Missouri Horse Racing Betting – Comparing The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Missouri

Horse racing in Missouri is more accessible than you may think. The Show Me State is home to some of the best online horse racing betting sites in the nation. These make up for the lack of local racing tracks and give residents premium options for real money betting.

On this page, we will cover the entire horse racing industry in Missouri to give you all the details you need to start winning today. Of course, we also cover top bonuses that can land you over $1,000 for free. Read it all about it right now!

Best Sports Betting Sites in Missouri
BetOnline Sports logo

50% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus

5 Stars Claim Now
Bovada Sports logo

Get a Welcome Bonus of up to $750

5 Stars Claim Now
MyBookie Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $1000

5 Stars Claim Now
XBet Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip

5 Stars Claim Now
Lucky Block logo

200% Bonus up to $10,000 + 50 Free Spins

5 Stars Claim Now
BetNow Sports logo

150% Match On The First Deposit Up To $150

5 Stars Claim Now
BUSR Sports logo

150% Deposit Bonus up to $2500

4.5 Stars Claim Now
Jazz Sports logo

50% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $1000

4 Stars Claim Now
Sportsbetting AG Sports logo

50% First Time Deposit Match Up To $1000

4.5 Stars Claim Now

As you can see, the best sports betting brands come with generous offers for new customers. Each one is easy to claim and can significantly increase your budget for horse racing betting in Missouri. Keep reading for more details, tips, and other information.

In This Guide

Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites For Horse Racing In Missouri

The following list ranks the top 10 sites for horse racing in Missouri and also highlights their key strengths. It is a great way to quickly select the best racebooks and join within a matter of minutes.

  1. TwinSpires – High-quality horse racing betting platform legally live in Missouri
  2. BetOnline – Over 40 horse racing tracks covered and 9% daily rebate
  3. XBet – Wide range of Missouri horse racing betting options every day
  4. Bovada – $750 Bitcoin welcome bonus for betting on horses from Missouri
  5. BetUS – The largest bonuses for horse racing Missouri betting (up to $2,500)
  6. MyBookie – Premium racebook with great odds on a variety of events
  7. BUSR – Packed schedule of horse racing events for daily betting action
  8. SportsBetting.ag – Best range of banking methods for online betting in MO
  9. BetNow – The most beginner-friendly racebook with 10% horse rebate
  10. GTBets – Tens of horse racing tracks supported across three classes

Reviewing The Best Missouri Horse Racing Betting Sites

Picking the right horse racing betting site in Missouri to fit personal preferences is not always an easy task. That is why we want to take a closer look at the best options and see what they have to offer.

The following reviews have been provided by our team of experts in the online gambling industry. The full analysis took several months in order to make sure that no stone was left unturned. Here are the highlights that we believe interest players most. Quickly learn about the best racebooks in Missouri and pick your favorite.

1. TwinSpires – The Best Site For Horse Racing Betting in Missouri

TwinSpires Horses Homepage

TwinSpires is currently the only USA-based horse racing operator available in Missouri. The renowned brand launched online in 2007 and has quickly expanded throughout the nation. It is the official product owned by Churchill Downs Inc, which also owns the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby racetracks.

So, given their impressive horse racing pedigree, TwinSpires is our top pick for betting in Missouri. The site is very easy to navigate and presents the most popular events on the main page. Users can also view the races for the day or browse the entire calendar to plan ahead.

Enter the TwinSpires bonus code BET200 for $200, released in two parts as you bet on the races. There are also quite a few promotions running every week at TwinSpires. These can help improve the profits with payout boosts, insurance offers, risk-free bets, and more.

The site can host live video streaming of the actual races for users to follow after betting. Replays are available as well and the platform runs smoothly on different platforms. You can connect on the site or bet from your mobile device through the dedicated apps.

TwinSpires Review –
Overall Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Missouri

Pros Cons
✅ Has its headquarters in the USA ❌ Doesn’t accept Bitcoin deposits
✅ Live video streaming of major races ❌ Flat fees of $5 on some payment methods
✅ Great racebook bonus of up to $200
✅ Frequent promotions for extra rewards
✅ Customer support by chat, phone, and email

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New customers at TwinSpires who register with the bonus code BET200 can earn up to $200 in extra cash. The amount is credited in two parts of $100 each for every $400 wagered within 30 days. The bonus is in cash and doesn’t have a wagering requirement.

To sign up right now, click the button below and use the code.

