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FAQ | Legal Framework | How to Bet on Horse Racing | Horse Betting Sites Accepting Rupees | Horse Racing Clubs in India | Horse Racing Events
Always looked upon as a sport with class, horse racing is one of the most adventurous and exciting sports that has fans all across the world. A rich history serves as the foundation for the modern horse racing that we see today. Horse breeding and jockey training have been going on for decades and India is no stranger to this culture. Right from the times of the British Empire, horse racing is being enjoyed as a sport and for many, it is a lifestyle.
A large community of bettors still go to the racecourses to wager their money in the hope they would win big time. Over the years, the Internet has helped increase the number of bettors. Now, everyone can place their bets through online betting sites that provide a highly engaging horse racing experience and odds that are very much favorable.
online betting sites that provide a highly engaging horse racing experience
In our article, we will be exploring the various aspects of betting on horseraces in India and which online bookmakers are the best for horserace betting.
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Legal Framework of Horse Race Betting in India?
The Supreme Court of India, officially declared horse race betting a legal activity in the year 1996. The Court ruled that the sport is a “game of skill” and requires a certain amount of experience and knowledge to wager on. This brought more attention to the sport which resulted in the increasing of betters who became interested in wagering on the sport.
officially declared horse race betting a legal activity in the year 1996
Today, horseracing is regulated and administered by the auspices of all the six Turf Clubs situated in different states including Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. All these clubs form an umbrella association known as the Turf Authorities of India. The authority works towards promoting horseracing throughout the country and work diligently to bring new development in the infrastructure and the administration of all the turfs located in the country.
Also, the horse breeding industry and the agricultural sector fall under the jurisdiction of the authority. Revenue is generated through the commission collected from the Totalizator or the pari-mutuel and the license fees charged from turf-accountants.
All the authorities organize events at major nine racecourses spread across the country. Each authority has its own trackside bookmakers and pari-mutuel wagering stations. Most of the states also have many inter-track and off-course betting centres, each of which offers live TV coverage of every contest and accept over-the-counter betting.
How to Bet on Horse Races
Many sportsbooks have pretty similar offers and are keen to get business from you. The determination of these bookies is attracting punters in huge numbers. From special deals to bonus amounts, they don’t leave any page unturned to lure in potential players that can win large bets. Deposit bonuses and odd enhancements are commonly offered mostly during the initial period of a player at a new bookmaker site.
Whenever you are looking for a bookmaker to place your bet on a horseracing event, you must make sure that you have everything figured out before you venture into wagering your hard-earned money. Betting in India has a unique criterion for players that includes selecting sites which accept Indian Rupees and offer a variety of bets on races occurring in India.
Below are a few tips you should follow in order to be successful at horserace betting:
- Open Multiple Accounts on Different Horserace Betting Sites
The best advice we can give you is to shop around and find the deal that suits your betting requirements the most. Despite India having only 3-4 good betting sites for horserace betting online, we recommend that you create an account on each one of them.
It is right to point out that punters who are much more serious about sports betting, in general, tend to create more than one account on different betting sites. This helps them take advantage of the price differentials between each site who in some cases, also price the horses depending on their personal opinions.
Therefore, it is not unusual to see some of these horserace betting sites offer a bet 4/1 on a particular horse while the others might bet at 5/1 on the same horse. It would be unfortunate if you are not able to grab the opportunity to bet at 5/1 and are forced to bet at 4/1 which is 25% lower. This is why you must create multiple accounts on different horserace betting sites. - Best Horserace Betting Sites Are the Ones You Like
This is another point that is very crucial at deciding how you will be able to place bets and convert them into wins. It is astounding sometimes to see how some website layout complement a type of punter while others don’t do justice to their sport or game. User-friendly design of the website is an important factor that will decide how you are going to bet. But it is difficult to define what one bettor likes and what puts-off the other. You must take a thorough look at the websites you are considering to open an account with. - Identify Sites that are Offering Form, Statistics, and Analysis of Horse racing Events
Horserace betting sites that only have a betting section might not be beneficial for those who want to become more proficient at placing bets. Reading the latest news, form guides, studying analysis, and race-records of each event, horses, and jockeys help build up a knowledge bank that would turn out to be useful when you are placing bets. Therefore, it is necessary to look for a website that gives the latest updates on all the aforementioned things.
