Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting – Comparing The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Rhode Island

Horse racing in Rhode Island has a long, illustrious, and all too often, checkered history. From pioneering pari-mutuel betting in 1934 to legalizing online sports betting in 2018, Rhode Island remains a top destination for betting. 

Keep reading as we unpack the best Rhode Island Horse Racing betting sites, with in-depth reviews of the best markets, fixtures, rebates, offers and incentives. We’ll show you where to claim free bonus cash when signing up, list key terminology, and delve into the surrounding legalities of wagering in the state. Your guide to RI horse racing starts now.

Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites For Horse Racing In Rhode Island

Let’s get into our 2023 pick for the top ten Rhode island horse racing platforms. Having narrowed down the best (and worst) reviews from hundreds of different sites, we’ve curated, compiled and delivered the final pick for the best horse racing destinations in the Ocean State. 

1. TwinSpires– Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Rhode Island
2. TVG – Best Real-Money Horse Racing Betting App
3. BetOnline – Industry-Leading 9% Horse Racing Rebate 
4. XBet – Multiple Markets and International Tracks
5. Bovada – Live Betting on Qualified Tracks
6. MyBookie – $1000 Sign Up Bonus
7. BetUS – Money Back Offer on Saturday Stakes 
8. BUSR – Regular Horse Racing Reload Bonuses
9. Sportsbetting.ag – Comprehensive Best Odds on Horse Racing
10. BetNow – Early Betting Lines for Upcoming Races

Reviewing The Best Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Sites

Out of all ten horse racing platforms in Rhode Island, there are five that stand out above the rest. Each of the below platforms has a wealth of leading welcome offers, local and international betting markets, top betting lines and some of the cleanest interfaces around. 

1. TwinSpires – Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Rhode Island

Established in 2006, TwinSpires is a premier online betting destination, with a built-in casino, sports betting platform, and some of the best Rhode Island horse racing you’ll find anywhere in the state. Available on both desktop and mobile apps, Twin Spires is the signature online betting subsidiary of the famed Churchill Downs horse racing complex and home to the annual Kentucky Derby. 

Ocean State residents and punters of all skill levels can place bets across hundreds of local and international markets, including Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 4 and similar, as well as track the action in-person via live streaming, or online with up-to-the-minute race results.

Regular promotions include a recurring $1 Bet on Pick 6, regular Bet Back’s, Bonus Prize Pools on Pick 4 and $200 in Bonus Money. Banking methods include PayPal and MoneyGram, with deposits ranging from $1 to $1,000. Finally, the TwinSpire “BetShare” feature allows Rhode Island horse racing fans to split their wagers with friends.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New Rhode Island horse racing punters will unlock $200 in Bonus Money. For every $400 wagered, you’ll get $100 in bonus money. This offer comes with a 30-day window.

 

 

2. TVG – Best Real-Money Horse Racing Betting App

Having been on the front line of horse racing since as far back as 1993, TVG is an industry veteran and one of the best Rhode Island horse racing platforms. Acquired by Paddy Power Betfair in 2009, TVG offers online, mobile, phone and TV betting in 30+ states and broadcasts live races to over 60 million people. 

The TVG platform gives punters exclusive access to 500+ local and international tracks with a comprehensive racecard covering all manner of bets including exacta, quinella, superfecta and many more.  Their fast loading app, available for both Android and iOS accepts real-money wagers and there is a wide range of handicapping tools on offer, as well as running updates.

Regular promotions include a $250 Risk-Free Bonus on first deposits, and a recurring Super 5 Contest where participants can enter (at no cost) and win up to $5000 a week by selecting one horse to win each of five chosen races.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New TVG punters who register an account will unlock a $250 Risk-Free Bonus in exchange for a first-time deposit. Be sure to use the promo code “250DM” when depositing.

 

 

3. BetOnline – Industry-Leading 9% Horse Racing Rebate

BetOnline has been leading the charge in online gambling and sports betting since 1999. Rhode Island horse racing participants can enjoy a range of features and incentives including 60+ local and international tracks, a seamless interface, multiple promotions and a range of bets including win, place and show wagers and exotics like a trifecta, daily double and more. 

Minimum wagers start at $1 and go up to $500 and beyond, with maximum payouts reaching $100K per race. BetOnline also has an industry-leading 9% daily rebate for exotic wagers and 4% for standard wagers. Additionally, BetOnline is known to start their betting lines up to 48hours in advance for upcoming events.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

Explore the platform with a $25 Risk-Free Bet. All you need to do is make your first wager and if it doesn’t win, BetOnline will reimburse you with a free play up to $25.