2. BetOnline – The Most Complete Online Racebook in Missouri

BetOnline Racebook Homepage

We can easily recommend BetOnline has the all-in-one online gambling site for players in Missouri. The operator has more than 25 years of experience and it is one of the most trusted brands in the entire nation. In addition to an impressive racebook, users also have access to a sportsbook and a casino.

The horse racing section has a simple but elegant design that makes it very easy to browse the races. The top events are featured at the top, followed by the upcoming races. Of course, you can also choose from the 40+ tracks listed on the left and check the meetings.

This level of variety can please most interested bettors. Furthermore, the odds for horse racing in Missouri are great as BetOnline often has the best lines. Daily rebate of up to 9% can help improve the profits even further. Check out the other bonuses on the BetOnline review page as well.

The platform is stable, secure, and features quite a few banking methods. BetOnline accepts Bitcoin and multiple other cryptocurrencies. Users can also deposit by credit cards, wire transfers, and other options. As for withdrawals, approval usually takes 1-2 banking days.

BetOnline Review –
Horse Racing Betting Options from Over 40 Tracks

Pros Cons
✅ Offers a wide range of betting markets ❌ Limited promotions for Missouri horse racing
✅ $25 risk-free bet for new customers ❌ Not the largest racebook welcome bonus
✅ Guides and tutorials for beginners
✅ Daily rebate of up to 9% without any max limits
✅ Fast and secure deposits by Bitcoin, Visa, and more

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The first bet made at BetOnline Racebook is risk-free. Place a wager of up to $25 on the races and if you don’t win, you will receive the money back as a free play bonus. Make sure to email the support team at freeplay@BetOnline.ag for the refund.

Get started today and make your first risk-free bet. Click below to visit BetOnline right now.

3. XBet – Thrilling Horse Racing Betting Action In Missouri

XBet Racebook Homepage

The XBet Racebook definitely deserves its spot on the podium for horse racing betting in Missouri. The site follows the standard layout so that everything is in reach and players can quickly find the options. There is a very long list of tracks available every day.

All of the standard betting options are available here, including straight, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. Bettors can form parlays of different types and the interface is very user-friendly. The betslip will appear on the right and payouts are automatic.

Action on the XBet racebook triggers daily rebate of up to 7%. This is on top of the 100% welcome bonus of up to $500 available on the first deposit. Reload deposits can land you additional bonuses of 25% with the XBet promo code XB25.

As for deposit methods, XBet sticks to the standard options for online horse racing in Missouri. This means simple deposits via MasterCard, Visa, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Person 2 Person, and more.

XBet Review –
Responsive Horse Betting Platform for Mobile

Pros Cons
✅ Fast withdrawals can be approved in just 24 hours ❌ Some withdrawal methods come with fees
✅ Awesome horse racing interface with loads of tracks
✅ 256-bit SSL digital encryption for the best security
✅ The daily racebook rebate can be very rewarding
✅ Useful help section and 24/7 customer support

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The XBet welcome bonus is of 100% up to $500, available on the first deposit with the code XB100. It has a 7x rollover requirement and a minimum deposit limit of $45.

To register right now and start winning from horse racing within Missouri, click here:

4. Bovada – Our Favorite Horse Racing Site in Missouri

Bovada Racebook Homepage

From the moment you land on the Bovada site, you see that the layout is unique. The racebook interface is different from all the other ones on our list. We like how smooth everything is and how quickly users can find the races for the day. Placing bets is also very straightforward, which should please beginners and veterans alike.

Bovada has reduced juice for the major horse racing events, allowing bettors in Missouri to win more. To help improve the results even further, the Bovada Sports welcome bonus also works on horses. The standard deal is of 50% up to $250 and the Bitcoin offer adds 75% up to $750 with the promo code BTCSWB750.

There are over 30 tracks to choose from, so finding the perfect spots shouldn’t be difficult. The trending events are listed for quick access and the page also has virtual racing for some extra options.

Banking is a bit limited at Bovada but the cashier does accept the popular options, like cards and Bitcoin. Withdrawals are limited to cryptocurrencies, checks by courier, and vouchers. The team usually approves requests in around 24 hours.

