Free Horse Racing Bets & Bonuses: Best Horse Racing Bonuses

Using a free horse racing bet is a great way to try out an operator or racebook when looking to wager on horse racing.

Horse racing has a rich history in the United States. It dates back as far as 1665, when meetings took place at the Newmarket course in Salisbury, New York, not far from Belmont Park. Parimutuel wagering on horse racing emerged in 1908 and continues to be the horse betting industry’s main force today. America is home to arguably the most famous horse race globally, the Kentucky Derby, which attracts vast amounts of bets from around the world. There are also the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes in the United States and combined with the Kentucky Derby, make up the Triple Crown.

A free horse racing bet and other horse racing betting bonuses present a great opportunity to both try out a new racebook and get some extra betting funds for your wager. Here, we gathered and reviewed the best free no-deposit bonus promotions to keep an eye on when looking for a new horse race betting site.

Best Free Horse Racing Bets – August 2023

Which operators offer the best free bets for horse racing? That would be

1. BetMGM Horse Racing – bet $200 get $200
2. DK Horse – 100% deposit match bonus of up to $250
3. FanDuel Racing – no sweat first win bet up to $200
4. Caesars Racebook – 100% deposit match up to $200
5. bet365 Horse Racing – first bet safety net up to $1,000 or bet $5 get $150

The above horse racing betting sites have the best odds with a generous min deposit and min odds bonus offer. Additionally, all of the sites have a straightforward bet settlement process which makes it easy for new players. Choosing the best horse racing betting site depends on what you are looking for. You may just want to wager on derby day or you may be a more experienced bettor who wagers throughout the year. Whatever your needs, the above sites have you covered.

Horse racing has continued to evolve in the US alongside the gambling industry. With the introduction of online gambling, customers can now bet on their favorite races from their laptops or mobile devices. Online horse betting has become one of the most popular gambling markets in the country. As more people sign up to betting sites, operators try and attract new customers by offering sign-up bonuses and promotions.

We will list some horse racing sign-up bonus offers, free racing bets, and free bet no deposit offers on this page. We will also explain how to use these bonuses to ensure you get the most out of your gambling experience. Wagering on horse racing is legal in most US states. We have guides for each state including a PA Horse Racing betting guide.

Best Online Horse Betting Bonuses

As there are several sports betting sites available, new players will have the choice of numerous free bets and horse racing no deposit bonus options encouraging them to sign up. There are plenty of free racing bets to look out for, so you won’t be struggling for choice.

If you see sites mentioning free bet stakes and a generous free bet expiry date, they are worth looking into. Free bets expire quickly, so if you find one with a long shelf life, snap it up. Additionally, make sure the qualifying bet settlement isn’t too harsh and there are decent minimum odds.

BetMGM Horse Racing Bonus

BetMGM’s foray into horse race betting proved just as successful as the brand’s sports betting and online casino platforms. New registrees on the platform are rewarded with a 100% match bonus up to $200. The downside is that BetMGM is currently available in only 3 states.

DK Horse Bonus

Draftking’s horse racing platform also features the standard deposit match promotion. Your initial deposit will be matched by 100%  up to $250. DK horse offers the highest deposit amount (no sweat first bet bonuses notwithstanding), making it the most lucrative out of the bunch if you’re looking at sheer amounts.

FanDuel Racing Bonus

The FanDuel Racing welcome bonus is a No Sweat Fist Bet up to $200. What this means is that your initial wager will be insured and if it ends up being a loss, FanDuel will refund it by up to $200 in bet credits. As far as No Sweat bets go, the amount insured is smaller than it is with standard sports betting promos, but this is to be expected in horse racing where the overall amounts rewarded are significantly smaller.

