Best horse racing betting sites: How to bet on horse racing in 2026
CBS Sports
by
Robby Kalland
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The world of horse racing betting in 2026 offers a wealth of opportunities for sports enthusiasts looking to explore this thrilling pastime. Despite state laws separating sportsbooks from racebooks, there are numerous online platforms that cater specifically to horse racing bets, such as TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and 1/ST BET. These top horse racing betting sites provide attractive promotions and bonuses to attract both new and existing users, allowing bettors to maximize their returns by taking advantage of multiple offers across different platforms.
One of the standout features of these racebook apps is their unique promotional offerings. For instance, FanDuel Racing currently offers a "No Sweat First Bet" promotion, where new users can receive up to $500 in racing credits if their initial bet loses. TwinSpires, on the other hand, provides up to $400 in bonus funds for new customers, offering $100 per $400 wagered. Meanwhile, 1/ST BET offers a "Up to $500 Sign-Up Bonus," giving users $20 for every $100 wagered within their first 60 days of signing up. These promotions highlight the competitive nature of the industry and provide significant value to bettors.
Understanding the different types of wagers is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in horse racing betting. Traditional bets include Win, Place, and Show, as well as various combinations that offer varying odds and payouts. Unlike sports betting, where odds are fixed at the time of placing a bet, horse racing uses a parimutuel system. This means that odds can shift throughout the day based on how money flows into each horse, with the final payout determined by the locked odds just before the race starts. This dynamic system adds an element of excitement and strategy to the betting process.
The parimutuel system also differs from sportsbook odds in another key way: it includes a "Takeout," which is a percentage of the total pool that goes to the track or bookmaker for operational costs and payouts to horsemen, including race purses. This means that while sports bettors are guaranteed a fixed payout based on their initial odds, horse racing bettors must closely monitor how their chosen horses' odds fluctuate before placing their bets.
For sports enthusiasts interested in exploring horse racing betting, the variety of apps, promotions, and betting options available makes it a rewarding and dynamic field to engage with.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/22/2026