Bovada Review –
$750 Welcome Bonus for Horse Racing Betting

Pros Cons
✅ Covers the major race tracks in the USA ❌ Not as many banking options as other betting sites
✅ Keeps the odds sharp and lists early lines ❌ Doesn’t have live streaming of horse races
✅ Dedicated loyalty program for extra perks
✅ Racebook welcome bonus and other promotions
✅ Live chat customer support available 24/7

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The Bovada Sports bonuses are also available for horse racing betting in Missouri. This means that players can claim the large Bitcoin offer of 75% up to $750 on the first deposit. Payments by cards are eligible for a 50% bonus up to $250. Both deals have a 5x wagering requirement.

Join Bovada and choose the ideal bonus for you by clicking the button here:

5. BetUS – Bonuses of up to $2,500 for Horse Racing Betting in Missouri

BetUS Racebook Homepage

BetUS definitely has multiple advantages for Missouri horse racing betting. First of all, the new platform has an improved interface and features tens of tracks from North America and from international markets. Thoroughbred and harness races take place almost every day.

However, the best part about BetUS is its massive bonuses. There are offers for regular deposits and for crypto deposits. The latter are larger and can go up to $2,500 for sports and horse racing betting. BetUS promo codes allow users to choose the preferred bonuses with ease.

Additional racebook promotions are available on selected races every week. These can give bettors their money back if their selected horses finish second. Unfortunately, bets on horses will not earn you points in the BetUS loyalty program.

Withdrawals at BetUS are generally the fastest in the business. The operator processes payouts 24/7, including weekends. This can allow for faster payouts and cryptocurrency limits range from $50 to $5,000 per day.

BetUS Review –
Fastest Payouts for Horse Racing in Missouri

Pros Cons
✅ Great site for horse racing betting on mobile ❌ Horse racing betting not eligible for loyalty rewards
✅ Massive bonuses for crypto deposits ❌ Customer support can be slow at times
✅ Also offers sports betting and premium casino
✅ Helpful guides for newcomers to horse racing
✅ Longest-running online betting site in the USA

Welcome Bonus Offer:

There are several BetUS bonuses to choose from. For horse racing in Missouri, we recommend the 200% crypto pack of up to $2,500. Enter the code JOIN200 and you will receive a 150% sports bonus of up to $1,875 and a 50% casino bonus of up to $625. The sports offer is available for betting on the racebook as well.

Sign up right away and claim the deal!

More on gambling in Missouri…

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

Comparing The Best Sites For Horse Racing Missouri Has To Offer

All of the top sites for horse racing Missouri action have great platforms and offer loads of betting options. However, they are not all equal in every aspect. That is why it is important to compare them and see where each racebook has an edge. This can make it easier for users to pick the right sites for them.

Horse Racing Odds

We always pay extra attention to the provided odds for horse racing during the reviews. While it is almost impossible to have one racebook with the best lines in every situation, there are some operators that have consistently better odds than others.

From our research, we found that BetOnline often has the best horse racing odds in Missouri. The bookmaker has reduced margins on major races, which it promotes on the site. Bovada also deserves a mention here since it is usually right on par with BetOnline in terms of odds.

Meanwhile, GTBets tend to post less profitable odds for horse races.

Horse Racing Betting Markets

The good news is that most of the leading sites feature the major race tracks from the USA, like Delta Downs, Louisiana Downs, Remington Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.

However, the best racebooks in this regard are SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline. Each one shows races from around 20 American tracks, plus other locations from Canada, Australia, UK, India, Japan, Sweden, and other locations. This means that there is constant betting action on the site.

In contrast, MyBookie focuses more on local tracks and doesn’t have the best coverage of international horse racing events.

Live Horse Racing Betting

For Missouri live horse racing, the clear winner is TwinSpires. The renowned operator has a large presence in the USA and offers a great platform for live betting. It is also the leader for horse racing live streaming, but we will get to that a bit later.

Unfortunately, horse racing isn’t the best sport for live betting. The lines usually close when the race starts. However, having the latest data can definitely give you an edge. And this is what TwinSpires provides.

We also like the live betting platform at MyBookie and XBet. It isn’t overly complicated and allows users to take advantage of those precious seconds.

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

We strongly believe that the right bonuses and promotions can greatly improve the profits from horse racing. In Missouri, BetUS stands out with its massive deals. It also combines bonuses for sports, horses, and casino games on the same deposits, which is quite unique.

We touched a bit on the BetUS crypto bonus and you should also know that it has reload bonuses for every deposit. A 100% bonus of up to $2,500 is perfect for getting thing started. It has a 10x rollover rate on sports and horses.

