support – We review the FAQ section and the help centres to find important information and speak with customer support using various methods to ensure they offer friendly, professional, and insightful assistance when needed.
The Best Online Horse Betting Sites Australia – Final Thoughts
Through this online guide to horse betting online in Australia, we have put together insight into the top platforms and information on how to best proceed with placing wagers.
Locating a safe and secure sportsbook when betting on horses. We recommend Spinsy, which has exciting promotions, various betting markets, and thrilling live streaming of races. Despite the desktop website being slow at times, Spinsy is fantastic as a mobile betting platform.
Responsible Gambling at Horse Betting Sites in Australia
It’s essential to stay safe when participating in online horse racing betting. Only place sports bets for fun and don’t deposit and wager more than you can afford. Use deposit and bet limiting tools to control your gambling, and if you need extra help, you can turn to external organisations.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) provides links to gambling resources and articles to learn more about the subject.
Gambling Help Online provides active support options to help combat gambling addiction. You can find local services, start an online chat, call a dedicated helpline, and more.
Australian Horse Betting Sites – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best horse racing bet?
The best horse racing bet differs from player to player. If you’re new to this type of betting, it’s good to stick to straight bets – Win, Place, and Show.
How do you bet on horse racing in Australia?
Join one of our recommended sites for horse racing bets, deposit into your account, and then find the race(s) you want to wager on. Consider all insights into the race before you place a bet.
How do I choose a good horse to bet on?
Before betting on a horse, consider various factors within the race. Study the runners’ form, the influence of jockeys and trainers, the track conditions, and race length, and check out expert tips before you start.
What happens if my horse is withdrawn before the race?
If your chosen runner is withdrawn before the race starts, you will receive your stake back. However, it’s important to check with your chosen bookie, as they might have a different policy. Always keep track of your wagering so you have proof of bets in case of problems.
What are the best strategies for beginner horse bettors?
As a beginner, there are specific horse betting tips you can follow. Research the race(s) beforehand, look up expert picks, learn about the track, and start with smaller bets. Don’t be afraid to try different bets either, as sometimes, winning bets can be tough to succeed at as a novice.