 

 

4. XBet – Multiple Markets and International Tracks

Xbet is another world-class racebook and a must for Rhode Island horse racing fans. Horse racing enthusiasts from Rhode Island and the great United States can enjoy a seamless betting experience with a host of top features, including 50+ tracks and markets, as well as multiple betting options and odds. The race card interface is easy to navigate and includes all the biggest signature races, like the Kentucky Derby, the Rhode Island Silver Cup and more. Additionally, XBet has a strong 7% rebate on qualified tracks, paid out daily. 

Bets range from $1 to $500 and higher, with minimum deposits starting at $45. The platform has a range of top banking methods including, Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin and Litecoin.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New players can unlock the XBet Sports Betting Welcome Bonus, where in exchange for a $45 minimum first-time deposit, they’ll get 100% up to $500. This offer comes with a 7x rollover.

 

 

5. Bovada – Live Betting on Qualified Tracks

Bovada is an internationally recognized gaming platform that includes a world-class Racebook. Rhode Island horse racing fans can enjoy Live Betting action on a range of tracks throughout the United States,  including parimutuel and top exotics like Trifecta, Superfecta, and more. 

Bovada also offers Morning Line Odds, dedicated racing resources, as well as some great customization options to help you find the biggest events in real-time. You can also wager real money on the go with the Bovada app, available for Android and iOS. 

Bovada’s deposit and withdrawal methods are some of the fastest out there with minimum wagers starting at $10. New customers can unlock a 75% Bitcoin Match bonus of up to $750 which comes with a 5x rollover.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

A $20 first-time deposit will unlock the $1000 Sign Up Bonus. This offer comes with a 10x rollover when using promo code “BVD1000” on the cashier’s page.

 

More on gambling in Rhode Island…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Rhode Island in our expert guides below:

• Rhode Island Sports Betting
• Rhode Island Real Money Online Casinos
• Rhode Island Online Gambling
• Rhode Island Sports Betting Apps

 

Comparing The Best Sites for Betting on Horse Racing Rhode Island Has To Offer

When comparing the best Rhode Island horse racing sites, there are a few key factors to take into account. The below list details what features world-class horse racing sites should have on their books at all times.

Horse Racing Odds

It all comes down to which platform has the best odds. These can vary massively, and while all ten racebooks have decent odds at their disposal, it’s BetOnline and Twin Spires that stand out from the rest. These platforms, along with XBet take a lower cut (or juice) on bets made. 

Horse Racing Betting Markets

Having a multitude of different markets is a strong indicator that a racebook knows what they’re doing. All of the above sites have multiple markets, including win, place and show. Twin Spires, Bovada, and BetOnline’s exotics include exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double and more. 

Live Horse Racing Betting

Most punters steer away from Live Betting and track their results at a later stage. But, Live Betting can be thrilling, and when paired with top card events like the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes or similar, provide an action-packed day all-around. Twin Spires, GTV and Bovada all have Live Betting options, with Bovada’s being the fastest. 

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

All the best online racebooks have a range of promotions and incentives to help draw in the crowds. The biggest belongs to Bovada, with its  $1000 Sign Up Bonus and 75% Bitcoin Match Bonus up to $750. XBets 100% up to $500, while smaller comes with a light 7x rollover. TVG also has a red-hot Weekly $5000 Super 5 Contest that you can enter at no cost. 

Special Features for Horse Racing

Always be on the lookout for special platform features that stand out from the crowd. These can include dedicated horse racing resources and tutorials, cutting edge handicapping tools, a wide variety of betting markets as well quality rebates, promotions and incentives. BetOnline gets first place for their sheer range of promotions, cash backs and 9% rebate on exotics, while Bovada’s cryptocurrency promotions promise top withdrawals using Bitcoin. 

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

The title for the strongest welcome bonus belongs to Bovada. Their $1000 Sign Up Bonus comes with a 10x rollover and a low $20 first time deposit requirement. TVG’s $250 risk-free bonus can be claimed on two separate occasions up to a total of $500. Be sure to check out your preferred platform promo pages to see which welcome offer is best for you.

User-Friendly Design

BetOnline and Bovada’s both have simple, fast loading interfaces with easy layouts and navigation They also have dedicated mobile apps with top graphics and real-money wagers.