As for other promotions, BetNow offers horse betting rebate of up to 10%. BetOnline has daily rebate of up to 9%, depending on the wager type. However, Bovada is more rewarding for active bettors due to its loyalty program.

Special Features for Horse Racing

There aren’t that many special features that can differentiate the top horse racing sites in Missouri. That’s because the platforms have all the needed options for a smooth experience.

BetUS pulls a bit ahead with its unique layout that allows for Win, Place, and Show bets directly from the list. Bovada also takes a different approach from the norm and focuses more on quick access. We like the buttons here and the user-friendly bet slip.

MyBookie is great for quickly making different types of bets. In addition to straight wagers, the interface has buttons for exact, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick 3, and parlay.

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

As you probably already know by now, BetUS has an awesome horse racing welcome bonus. New users can cash in on a 150% deal of up to $1,875 on sports by using crypto. This deal also includes a 50% bonus for the casino, which is nice for more variety.

We also like the TwinSpires welcome bonus for horse racing betting in Missouri. Although it is not released right away, it actually has a very low wagering requirement. Once you bet $400 on horses, you will receive an extra $100 in cash. Another $100 will be released after betting another $400.

In contrast, the BetOnline racebook bonus of a $25 risk-free bet is too small. While the operator has a larger sports bonus, it is not available for betting on horse racing.

User-Friendly Design

The site design and theme can depend on personal preferences, but the overall layout can have a major impact when betting. XBet and MyBookie have similar designs, which are pretty much the standard for online horse racing in Missouri.

Bovada takes a different approach and shows the tracks at the top. We like this design the most, even if it can take a bit to get used to. It is easier to browse and allows for faster betting across different tracks.

The BetUS design is also different but not necessarily for the better. Users have to scroll down quite a bit to view the tracks due to the large tabs. We prefer having everything easily in reach on the same screen.

Live Streaming

TwinSpires is definitely the best when it comes to live streaming for horse racing. Players in Missouri can follow the action live on the site after logging in. Live video footage is available for most of the major tracks in the nation through TwinSpires TV. You can even view replays of previous races.

Unfortunately, the other racebooks don’t have live streaming for races, even if their platforms support sports live streaming.

And More…

The following table allows you to compare the sites at a glance and see what features they offer.

Comparing Features At The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In Missouri

  Welcome Bonus  Mobile Betting Live Streaming Loyalty Program Matched Odds Handicapping Sports Betting Casino
TwinSpires

BetOnline

XBet

Bovada

BetUS

MyBookie

BUSR

Sports Betting.ag

BetNow

GTBets

How To Choose The Best Missouri Horse Racing Betting Sites

In addition to the features provided by each site, there are also other elements to consider when choosing the best racebook in Missouri. These can affect your experience and are definitely worth considering in advance. Learn all about them before you make your final decision.

Brand Recognition

The brand of the online betting operator is super important, especially in states without regulated gambling, like Missouri. Since residents rely on offshore companies for online betting options, a solid brand is a must. It can indicate a reliable platform, fair markets, and most importantly, hassle-free withdrawals.

Chances are that you have already heard of most of the brands on our list. This is because all of them are well-known throughout the USA. Some have been around for decades, as is the case with BetUS. BetOnline also comes with more than 25 years of experience, while TwinSpires also has a huge local presence.

Payment Methods

The available banking methods can definitely play a big role for horse racing in Missouri. Players should have a solid range of options that includes credit cards and bank transfers, since these are the most common payment methods.

Recently, cryptocurrencies have also become popular for online gambling. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin are accepted at most of offshore betting sites. Also check the fees since a reliable betting site will not charge you anything for payments.

Safety & Security

The safety and security of our readers is always our priority. That is why we always check the online security methods on the site during the reviewing process. We also recommend that you only bet on sites that have encrypted connections, proper licensing, and a long history without issues.

Speed & Design

A slow platform can ruin your horse racing betting experience. You definitely wouldn’t want to lose opportunities because the site loaded too slowly. Errors can also have a really bad impact, especially if you would have won the wager. So, reliability and loading speed are always essential.

As for design, we feel that everything should be easily accessible from the main page and from the account menu. Also, a bit of style is nice to have as well, since you will most likely be spending some time on the site.

Customer Service

While the customer support service often gets overlooked, we always test it for reviews. A good service should have multiple contact options, with live chat being a must. Furthermore, we appreciate a detailed help section with answered questions for more details on common topics.

