Horse racing betting in Australia
Having a punt on horse racing is a favourite pastime for many Aussies, but these days with the emergence of online betting there are more decisions that need to be made and options chosen than ever before.
Horse racing is a massive industry in Australia. Horses sell for millions of dollars as yearlings who might not even make the track. There are hundreds of trainers based everywhere from Flemington, the home of the Melbourne Cup, to Corowa, more known for being a border town on the Murray river than for its racing exports.
The three racing codes, gallops, harness racing and greyhounds, from right around Australia are covered around the clock on Sky Racing. Thoroughbred racing’s biggest days are covered exclusively by Channel 7 and broadcast nationally with millions of people tuning into the quality group racing held almost every weekend of the year.
You get the picture. Horse racing in Australia is big business. BettingSite.com.au is aiming to present all the information you will need to successfully begin betting on horse racing. You can bet via your computers, on your mobile phones, tablet devices and via your phone accounts.
Betting on Australian horse racing
Just understanding the lingo surrounding horse racing in Australia can be challenging. Would you know how to answer if someone started talking to you about early quaddies? or whether or not the Melbourne Cup is a stayers race? Or what an exacta is?
This section will walk you through the bet types available at online bookies, what the best bookies are for wagering on the sport of kings and give you tips on how to successfully dip your toe into horse racing betting for the first time.
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Bet types on horse racing
There are any number of bets available when you want to have a punt on the horses. Here are some of the most popular.
Win: This one speaks for itself. This bet is for you horse to win outright. If it comes second you lose. If it comes third, you lose. Because a win can be more difficult to predict, the odds are often quite lucrative.
Place: Odds on place betting aren’t as generous as “win” bets because you’re covering second and third position with your bet. The plus side to this is that your bet has a greater chance of winning as your horse only has to finish in the top three, not first.
Each Way: An each way bet is a combination of a win and a place. If your horse wins you will receive a winning dividend for both the win and the place, while if they finish second or third you will only receive the place payout.
Quinella and Exacta: A quinella requires you to pick the first two horses past the post and will pay regardless of which order they place. An exacta, however, requires you to pick the first two horses past the post in the exact order they finish.
Trifecta: A trifecta is the holy trinity of the punting world. This bet requires you to pick the first three runners past the post in the correct order. Obviously, depending on the win/place odds of the three horses the return on a succesful trifecta bet can be mind blowing.
If you aren’t confident about of picking the first three runners in the exact places they run, you can also “box” your trifecta. A boxed trifecta means it doesn’t matter which order your three picks come as long as they are the first three past the post. Sadly the odds on a boxed trifecta are a little less than your classic trifecta, but a “boxy” can still pay off very handsomely.
First Four: Much like a trifecta, a first four bet requires you to pick the first four horses across the line. You can either box your first four or have it as a standout, requiring you to pick the first four in their correct finishing order. Odds for first fours are usually even more enticing than a trifecta, but is obviously a lot harder to pick, so keep that in mind.
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Tips for punting on the gallops
First and foremost like all online betting, it is best to have multiple accounts so you can always check for the best odds for the bet you want to place.
When betting on the horses there are a lot of details to factor into your decision.
– Who is the trainer of the horse?
– Who is the jockey?
– What is the horse’s history over this races distance?
– What is your horse’s recent history? Have they won recently? Have they placed recently?
– How many runners are in the race?
– What is the weather and track like?
As always, a little research can go a long way when you are on the punt. Once you get the skinny on all of these details you are ready to have a well informed wager.
Horse racing bookmakers
Finding the best horse racing bookmaker is nigh on impossible. The answer is something along the lines of: “how long is a piece of string”. There could be a different best bookmaker each Saturday for a month. This means we recommend having multiple bookie accounts. This section will run you through what to look for in a bookie and make recommendations based on our experiences.
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Best online bookies
Bettingsite.com.au has six recommended online bookmakers which can cater to all of your horse racing needs.
These online bookies have built a reputation for integrity and customer protection over the years, with each one a licensed bookmaker in Australia, boasting their own mobile sites and betting apps for wagering on the go.
One important thing to keep in mind is that the majority of sign-up bonuses are not available to residents of Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia due to state legislation.
WilliamHill.com.au
WilliamHill.com.au is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in online betting. Having started off as a renegade bookie in London in 1934 when gambling was technically illegal, William Hill has grown into an internationally recognised online betting Goliath.
WilliamHill.com.au offers the top price of the three main totes plus 5% for horse racing punters. Because of this, it is easy to see why William Hill is becoming one of the most popular online bookies the world over.
Sportsbet.com.au
Sportsbet.com.au began in the Northern Territory in 1993 as a small bookmaker specialising in horse racing. In 2005 it was taken over by Matt Trip and expanded rapidly.
Since then it has become one of the most iconic names in online gambling, with sponsorship deals with TV stations to promote their odds on specific sporting events like the NRL.
Sportsbet also offers up to $501 in free bets to new customers as well as constant “Mega Bets” and deals on horse races. So, keep an eye on their site for new offers and deals.