Live Streaming

When it comes to Live Streaming, Twin Spires, GVT and Bovada are the way to go. Their fast-loading streaming platform allows you to catch all the latest action as it unfolds and place wagers in real-time. TVG broadcasts daily to 60 million people through their racing channel and includes up to the minute race commentary, opinions, experts interviews and more.

How to Choose the Best Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Sites

Below are a few key value-adds to look out for when registering your new account. Our top ten Rhode Island horse racing sites contain all of the below points and more. 

Brand Recognition

Make sure your chosen Racebook is fully licensed with a proven track record. Scroll through their offering to ensure that all betting markets are on par with industry standards and that odds on fixtures are freely accessible.  

Payment Methods

The best Rhode Island horse racing sites have a number of top deposit and withdrawal methods with quick turnarounds and encrypted safety protocols. Make sure they meet your unique banking preferences and, before wagering on-site, ensure that the transaction fees are fair. 

Safety & Security

It goes without saying that safety and security should always be a platform’s top priority. Ensure that all security protocols are in place. Look for SSL certificates, 2FA, and legitimate licensing. 

Speed & Design

Fast loading, graphically enhanced sites make for a much better wagering experience. Ensure your chosen Racebook never lags, has a high-quality user interface and seamless navigation.

Customer Service

Customer service is paramount. Ensure that your chosen Racebook has a dedicated support team available through phone, mail or in-panel chat 24/7. When you’re faced with an onsite issue, the last thing you want is a slow response time. 

Overall Value

These days, the best racebooks and sports betting sites should have all of the above value adds and more. In such a competitive industry, it’s almost inexcusable to fall short on any of the above performance metrics. Ensure you’re always siding with the right platform.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Guide – How to Bet on Horse Races in Rhode Island

Horse racing awards some of the best betting structures, odds and markets. But, with so much going on, it can be tricky knowing where to start. We’re going to cover all key elements of betting on horses in Rhode Island, including key terminology and more. 

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work in Rhode Island?

Whether you’re based in Rhode Island or anywhere else for that matter, wagering on horses is as simple as ever. Simply side with your preferred platform, register your account, make a first-time deposit and scroll through the online race card to find your preferred event. Look for the sites with accompanying handicapping betting tools that will help you make informed decisions and boost your chances of clearing higher prize pools.  

Check Out Our Popular Horse Racing Guides

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work in Rhode Island?

Horse racing in Rhode Island follows the same structure as the rest of the world. Whether it be online or in-person, all you really need to do is choose your race, pick your favorite from the Morning Line provided, decide on a betting market, learn the odds, and place a bet. After that, it’s up to Lady Luck. 

At this time, Rhode Island doesn’t have major land-based racing circuits, but they make up for it with their online platforms. Real wagers run 24/7, with top tracks and markets.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Explained

Below you’ll see a basic racecard from XBet. We’ll quickly take you through the information on the card so that you can make an informed decision the next time you’re wagering.

The mechanics are pretty simple once you know what to look for. The Win, Place and Show boxes above indicate the bet types for a given race. Simply enter the amount you wish to wager and hit the “Add to Bet Slip” button. 

The “ML” or Morning Line column to the far right will show you the day’s odds. Remember to check in on these odds frequently throughout the day as they do tend to change according to the wagers placed. You can work out your potential returns by analyzing the Morning Line. For example, a 3-1 bet means that for every $1 staked, you stand to win $4 (or units).

RI Horse Racing Betting Odds

By and large Twin Spires has some of the most competitive odds in the industry, as well as Bovada and GTV. BetOnline is great for its range of different markets and XBet’s international lineups are world-class. At the end of the day, the best odds bring the best returns. Try mixing up your betting strategy as you go. Run some safe wagers, and use these to take on riskier wagers as your track knowledge develops. 

Below are the three types of universal betting odds.

Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Rhode Island

Fixed odds are the odds you’ll get as advertised by the betting operator and/or racebook. The official odds a horse starts a race with are known as their Starting Price (SP), but depending on the day, these fixed odds can move up or down slightly at the discretion of the operator.  

Pari-Mutuel Betting in Texas

A common betting style throughout North America. These pari-mutuel wagers are awarded as dividends at the end of a race. Bettors will bet into a pool and come out with a portion of the takings. The resulting payouts from this bet type are divided up and paid out based on the number of people who wagered on the same result. 

Pool Betting on Texas Horse Races

Pool betting is very similar to pari-mutuel betting but with one key difference, whereby the pool’s odds can be preset by the operator or bookmaker. Pool bets are quite common for exotics bets. 

What Are the Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

All of the best Rhode Island horse racing platforms have their own betting system. Below are the most common horse racing bets. 