Overall Value

All of these elements should come together to create a top site for horse racing in Missouri. While they don’t all have the same contribution to the overall value, each one is important in the long term. Check out the following chart for a rundown of what to look for when selecting the best racebooks:

What To Look For In The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In Missouri
Brand Recognition ✅ Trustworthy

✅ Reliable

Payment Process ✅ Safe Payment Options

✅ Fast, Secure Payouts

Safety & Security ✅ Safety & Security

✅ Protecting Privacy & Personal Information

Speed & Design ✅ Fast Software

✅ User-Friendly Design

Customer Service ✅ 24/7 Live Chat

✅ Friendly Customer Service

Overall Value ✅ Best Odds

✅ Live Streaming

✅ Promotions Offers

✅ Special Features

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In Missouri?

Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing in Missouri is actually legal. The state legalized betting at horse race tracks back in 1984 by a large majority of voters. The Missouri Horse Racing Commission was established as a result in order to oversee the industry.

However, the following regulations greatly restricted operators by only allowing them to offer simulcasting for the same number of days as live racing on the track. As a result, the horse racing betting laws in Missouri didn’t make it financially viable for companies to operate race tracks.

In conclusion, although horse racing betting is legal at local tracks, there are no horse racing tracks in Missouri.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Guide – How To Bet On Horse Races In Missouri

Given the lack of Missouri horse racing tracks, the only way to bet on horses in the state is online. Luckily, the top offshore operators accept residents from the Show Me State and provide a wide range of betting options. The laws for mobile betting by USA-based operators remain unclear, which is why only TwinSpires is available right now.

In order to start betting on horse racing legal in Missouri, you first need to select a gaming site. We covered the main elements to consider and compared the top racebooks, so you may already have one in mind. BetOnline and Bovada are solid picks for everyone in MO interested in online betting.

Now, you just have to visit the site and register an account. The process takes about two minutes and requires some personal details, like name and address.

Once the account is ready to go, you can make your first deposit. Open the cashier and choose the preferred payment method. Don’t forget to claim the welcome bonus by entering the bonus code or selecting the offer from the cashier.

With the funds ready, navigate to the racebook on the site and check out the available races. Select the track and the event to view the contenders. You can then add a wager to the bet slip and place it. If you win, the winnings will be added to the balance as soon as the race is over.

Check Out Our Popular Horse Racing Guides

Pool Betting
Learn all the details you need to know about pool betting in the USA. We’ll explain how it works, the best sites at which you can play, and more.
Pool Betting
Parimutuel Betting
Discover the best offshore sportsbooks and racebooks for online parimutuel betting. We'll explain what it is, how it works, the best strategies and more.
Parimutuel Betting
Exacta Bets
In this guide, we'll reveal everything you need to know about an exacta bet. We’ll tell you what these intriguing bet types are, how to use them, and more.
Exacta Betting
Horse Racing Free Bets
Wondering where you can find the best horse racing free bets? Join us as we reveal the top sportsbooks for horse racing free bets, the different types & more.
Horse Racing Free Bets
Virtual Horse Racing
This guide will take you through the best virtual horse racing betting sites, as well as taking you through the inner workings of virtual horse racing.
Virtual Horse Racing

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work in Missouri

Missouri horse racing betting is pretty straightforward. You can choose from a long list of tracks at any of the top online racebooks. Every track usually has several races during the active days and you can bet on the outcome.

If you are new to horse racing and you don’t know any tracks, simply go for the most popular ones. For example, Fair Grounds and Charles Town are two of the most featured tracks.

After you select an active track, you will be able to view the races and the upcoming events. Races normally take place every couple of minutes, so you should be quick if you have one in mind.

Straight bets are the easiest in horse racing and you normally have two or three options here. You can bet on the horse/runner who you think will win the race outright by going for the Win option. The Place bet provides a bit more flexibility since the selected horse can also end second for you to win.

However, the simplest bet is Show, which is basically a wager on the horse finishing in any of the top three positions. The payouts are different between these three bets because they don’t attract the same number of players. Win bets pay more because they are harder to predict.

Also on the topic of odds, these are determined when the gates open. Basically, the horse racing odds are calculated by dividing the total pool (minus the racebook commission) by the number of winning tickets.

Some sites also feature a morning line (ML), which is a prediction on what the actual payouts will be. While these are not perfectly accurate, they are often pretty close and can be a good indicator when betting.