Live video streaming and Internet radio features are also very beneficial for every punter who loves horserace betting.
Find Horse Race Betting Sites that Accept Deposits in Indian Rupees?
For Indian punters, there are very specific considerations that are necessary to be taken care of. If you want to place a bet using Indian Rupees (INR), there are many online betting sites including Betway and a few others that not only accept Indian currency but have a pretty fast processing time which will save you a lot of time if you are betting on a live horserace.
there are many online betting sites including Betway and a few others that not only accept Indian currency but have a pretty fast processing time
In this scenario, opening multiple accounts on different websites will work best. Websites like Bodog also accept bets in Indian Rupees for international horseracing events.
Bet On Races Organised At Indian Racecourses
Apart from the popular horseraces organised in countries like the UK, US, France, and Australia, some of the online betting websites also offer events and markets that solely focus on the horseraces in India. This certainly gives you better leverage and odds at winning as you would be much more familiar with what is happening on the Indian tracks rather than in some other country.
Horse Racing Clubs in India
Below are 5 most important horseracing clubs in India that control all the horseracing events:
- Hyderabad Race Club {Races in Hyderabad}
- Royal Western India Turf Club, Ltd. {Races in Mumbai and Pune}
- Bangalore Turf Club, Ltd. {Races in Bengaluru}
- Madras Race Club {Races in Chennai and Hill Station of Ootacamund}
- Royal Calcutta Turf Club {Races in Kolkata}
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there is also the Mysore Race Club, Ltd. located in Mysore and another one in Delhi called the Delhi Race Club, 1940 Ltd. Each club is a separate entity in itself and has a specific committee governing it. Every club has separate eligibility and membership criteria. Once you become a member of any of the club, you can place bets on various horseraces legally. There are also some off-course centres for horserace betting.
Guindy Racecourse (Madras Race Club)
Managed by the Madras Race Club, the Guindy Racecourse was established in the year 1777 by the British. 81 cawnies of land was acquired from the Velachery and Venkatapuram villages by the then British government to conduct races. Soon after the horseraces began, the racecourse could be consistent with the event because of the invasion by Hyder Ali. 35 cawnies of land was also added after a few years to make the property much bigger. The Madras Race Club was finally constituted in 1837 but faced financial difficulties in operations. In 1875, the club was still flourishing but was under immense financial pressure. 1887 saw new stewards being appointed to take care of the club by then Lt. Col. G.M. Moore. Till 1952-1953, the Madras Race Club came under the jurisdiction of the Calcutta Turf Club. Later on, it was added to the South India Turf Club. In 1966, the club became an independent turf authority.
Today it houses 625 horses, has three stands, and holds the reputation of being the best track in the country. Races occur between November and March. In other months, the races are conducted at the Ooty Racecourse that also comes under the Madras Race Club.
Banglore Racecourse (Banglore Turf Club)
The Banglore Racecourse of the Bangalore Turf Club is among the best racecourses across the country that is known for its oval track. It is home to more than 1000 horses and was responsible for starting the combined Jackpot Pool in collaboration with the Turf Authorities of RCTC, RWITC, and the Madras Race Club. The races are conducted in two seasons that span from May to August and November to April.
Kolkata Racecourse (Royal Calcutta Race Club)
Founded in 1847, the Royal Calcutta Race Club came up in British India and became a premier horseracing authority in India during and after the British Raj. At one point of time, the organization became the managing authority for all the racecourses in the sub-continent, enforcing rules and regulating the events. The members of the race club were elected through a ballot. The horserace gambling practices were imported from English gambling traditions. A couple of races were named St Leger and Derby which are still conducted every year. The races at the Kolkata racecourse are usually held from November to March during public holidays and weekends. It has a green grass turf that has been maintained carefully over the years.