Sportsbet sits on the fence by offering the middle price on horse racing.
CrownBet.com.au
CrownBet.com.au is part of James Packer’s Crown group. Crownbet originally started life in 2014 as BetEasy, another Matt Trip brain-child. BetEasy piqued the interest of Packer who bought the business and re-branded it in early 2015.
As the proverbial new kid on the block, CrownBet are working hard to entice new customers to their business. Things like top tote on races, refunds on specific losing bets and Saturday specials are hard to look past both for new customers looking for a casual flutter as well as the hardcore punters.
Luxbet.com.au
Luxbet.com.au was founded in 2008 as an offshoot of gaming giant, Tabcorp. Since then Luxbet has gone off like a bucket of prawns in the sun.
Bet365.com.au
Bet365.com.au is one of the most widely known, internationally recognised online betting sites and has exploded on the Australian online betting scene.
Bet365 was founded in 2000 and hasn’t looked back, with over 18 million customers worldwide.
For Aussie customers they offer the best tote from the top three Australian TAB’s as well as starting price and fixed odds.
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Bonus bets in your state
Bookmakers in Australia are competing heavily for our punting dollar. This means they run promotions aimed at getting you to wager with them. You can claim sign-up bonuses, boosted odds, cash back offers and many other dreamt up schemes.
Each state in Australia has different laws surrounding enticements and signing up at bookies. NSW, Victoria and South Australia residents are technically forbidden from receiving welcome packages, but don’t stress, there is a way you can still claim bonuses at online bookies.
Nothing stops you from signing up at a bookmaker and waiting for them to make these same offers other states get. Generally they will send out an email in the days or weeks after you sign up with a similar or better bonus bet offer. This same method of communication will hold you in good stead when looking for other promotions.
– Read more about bookie bonuses
– Our guide to the best horse racing bonuses
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Deposit options at AU bookies
With the online betting world booming, bookmakers have ensured that there is a safe and efficient way for everybody to place a bet.
The deposit and withdrawal methods on offer through our recommended bookies are all secure, ensuring your cash and financial details are protected at all times.
Some of the common ways of depositing and withdrawing money to and from your online betting accounts are as follows:
Credit/Debit Card: This method is probably the most common, giving punters the ability to deposit funds straight away by using their credit card in the same way as they would normally use it to make an online purchase.
Bank Transfer: Bank transfers enable your money to go directly from your bank account into your betting account, however it can take around three business days to be processed. This is the most common withdrawal method, allowing punters to take out large amounts of winnings at the one time.
E-wallets: Companies such as Paypal, Skrill and Neteller are popular e-Wallets for online punters, giving them the opportunity to deposit funds into their e-Wallet account which is then transferred into your betting account. For those who are hesitant about handing over their personal information, this method ensures that the bookies never have access to your banking details
POLi: POLi, short for Pay OnLine is another secure method for punters from Australia and New Zealand, using a real time debit system to transfer money into your betting account instantaneously. POLi is a confidential service, operating from within your financial institution’s website, ensuring your baking details are not shared with the online bookmakers or POLi itself.
Pre-paid vouchers and credit cards: Brands such as Ukash and Entropay offer a pre-paid service, enabling punters to purchase vouchers and/or credit cards which can then be used to fund your online betting account.
Group racing in Australia
Australia has the toughest group racing in the world with many of the world’s best sprinters currently plying their trade on our shores. While the Melbourne Cup is regarded as the premier staying race in the world, much of the group 1 calendar is filled with quality races for our best sprinters.
There has been a growing push to have an increased amount of staying races, largely because hardened international horses have been dominating our wealthiest races held over 2000m. Many of the premier group races in Australia are held during the spring in Victoria with the Melbourne Cup Carnival the pinnacle of racing in Australia.
Other big carnivals in Australia include the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast and The Championships, which features six group 1 races on the same card, on the same day. Racing NSW started this carnival and immediately have claimed it as Australia’s best and it is only getting better.