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Explained

To better explain how betting on a horse in Missouri works, let’s take a real example at one of the top sites.

Horse race at BetOnline

Here we have Race 1 at the Charles Town race track. On the left side, the three boxes are for entering the preferred stake for the predicted outcome. You can bet on Win, Place, and Show for any horse/jockey.

On the right side, the M/L tab is for the morning line. This can give you an idea of what the payouts will be. For example, if you bet on Witness The Energy at 9-2 odds, you will win $9 for every $2 wagered, if successful.

So, let’s say that we are making a Place bet of $20 on Witness The Energy, although he is a longshot. We enter 20 in the Place box on the first row and then we click on the Add To Bet Slip button at the bottom.

When the race is over, Witness The Energy ends up finishing second, which is great news for us. We receive a $110 payout ($90 win plus the $20 bet).

Horse Racing Betting Odds

Horse racing betting odds can seem a bit confusing at first. This is because they aren’t always the same as in regular sports betting. However, it is important to know how to distinguish between the different types and how to read the odds when making a selection.

The lines can vary from one bookmaker to another since some operators take larger margins. During our research, we found that BetOnline and Bovada usually have the best horse racing betting odds in Missouri. The famous sites also provide great coverage and plenty of options with different betting markets.

These are the three types of odds that you will need to know for horse racing betting:

Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Missouri

Fixed odds are arguably the easiest to understand when it comes to horse racing. This is because they follow the same recipe used in traditional sports betting. Bookmakers provide odds before the race begins and pay according to them.

These odds can be displayed in three formats: American, fractional, or decimal. Also, the lines can change with time based on the bets customers make. That is why some betting sites will offer best odds guarantees, which pay at the best lines between the ones available when making the bet and when bets close.

Pari-Mutuel Betting in Missouri

Pari-mutuel betting is the most common form of horse racing betting in the USA. All of the bets are gathered into the same pool. Then, the operator takes their commission, which is usually around 20%. Then, the remaining pool is divided by the number of winning tickets and paid out based on bet type and stake.

Pari-mutuel horse racing betting in Missouri has its pros and cons. Depending on the situation, you can end up winning more than in races with fixed odds. However, it tends to encourage players to stay away from the popular picks since the payout is not always worth it.

Pool Betting on Missouri Horse Races

Pool betting on horse racing is very similar to pari-mutuel but usually done on exotic types of bets. It is common for trifecta and superfecta selections. Here, the stakes form a separate pool from which the bookmaker pays the winning bets.

What Are The Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

You have multiple options for betting on horse racing in Missouri. We quickly cover the most popular bet types below so that you can easily pick the ones you like.

BetOnline Horse Bets Tabs

Win

The Win bet in horse racing betting is very straightforward. You are basically selecting the horse that you will think will win the race. The bet is successful if the selected horse finishes first.

Place

The Place bet gives you a bit more room for error. You are betting on the horse who you think will end either first or second. It is a great selection for avoiding that photo-finish loss.

Show

The Show bet is even easier to predict because the selected horse can finish first, second, or third for the wager to be successful. The payouts are generally smaller for Show bets.

Exacta

The Exacta bet is more difficult to get right because you have to accurately predict the top two horses in the correct order. It also offers a significantly larger payout if the bet is successful.

Trifecta

The Trifecta bet is a wager on the top three finishers in a race. The selected horses must finish in order for the bet to be right. Picking the three horses is difficult but pays very well.

Superfecta

The Superfecta bet goes one step further and is one of the most difficult wagers in horse racing. It is a bet on the top four finishers, in the exact order.

Daily Double

Also know simply as Double, the Daily Double is a bet on the winners of two back-to-back races. This is usually available on the first two races of the day on a given track.

Pick 3/4/5/6

The Pick 3/4/5/6 bet represents the number of winners in straight races. So, for a Pick 3 bet to be successful, players must correctly predict the winners in three different races taking place in succession.

The following table can help your recap the different bet types available for online horse racing in Missouri. Keep in mind that the minimum bets can depend on the track and on the race. These are the limits at BetOnline for Tampa Bay Downs:

Comparing the Different Types of Bets for Horse Racing in Missouri
Bet Type Description Minimum Bet
Win The winner of the race $1
Place To finish the race first or second $1
Show To finish the race first, second, or third $1
Exacta The first two horses in the right order $1
Trifecta The first three horses in the right order $1
Superfecta The first four horses in the right order $0.10
Daily Double The winners for two consecutive races $1
Pick 3 The winners for three consecutive races $1
Pick 4 The winners for four consecutive races $0.50
Pick 5 The winners for five consecutive races $0.50
Pick 6 The winners for six consecutive races $0.10

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Terms

The terms in horse racing can seem overwhelming for beginners. However, they are easy to learn and you can quickly master them with a bit of practice. We will help you get started with a rundown of the most common horse racing betting terms here:

Across the Board

A bet made on a horse/jockey that covers Win, Place, and Show options.