Win

The most popular “standard” bet on any racing platform. A Win Bet is a single wager made on the overall winner of a given race. If your horse wins, you get paid out. 

Place

A Place Bet is money wagered on whether your horse will come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. These bets tend to have smaller payouts than win bets.

Show

You’ll place a wager that your horse will finish anywhere in a top-three position (either 1st, 2nd or 3rd). If your horse finishes “Off the Board”, i.e not in the top 3, you’ll lose the bet. 

Exacta

To win an Exacta bet, you’ll need to correctly pick two horses (runners) to come in 1st and 2nd, and in the correct order. 

Trifecta

To win a Trifecta bet, you’ll need to correctly pick three horses (runners) to come in 1st,  2nd, and 3rd respectively, and all in the correct order. 

Superfecta

Finally, the Superfecta is the same as the above three, but the odds are higher. To win a Superfecta bet, you’ll need to correctly pick four horses (runners) to come in 1st,  2nd, and 3rd and 4th, and all in the correct order. 

Daily Double

This pari-mutuel wager is offered on both horse and dog racing tracks. Bettors will wager and pick the winner of the first two opening races of an event, meeting or race day. 

Pick 3/4/5/6

These bets follow the same format as a Daily Double Bet, whereby wagers are made on consecutive clusters of races in a day. To partake in a Pick 3, you’d need to bet on the winners of 3 consecutive races, 4 consecutive races for a Pick 4 and so on until reaching 6. 

Refer to the table below for a better understanding of minimum bets and betting costs.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Terms

Whether you’re brand new to the world of horse racing in Rhode Island or you’ve been around the block. There are universal betting terms unique to horse racing that can come in handy. 

Ante-Post

A bet made in advance, before the day of the race 

Co-Favorite 

A horse leading the market with one or more other horses.

Drifter

A horse’s price gets bigger in the build-up or prior to the start of the race. 

Dead Heat

Two (or more) horses finishing the race at the exact same time

DQ

A disqualified horse

Dutch

Backing two or more horses in a given race

Exotic Bet

A bet that is not a Win, Place or Show. I.e Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, etc. 

Favorite

The contender most likely to win the race

Furlong

1/8th of a mile

Lay

A bet on a horse not to win. I.e the opposite of backing a horse

Longshot 

A horse that is not seen as a strong market contender

Morning Line

An estimate of what the odds on each horse will be in a given race day

Odds

The return you stand to get if your chosen horse is successful.

Pari-Mutuel

All bets of a particular type are placed together in a pool. These bets are distributed evenly amongst the winners. 

Stake 

The amount of money bet on a horse

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Calculator

When it comes to calculating horse racing in Rhode Island betting odds, most online sportsbooks will automatically calculate your payouts and overriding rate of return, and display it on your slip.

On average most of the biggest sites work with pari-mutuel bet types and pools. This means that you’ll never really see the final odds until the race is finished. In order to keep your betting experience fun and hassle-free, the racebook will display the Morning Line (ML) at the beginning of each day. These odds will give you a good indicator of a race day’s running odds. 

Keep reading as we unpack a quick guide to calculate universal horse racing betting odds. 

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

The day’s odds are primarily displayed as fixed or pool bets (pari-mutuel). Before a race day, bookmakers will assign fixed odds to different sets of horses, with some marked as favorites and others, longshots. These odds can change depending on the action for a given horse, but as a general rule, the more bets that are placed on a given horse, the lower the odds will be.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Odds Chart

The below table details every major Rhode Island horse racing odds structure that you’ll come across while wagering, including the overriding odds and the implied winning percentage.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Tracks

Believe it or not, since the closing of the prestigious Narragansett Park in 1978, Rhode Island hasn’t developed any notable land-based horse racing complexes. As a Rhode Island resident, your best options are to wager and win online and any of the above leading platforms, or take a short trip across the state to Massachusetts and enjoy a day at PlainRidge Park Casino.  

The History of Horse Racing In Rhode Island

Rhode Island horse racing history revolves almost entirely around one prestigious racetrack. But these days, there is talk that a new race track might soon be built.

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

While betting in person makes for a great day out, it tends to be nowhere near as lucrative as betting online. Why? When you arrive at a land-based track you’ll be presented with the pick of the day, at one fixed price and with almost no alternatives. And, while simulcast machines can broadcast multiple markets, you are not able to explore and shop around as much as you’d like. 

Check out the below table for a better idea of the pros of wagering online.

