Welcome to HorseBettingInsider.com
Somewhere throughout the years horse racing gained the nickname 'the sport of kings'. It was a reference to the high cost of competing at a high level but the name stuck and is still used today. It's an ironically elitist name for what at is essence is a very egalitarian activity. While it still costs a fortune to own and train a race horse the sport itself continues to be enjoyed by a diverse range of people from all across the socioeconomic spectrum. You don't need to be a 'high roller' for online horse betting, it's easy to learn and there's action at the horse track every day of the year.
EASY AND CONVIENENT
For players in North America one of the most attractive components of horse betting is that it is relatively accessible and convenient compared to many other gambling activities. There are horse tracks all over the US and Canada and these tracks all accept bets on their race. In addition, most offer additional horse race betting via simulcasting. As the name suggests, tracks broadcast televised races from around the country and you can bet on horses just like you were at the track itself. In addition, there are off track betting simulcasting facilities in some cities and states that allow this type of horse race betting.
ONLINE BETTING OPTIONS
While some players enjoy the 'action' of being at the track or a simulcast facility there's an even more convenient and simple way to place bets on horses. Online horse betting is widely available and offers all the advantages of a simulcast facility-including betting opportunities from all over the world and live video coverage of the races-from the comfort of your home. Some of these outfits offer mobile horse race betting on your tablet or smartphone meaning that you can get into the action from anywhere at any time.
A RICH HISTORY WORLDWIDE
At one point horse racing was the most popular sport in the United States and its definitely one of the oldest predating every major American spectator sport including baseball, basketball, hockey and football. There are records of horse racing tracks on US soil as early as the mid 1600's but the sport itself is much older. There are archaeological records that indicate horse racing was a popular diversion in ancient Greece. Horse racing events were contested at the first ever Olympic games in 648 BC. Historians have learned that horse racing-with and without chariots-was big business in the Roman Empire and betting on these races was commonplace. There was a thriving industry around live horse racing not unlike modern times with racetrack owners, trainers and bookmakers serving a public anxious to bet on horses.
THE US ROOTS OF HORSE RACING
Organized live horse racing in the United States dates back to the late 1800's. The publication of the American Stud Book is typically cited by horse racing experts as the official start of the US racing timeline and the sport exploded in popularity from there. By the end of the 1800s there were over 300 race tracks in operation in the United States and the sport was further formalized in 1890 with the formation of the American Jockey Club. The sport has had ebbs and flows in terms of its popularity but still survives and thrives to this day.
BETTING IS A BIG PART OF THE GAME
Unlike most US sports where betting is an afterthought it's always been an important part of the horse racing experience. As noted above the history of the sport dates back for centuries and horse betting was a component of horse racing all the way. Parimutuel wagering on horses was the first form of gambling to gain widespread acceptance in the United States, primarily due to its long history with the sport itself. Horse race wagering is a huge worldwide industry generating over $100 billion (US) in revenue and one which has spawned many ancillary businesses like TV networks, newspapers and computer services to meet the needs of the betting industry.
THE BIGGEST RACES
Although there is action at horse tracks throughout North America every day of the year there are certain races that draw much greater mainstream interest than the others. Each track has a 'marquee race'--like the Santa Anita Derby or the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct-that attracts a higher level of competition due to higher purses and greater prestige. These races, in turn, generate a higher betting handle and brings spectators to the track that might not be interested in the day to day events.
THE TRIPLE CROWN
The biggest events of the horse racing year in North America are the Triple Crown races and the Breeders' Cup. The Triple Crown races are the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes and take place in early Summer. Winning all three races--Horse racing's Triple Crown-- is one of the most difficult accomplishments in all of sports. Winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes has only been accomplished eleven times in history and most recently by Affirmed in 1978. Obviously the Triple Crown races always attract a lot of betting interest collectively and individually and each race offers its own unique challenges to the horses competing and betting public alike.
THE BREEDERS' CUP
While the Triple Crown races-particularly the Kentucky Derby-are considered the big horse races of the year by the mainstream sports media and the casual fans the Breeder's Cup is the biggest event of the year for serious horse race betting enthusiasts. The event is held in October over two days and essentially brings together 'the best of the best' in a variety of race types and age classes. The Breeder's Cup Classic is the highlight of the racing weekend and offers a purse of $5 million US making it one of the richest races in the world.