Royal Western India Turf Club
More than two centuries old, the Royal Western India Turf Club conducts multiple races at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai from November to May. Initially known as the Bombay Turf Club, the authority started conducting races from 1802 at Byculla. Races were held at this location for the major part of the 19th century. Shortly thereafter, the club’s name was changed to the Western India Turf Club. In 1883, the venue was shifted to a larger facility in Mahalaxmi on the land owned by Sir C. N. Wadia. King George V bestowed the club with the ‘Royal’ suffix in 1935. Over the years, the club has hosted the Queen of England, the King of Saudi Arabia, the Shah of Iran, and many more esteemed personalities. The Royal Western India Turf Club also manages monsoon races at the 2.8 Km long Pune Racecourse which is also open for the public as a jogging track. The races are usually held between July and October. Major races include all the Cup Races.
Hyderabad Turf Club
Managed by the Hyderabad Turf Club, the Hyderabad race track and racecourse is one of the topmost racecourses in India situated in Malakpet. The horseraces in Hyderabad are popularly knowns as Indian Thoroughbred horserace or Deccan Derby. With respect to the season, the races are also called Monsoon races and Winter races. The races are held from July to the end of October while the Winter Track hosts races from November to February. Most of the races are held on Sundays and Mondays.
Delhi Race Club
Dating back to 1926, the Delhi Race Club was designed and built under the supervision of English architect Sir Edward Lutyens. The land was acquired from the local framers of the neighbouring region. This was part of the plan of the British government who was shifting its capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911. The racecourse was a registered private organisation in 1940 and again in 1959 after independence. Largely autonomous, the Delhi Race Club has senior members that are nominated by the Delhi Government. The monsoon races are conducted from August to October while the Winter Races are held from November to April.
Indian Horse Racing Events
Major Indian horseracing events are scheduled in the style of British races to bring more class and a sense of being elite to the sport. Even the name of each event mimics a familiar tone with several races named after major horseraces in the UK. Every race is organized by the different clubs that are managed by the Turf Authority of India, an age-old authority that still follows old horseracing traditions established during the British Raj.
Rules are constantly amended to increase the thrill of spectating and betting at each event. Here we’ll discuss the markets and events in horseracing in India.
Indian 1000 Guineas Betting
The Indian 1000 Guineas Horserace event is for the three-year-old fillies. It is held in December in Mumbai and was last won by Vishal Gaikwad in 2018. Vishal rode La Rondine who also became famous for his amazing performance at the event. The event is similar to the 1000 Guineas race held in the UK. The race offers some great odds that are profitable if you are well aware of the horseracing betting strategies.
Indian 2000 Guineas Betting
The Indian 2000 Guineas Horserace is based on the 200 Guineas Betting event held in the UK. The event is held in Mumbai in December every year. The race is for the three-year-old horses. However, colts and fillies are also allowed to participate. In 2018, Sir Cecil won the race who was trained by Sadakshara Padmanabhan. Later on, Padmanabhan went on to win the Grade 1 2000 Guineas race twice.
Indian Derby Betting
First held in 1943, the Indian Derby received great coverage across the country at the time, attracting horserace betting enthusiasts. The Derby is held on the first Sunday of February every year at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai. This race is specially organised for the four-year-old fillies and colts. The Star Superior was the first to win the first Indian Derby in 2019. It was also the first win for trainer Rajesh Narredu.
St Leger
St Leger is among the most dynamic horseracing events in India which is a part of the Triple Crown series. Held in Mumbai, the McDowell Indian St Leger horserace came back to Pune in the year 2011. The last edition was held on 23rd September and was won by Adjudicate of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup. The grade 1 St Leger race is 2.8 Km long and is mostly held on Sundays.