At the Post

The starting line for the race.

Baby Race

A race that only has horses that are two years old.

Bearing

A deviation from the straight course.

Blinkers

The headgear placed on horses to prevent them from looking to the sides.

Boxed In

A horse that is surrounded by other racers and cannot advance because of it.

Card

The program of races for a given day on a track.

Chart

Statistics from previous races that show the results of each horse in various stages.

Classic

A race of major importance.

Dead Heat

When two or more horses finish at the same exact time.

Disqualification (DQ)

When a racer is eliminated from the race because of rule breaking.

Eighth

A unit to measure distance, equal to 1/8 of a mile. Also known as a furlong.

Exotic Bet

A horse racing wager other than Win, Place, or Show.

Fast Track

A dry track that is even and allows for a fast race.

Favorite

The runner most likely to win the race and also with the largest amount of money.

First Over

The first runner who tries to take over the leader in a race.

Furlong

A distance equal to 1/8 of a mile, 880 yards, or 660 feet.

Hand

A unit of measurement of 4 inches used to describe the height of a horse.

Handicapping

An attempt to determine the winner and the finish order of the horses in a race.

Home Stretch

The distance between the last turn and the finish line in a horse race.

Long Shot

The runner who is seen as having a small chance of winning the race.

Photo Finish

When two or more horses finish the race very closely and require the officials to review the photo at the line.

Pool

The total amount of money placed in bets on a race.

Quick Pick

A wager where the bets are selected randomly.

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Calculator

Unlike in most other sports, betting on horse racing doesn’t always come with odds from the very start. As a result, the payouts aren’t fixed and they can vary based on the action each horse receives.

Most sportsbooks use pari-mutuel systems for the payouts where the winners are paid from the pool of bets placed. Even so, you can roughly estimate how much each horse would pay out for different bets by looking at the morning lines. You can also calculate the horse racing odds with the sum of money staked for a specific horse.

We will further break down the easiest way to calculate the odds and payouts for horse racing betting in Missouri.

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

In the pari-mutuel betting system, all bets on a particular race are pulled together. As a result, the more popular a race is, the larger the pool it has. Everybody who wins on that race will receive a share of the prize pool.

However, the percentage doesn’t just depend on the number of winners, but also on the bet type. If a bet is more common among the bettors of the race, each winner receives a smaller payout because they share the same pool.

This means that exotic bets not only receive a large portion of the pool, but there are also fewer winners that split it. As a result, the pays are usually much larger even if the odds of getting the bet correctly are quite long.

For example, let’s say that we place a 4-6 exacta on a race for $50. This means that we win if horse #4 finishes first and #6 finishes second. If the betting pool for the race is of $10,000, then we divide $10,000 by our bet of $50 and we get 200:1 odds.

One thing to note here is that even if the odds are 200 to one, it doesn’t mean that we will win $10,000 on our $50 bet. There is a high chance that we will have to share the pool with other exacta winners.

Missouri Horse Racing Odds Chart:

For horse racing with fixed odds, the payouts are easy to calculate. You can see the total payout on a $2 bet for different odds right here, along with the implied winning percentage:

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Odds Chart
Odds Payout on $2 Bet Implied Winning Percentage
-400 $2.50 80%
-300 $2.67 75%
-200 $3 66.67%
-150 $3.33 60%
-100 $4 50%
+100 $4 50%
+150 $5 40%
+200 $6 33.33%
+300 $8 25%
+400 $10 20%
+500 $12 16.67%

Missouri Horse Race Tracks

Live racing can be very exciting as you get to see the horses and the race in person. Unfortunately, there are no horse racing tracks in Missouri at this this time. Also, the neighboring states don’t have that many tracks either. Oklahoma is an exception with its four large horse racing facilities.

There are also three racing tracks in Illinois, with the FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing facility being close to the Missouri border, east of St. Louis.