Caesars Racebook Bonus

Caesars Racebook rewards new players with a 100% deposit match up to $200 in bonus bets. The bonus comes with a slim wagering requirement of 1x for which you have a 30-day deadline. All in all, the requirements are pretty fair and this is a solid free horse racing bonus overall.

bet365 Horse Racing Bonus

Lastly, we have bet365’s horse racing welcome bonus. New registrees can choose between two mutually exclusive bonuses: first bet safety net up to $1,000 or bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets. Overall, I’d advise to go for the bet $5 get $150 bonus as the first offer is only valuable if you expect to lose your first bet. If it’s a win, you’ll get nothing from the bonus. However, newer players might enjoy the safety net as it allows them to play more risky bets or get an “extra life” if their first wager is a flop.

Types of Horse Betting Bonus Offers

In the online gambling world, whether you are playing on a sports betting app or an online casino, there are several ways to boost your bankroll. If you are a horse racing enthusiast, you can check out the horse racing odds for each betting site, look for some horse racing tips, and pick your winner happily withdraw your winnings. However, you can also get some help along the way, as many sites offer a no-deposit free bet on horse racing, so why wouldn’t you take advantage?

There are several different types of free bet offers, and some may appear more attractive to you than others. Below you will find a list of the most common horse betting bonuses available for US players and how you can access them.

Signup Bonus

These are fantastic for new players as they get something just for signing up. One of the sites currently offering a nice signup bonus is Nyra Bets. If you visit the Nyra website and register, enter the bonus code ‘BELMONT25,’ and the operator will give new customers a free bet worth $25. This free horse bet no deposit offer is one of the best available as it only requires you to create an account.

Additionally, you will also receive a 100% first deposit matching bonus worth up to $200. This deposit bonus is available on both the Nyra Bets website and the app. The mobile app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. A sign-up bonus is probably the most popular form of free racing bets available.

Deposit Bonus

The Daily Racing Form (DRF) is one of the most established betting sites available. Players use DRF to check horse racing results, recent form, and the latest news. If you sign up at DRF Bets, you can access the welcome bonus, which consists of a matched deposit up to a value of $250.

Cashback Bonus

AmWager offers some of the most attractive bonuses currently available. New customers can earn 10% back, up to a maximum of $500 on any win bets and exotic bets placed during their first 30 days after signing up. AmWager also runs a cash rewards program, which gives players the chance to earn a percentage of their wager back, even if it loses. This encourages players to make more bets as the more you bet, the more real money you get back.

Risk-Free Bets

Free bets are the holy grail of any online betting platform, whether you are looking for an NJ sports betting site or an i-gaming website. TVG has an attractive free bet offer for new customers. When you sign up and get your TVG login, you will get a $200 risk-free bet on your first single-horse win wager. Players can access this free bet via the TVG website or TVG mobile app. To access this bonus, enter the promo code ‘GET250’ and within 15 days of registering, use your TVG or PA Bets or 4NJBets account to place a win or place a bet.

Additionally, there is a TVG VIP rewards program on offer to keep bettors engaged. If you refer a friend to this program, you get $25 in free bets once they sign up.

There is also the option to claim some completely free no-deposit bets with several sportsbooks. Check out our FanDuel Racing promo code guide for more details.

Bonus Cash

One of the most prominent horse racing websites in the US is TwinSpires. The site is operated by Churchill Downs, which is home to the infamous Kentucky Derby, so you know these guys are serious about horse racing. New players can access a $100 sign-up bonus when they have completed registration. There is no deposit required, and the $100 bonus funds will be added to your account after $500 in completed wagers are placed.

What are Free Bets for US Players

The free bet offers at US horse books aver similar to those available internationally. The most obvious difference is that you must be living in at least one of the states that allow online gambling. Each free bet and deposit bonus offer is different with separate terms and conditions and wagering requirements, so make sure you read them carefully.

The most commonly used bonus offers are a first deposit match. These double a player’s money and give the same amount of money in a free bet. You can use the bonus amount to place some bets but cannot withdraw them. Other bonus offers to look out for include cashback offers. It encourages you to play more, but that is fine as you will need time to collect all of the bonuses. These are better for more experienced bettors as they are more likely to play more.