Indian Oaks
Also known as the Ladies Derby, the Indian Oaks is a less popular horseracing event than other Indian races but is equally exciting. It is part of the five Classic Indian horseracing events. Indian Oaks is organized every year by the Royal Western India Turf Club situated in Mumbai. The first race was organised in 1943 under the supervision of the Turf Club. A breed and age limitation is set on fillies who participate in the race. Every thoroughbred filly should be four-year-old to qualify for the race. Pesi Shroff and Ward Roberta were Indian Oaks winner in 2019.
Horse Race Betting Sites
Despite being illegal, betting in India can be done on through foreign-based betting sites who have servers in other countries where betting is legal. In the case of horse race betting, there is a huge community of Indian bettors who enjoy wagering their money on events held in India. Various betting sites provide lucrative odds and offers that further increase their potential to win big amounts. However, it is difficult to gauge which bookmaker is legit. Below we have mentioned few of the most trusted online betting sites that offer a wide range of horseracing events and markets to bet on.
Various betting sites provide lucrative odds and offers that further increase their potential to win big amounts
Bet365
One of the most reputed, Bet365 is a UK-based betting site that is optimized for Indian players for a convenient betting experience. Their horserace betting options include live streaming and tote betting. Best odds are guaranteed on all races while a deposit welcome bonus of up to ₹10,000 is also offered to new players on sign-up.
Upon entering the website’s horseracing section, you will see a large selection of events and markets listed in a clean and understandable format. All the current races are mentioned on top of the list. Under it, all the international races are listed where you can look for horseraces in India. Despite Indian horseracing not listed separately in Bet365’s sportsbook, finding the race of your choice is not a difficult task. Races from South Africa and many other countries can be found separately listed in the horseracing section.
For instance, by clicking on the Hyderabad option, you will see the ongoing race on the track and the upcoming race if you scroll down. Multiple deposit and withdrawal payment methods are available including e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill that help you make quick transactions.
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Betway
Betway is recognized as one of the most reputed and popular online betting sites among Indian punters. A truly all-round platform, Betway’s horseracing section is pretty elaborate, featuring multiple horseracing events and markets that players can choose from.
The betting process is kept simple for new players to easily wager without any difficulty. The perks they offer are generous including their deposit welcome bonus of up to ₹2,500.
You can scroll down the sportsbook and choose from the horseracing options where you will find upcoming races. The races are from all over the world. You can even use the ‘Today’ option to find all the available races on a particular day.
Upon scrolling down, you will find Indian races listed below. Usually, the entire program schedule is listed that includes 5-15 races every day. Each race is given a timestamp for the time it is supposed to begin at. To check every detail of a particular race, you can click on the timestamp. Details include the jockey’s & trainer’s name, their age, weight, and form of the horse.
The column on the extreme right displays current odds of a race. These odds are listed as SP (Starting Price) before they are fixed. For instance, if you place a bet on a horse at the time when the odds are listed as SP, you will be paid the price of the odds and not the starting price after the odds are released, which is generally on the day of the race. Fluctuation in the odds won’t affect your winning price as the bet is fixed at the SP. Betway accepts multiple payment options including e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill and allows Indian players to make payments in Indian Rupees.
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Royal Panda
Royal Panda is another one of the reliable ones when it comes to sports betting. Their horserace betting section includes offers such as the sign-up bonus. A £20 bonus amount is offered which might not look massive but is better than many other sites. Their odds are regularly updated to ensure that you get the most lucrative prices. The promotions are also updated regularly for players to find value each week.
The prospective payouts and horseracing odds at Royal Panda the figures for Flat Races are somewhere between 79.08-87.65% while the National Jumps are between 82.38-88.98%. The Average comes out to be at 82.99% which is pretty decent in comparison to other sites.
Royal Panda’s horseracing live stream option is also available for those who like to see their horse galloping down the turf. Along with that, you have the option to choose from multiple payment options including e-wallets such as Neteller. These make live betting faster and safer for you as the deposit transfer time is exceptionally less than other payment methods.
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