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in Rhode Island 

There are a few general terms and conditions to be aware of when wagering online, redeeming a promotion or depositing funds. 

Rollover Requirements

Most bonuses and welcome offers come with Rollover Requirements. This is the wagering requirement enforced by the Racebook that you’ll need to bet before a bonus or welcome offer can be redeemed. Check out the table below for the rollover requirement of each Racebook.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

All the best Rhode Island Racebooks have a series of top promotions, rebates, welcome offers and enhanced odds for you to pick and choose to heighten your betting experience. Below are some of the most common. 

Welcome Offer

Almost every platform has a Welcome Offer. It’s a great way to get to know the site and receive more value for a first-time wager. These sign up bonuses (i.e 100% up to $1000) usually require you to wager the full bonus amount before it can be paid out. 

Loyalty Levels

Loyalty levels (including frequent player points) are a great incentive for staying on site. You can collect these points as you bet, reach new loyalty levels and get rewarded with top prizes in the process. 

Rebates

This bonus will be paid regardless of whether your bet wins or loses. Rebates vary but can go up to 9%, as is the case with BetOnline. These rebates are paid out every day of the week.

Enhanced Odds

During a promotion, the site may increase its betting odds. If you meet the minimum wager, you stand to walk away with more money on wins than you would with standard odds. 

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Rhode Island

If you’re looking for around the clock horse racing action you can try out virtual horse racing at either Bovada or Twin Spires. These digital horse races ensure there is always a market to bet on, where you never have to wait for the next big live race to wager a stake. 

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Apps

Sports Betting mobile apps are easy to use, quick to download and come with all the same features and promotions that you’ll find at any world-class Racebook. 

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Apps for iPhone

While iPhone integration is still catching up to Android, there are a number of top apps that you can access directly from iOS. Bovada has its own dedicated horse racing app with smooth integration and real-money wagering. Twin Spires and GVT are also great recommendations for mobile betting. These apps can be downloaded directly from the site.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

Android Racebook betting apps have more than a few leading options available to Rhode Island horse racing bettors. Bovada, Twin Spires and GVT apps have the best performance and can be downloaded directly from Google Play or onsite. 

How To Start Betting At Horse Racing Sites In Rhode Island

Congratulations! You’re officially a Rhode Island horse racing pro. Now all that’s left to do is register your account at any of the best Rhode Island racebooks. Here’s how you’ll do it. 

Step 1: Create a New Account

Head over to your racebook of choice (we’ll use XBet as an example). In the top corner of the home screen click the “Join Now” button and fill in a few key details including your date of birth, email address, unique password and the region you’re logging in from. 

Step 2: Navigate to the Racebook

Navigate to the Racebook. More often than not you’ll see a dedicated section labeled “Racebook” at the top of the screen, under the signup button.

Step 3: Find Your Perfect Race

Navigate through the dropdown list and find your preferred race from the range of markets available. Click on the betting options listed below for each race. 

Step 4: Place Your Bet

Once you’ve selected your race, you’ll see all the running odds in your personal racecard. Enter your stake next to your favorite horse and confirm the bet by clicking on “Add to Racecard”.

Step 5: Monitor Your Bet 

Now all that’s left to do is sit back and monitor your bet and see if your horse wins. You can revisit the site at a later stage and find this information under the “My Bets” and/or “Bet History”

Other Types of Gambling in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a gamblers’ paradise through and through. If you feel like taking a break from the track, head over to all the biggest platforms and enjoy a variety of different betting action, including live casinos, blackjack and slots, as well as some of the biggest local and international sportsbooks, like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and more. 

What Is The Best Site For Horse Racing Betting In Rhode Island?

All in all, the best site for horse racing in Rhode Island has to be Twin Spires. Their dedicated Racebook, range of markets, and smooth interface places them in the top spot. While their  $200 in Bonus Money Welcome Offer isn’t the strongest around, they more than makeup for it with brilliant features and choice of odds.

Join Twin Spires today and start winning with the best in Rhode Island horse racing.

Rhode Island Horse Racing FAQs

Can I bet on horse racing online in RI?

Yes, it is entirely legal to bet on horse racing in Rhode Island, either online or in person.

Does Rhode Island have live horse racing?

No, at this time Rhode Island does not have any live horse racing tracks. Bettors can choose to wager online at offshore Racebooks, or in-person at key sports-betting sites.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing online in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island horse racing is fully legal. The passing of a bill in 2018 has approved horse racing, Fantasy League sports and general sports betting.