Free bet no deposit offers are valuable as there is not much risk for potentially high rewards. If you are new to horse gambling, they are ideal as you can get used to the betting process without having to deposit first. When you feel more comfortable, you can make a deposit, which means you can access further bonuses such as a first deposit bonus or first deposit free bet offers.

Once you place your first qualifying bet, you must be aware of how long the free bet valid period is as you don’t want to lose it.

Tips to use Free Bets on Horse Racing

When it comes to using your free horse bets with no-deposit bonuses, there are ways to ensure you maximize the potential of your betting offer. Horse race betting can be profitable and exciting if you make the most of any free wagers that come your way. Keep in mind the following tips when using no-deposit bonuses to bet on horse racing:

• Spread your bets out: You don’t have to use your new customer offer on one bet all in one go. The better option would be to spread your offer out over multiple bets to maximize your experience. This allows you to bet in all the different ways you can since there is a lot when it comes to horse racing.
• Bet a large amount: If these betting offers provide a lot of free bet credits, use them. If you have a strong inclination that an underdog will win, use your free bet to get behind your hunch. There is nothing to lose when you put the max free bet on, so we suggest you maximize your chances of winning big.
• Take note of wagering requirements: Always be aware of what the wagering requirements are, so you aren’t shocked when hit with strict playthrough rules. Also, free bets exclude virtuals most of the time, so this won’t contribute to meeting the wagering requirements.
• Do some shopping: Whether it be Caesars sportsbook, BetMGM sportsbook, or horse racing sites we have listed on this page, they are all in competition to attract new bettors. This means they will be offering generous welcome bonuses, like free bets, to bring in new customers. Shop around to find the best no-deposit free bets for you before committing to sign up at any betting site.

Terms and Conditions for Free Horse Racing Bets

To ensure a seamless experience while claiming free horse racing bets, it’s important to be aware of the terms and conditions that come with them. Like with anything else, these offers have their own set of rules and requirements that you should familiarize yourself with beforehand. By doing so, not only will you save time, but you’ll also have a much easier time claiming your free bets.

Wagering Requirements

One of the most crucial factors to keep in mind while claiming free horse racing bets is the wagering requirements. Failing to wager the correct amount can prevent you from withdrawing your winnings. Typically, you can expect to find a standard rollover of 5x. For instance, if there is a $10 free bet available, you would need to place bets worth $50 before you can collect your winnings from the free bet. It’s advisable to check the terms and conditions of each site to determine the exact amount you might have to wager.

Maximum Win Limits

When it comes to horse racing free bets, bookmakers may set a maximum win limit as a precautionary measure to manage their financial risk in the event of a large payout. It’s worth noting that while maximum win limits do restrict the amount a player can win, it doesn’t entirely prevent them from winning big. Rather, it’s a limitation put in place to ensure that the bookmaker can operate within their financial means.

The specific maximum win limit can vary depending on the bookmaker, and it is typically influenced by market conditions and customer demand. By implementing a maximum win limit, bookmakers can effectively balance the risk and reward of offering free bets while still ensuring the long-term stability of their business.

Payment Requirements

The top-rated sportsbooks prioritize customer convenience by offering a variety of payment options to suit everyone’s preferences. For instance, TVG offers a wide range of payment channels, including debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and e-checks, to facilitate account funding. Most reputable sportsbooks tend to follow this practice, ensuring that players can use their preferred payment methods with ease. However, it’s worth noting that some payment restrictions apply to methods, such as American Express and PayNearMe.

Time Limits

Regrettably, most bookmakers impose time limits on their free bets. While the duration can vary from site to site, typically, players have a minimum of a week to use their redeemed free bets. However, it’s essential to note that these time limits can vary, and some bookmakers may offer a shorter or longer timeframe.

To avoid losing your free bet, it’s best to use it as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of forgetting to use it within the allotted time frame. We highly recommend that you keep track of the expiration date and ensure you make use of your free bet before it becomes invalid.