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Group 1 races in Australia
Victorian Group 1 racesMemsie Stakes
Makybe Diva Stakes
Underwood Stakes
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
AJ Moir Stakes
Turnbull Stakes
Caufield Guineas
Thousand Guineas
Toorak Handicap
Caulfield Stakes
Caulfield Cup
Manikato Stakes
WS Cox Plate
AAMi Victoria Derby
Longings Mile
Coolmore Stud
Myer Classic
Melbourne Cup
Crown Oaks
Emirates Stakes
VRC Sprint Classic
CF Orr Stakes
Lightning Stakes
Blue Diamond Stakes
Futurity Stakes
Oakleigh Plate
Australian Guineas
Australian Cup
Newmarket Handicap
William Reid Stakes
Queensland – Group 1 racesBTC Cup
Doomben Cup
Queensland Oaks
Stradbroke Handicap
Queensland Derby
The TJ Smith
Winter Stakes
South Australian Group 1 races
Australasian Oaks
Robert Sangster Stakes
SA Derby
Goodwood
Western Australian Group 1 racing
Railways Stakes
Winterbottom Stakes
Kingston Town Classic
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Group 2 races in Australia
A D Hollindale Stakes
A.V. Kewney Stakes
Adelaide Cup
Ajax Stakes
Alister Clark Stakes
Angus Armanasco Stakes
Apollo Stakes
ATC Chairman’s Handicap
Australia Stakes
Autumn Stakes
Blamey Stakes
Blazer Stakes
Bobbie Lewis Quality
BRC Sires Produce Stakes
Breeders’ Classic
Brisbane Cup
Carlyon Stakes
Caulfield Autumn Classic
Caulfield Sprint
CB Cox Stakes
Challenge Stakes
Champagne Classic
Chelmsford Stakes
Crystal Mile
Dane Ripper Quality
Danehill Stakes
Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes
Doomben Roses
Eagle Farm Cup
Edward Manifold Stakes
Emancipation Stakes
Euclase Stakes
Expressway Stakes
Furious Stakes
Gilgai Stakes
Golden Pendant
Herbert Power Stakes
Hill Stakes
Hobartville Stakes
Karrakatta Plate
Lee-Steere Stakes
Let’s Elope Stakes
Light Fingers Stakes
Magic Night Stakes
Matriarch Stakes
McEwen Stakes
Millie Fox Stakes
Missile Stakes
Moonee Valley Cup
Moonee Valley Fillies Classic
Moonee Valley Oaks
Moonee Valley Vase
Pago Pago Stakes
PB Lawrence Stakes
Perth Cup
Phar Lap Stakes
Premiere Stakes
QTC Cup
Queen Of The South Stakes
Queensland Guineas
Reisling Slipper Trial
Roman Consul Stakes
Rose Of Kingston Stakes
Royal Sovereign Stakes
Rubiton Stakes
Run to the Rose
Salinger Stakes
Sandown Guineas
Sapphire Stakes
Schillaci Stakes
Shannon Stakes
Silver Shadow Stakes
Silver Slipper Stakes
Sir Byrne Hart Stakes
St George Stakes
Stan Fox Stakes
Stutt Stakes
Sunline Stakes
Surround Stakes
Tea Rose Stakes
The Shorts
Theo Marks Stakes
Thousand Guineas Prelude
Todman Slipper Trial
Tramway Stakes
Tristarc Stakes
Tulloch Stakes
Victory Stakes
Villiers Stakes
VRC Sires Produce Stakes
WA Guineas
Wakeful Stakes
Warwick Stakes
WATC Derby
WH Stocks Stakes
Yallambee Stud Classic
Zipping Classic (Sandown Classic)
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Group 3 races in Australia
AJ Scahill Stakes
Angst Stakes
Asian Beau Stakes
Aurie’s Star Handicap
Begonia Belle Stakes
Belle Of The Turf Stakes
Belmont Sprint
Bendigo Cup
Bill Ritchie Handicap
BJ McLachlan Plate
Bletchingly Stakes
BRC Sprint
Cameron Handicap
Carbine Club Stakes
Caulfield Classic
Caulfield Guineas Prelude
Chatham Stakes
Cockram Stakes
Colin Stephen Quality
Colonel Reeves Stakes
Concorde Stakes
Craven Plate
CS Hayes Stakes
Dark Jewel Classic
David Jones Cup
Eclipse Stakes
Fred Best Classic
Geelong Cup
George Moore Stakes
Glenlogan Park Stakes
Gloaming Stakes
Gold Coast Guineas
Grand Prix Stakes
Hawkesbury Gold Cup
HDF McNeil Stakes
How Now Stakes
Hyperion Stakes
JRA Cup
Kevin Heffernan Stakes
Kingston Town Stakes
Ladies Day Vase
Lee Steere Classic
Lexus Stakes
Lord Mayor’s Cup
Maribyrnong Plate
Maybe Mahal Stakes
Ming Dynasty Quality
Moonga Stakes
MVRC Champagne Stakes
Naturalism Stakes
Newcastle Gold Cup
Newcastle Spring Stakes
Northerly Stakes
Ottawa Stakes
Premier’s Cup
Prince Of Wales Stakes
Queen’s Cup
Quezette Stakes
Red Anchor Stakes
Red Roses Stakes
RJ Peters Stakes
Roma Cup
San Domenico Stakes
Sandown Stakes
Sheraco Stakes
Show County Quality
Sir John Monash Stakes
South Australian Fillies Classic
Sportingbet Sprint Series Final
Spring Stakes
Standish Handicap
Strickland Stakes
Summer Cup
Summoned Stakes
Sunshine Coast Guineas
Tattersall’s Cup
Tesio Stakes
The Bart Cummings
The Heath 1100
The Nivison
Thoroughbred Club Stakes
Tibbie Stakes
Toy Show Quality
Up And Coming Stakes
Vain Stakes
Vo Rogue Plate
WA Champion Fillies Stakes
WJ Healy Stakes
Zeditave Stakes