The History of Horse Racing In Missouri

Most of the history of horse racing in Missouri took place in the St. Louis area. This was once one of the best destinations for horse racing in the entire country. It can trace back its history to the 18th century.

A Timeline of the History of Missouri Horse Racing
Date Description
1767 The first official horse race takes place in St. Louis on a quarter-mile track.
1820s Over 20 race tracks are now available around the city and bets are very common.
1904 The St. Louis World’s Fair Handicap takes place with an outstanding purse of $50,000 (compared to the $4,500 for the Kentucky Derby).
1905 Organized betting becomes illegal in Missouri.
1911 The Delmar Race Track is finally closed after being raided by police.
1984 Pari-mutuel horse racing is legalized in Missouri after the ballot measure is approved by a large majority.
2002 A new bill is introduced to allow year-round horse racing simulcasts at tracks in Missouri but it fails to pass.

Missouri Horse Racing Schedule 2023

Given the lack of Missouri horse racing tracks, you might think that the schedule is empty. However, the top online sportsbooks in the state give residents access to tracks from all over the country and beyond. As a result, the horse racing schedule is packed almost every day.

You can easily view the upcoming races for the tens of tracks covered on sites like BetOnline, XBet, and Bovada.

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

Although there are currently no options for live horse racing betting in Missouri, residents have the option to travel a bit to various tracks. The experience is definitely different than the one provided by online betting sites, but not always for the better.

Live tracks are all about that complete feel, especially when the races take place. You can hear the crowds cheer and the sound of the horses running. You can see them live as you hold your betting ticket in excitement for the results. While it is not always that poetic, the track experience can’t be fully replicated online.

On the other hand, online betting sites make everything more convenient and easy to access. Even when compared to simulcast machines at local tracks, online racebooks still have the upper hand.

These are some of the main pros and cons for betting on live tracks, versus betting online.

Comparing Betting at the Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting
Betting at the Racetrack Online Horse Racing Betting
✅ Ability to see the horses live for more information before betting ✅ More convenient for betting at any time
✅ Exciting environment for betting while seeing the races take place ✅ Instant access to 40+ tracks from around the world
❌ You have to stay in line to place your bets ✅ Massive bonuses, risk-free bets, and other rewards
❌ The betting odds and prices are usually not that great ✅ Better odds and more bookmakers to choose from
❌ Lack of bonuses and promotions for extra betting funds ✅ Safe betting that doesn’t require you to hold a lot of cash

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in Missouri

When signing up for online betting, you have to agree to set terms and conditions. General rules for gambling apply in Missouri, even if the state doesn’t have local operators. That means that players must be at least 18 years old to register at horse racing betting sites.

Also, each bonus comes with its own list of terms and conditions. These include the rollover requirement, maximum limits, availability period, and more.

Rollover Requirements

Also known as playthrough or wagering requirements, these terms represent the amount of money players have to bet in order to turn bonus funds into real money. Operators add rollover requirements on bonuses in order to prevent players from immediately cashing out the funds after claiming the offers.

For example, let’s say that we are making a Bitcoin deposit of $100 at Bovada and we claim a 75% bonus of $75. Now, we have $175 in total funds and the wagering requirement is of 5x on horses. That means we have to bet $175 x 5 = $875 before we can withdraw the winnings.

The actual rollover requirement can depend on the bonus and on the site. Check the following table for details on the top horse racing betting bonuses in Missouri:

Comparing Welcoming Bonuses At The Best Online Horse Racing Sites
Brand Welcome Bonus Offer Rollover Requirement
TwinSpires $200 Bonus – BET200 $800 fixed amount
BetOnline $25 Risk-Free Bet 6x bet amount
XBet 100% up to $500 – XB100 7x total amount
Bovada 75% up to $750 – BTCWB750 5x total amount
BetUS 150% up to $1,875 – JOIN200 15x bonus amount
MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 – MYB100 10x total amount
BUSR 200% up to $500 – WELCOME20 5x total amount
SportsBetting.ag $25 Risk-Free Bet 6x bet amount
BetNow 100% up to $500 – BN100 15x total amount
GTBets 100% up to $500 8x total amount

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Bonus

There are several types of bonuses for horse racing betting online in Missouri. These can help you win more by giving you extra funds, bets back, and other rewards. It is important to know how each type of bonus works in order to fully take advantage of it.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is the most common offer at horse racing Missouri sites. It is generally a percentage of around 100% on the first deposit, added as bonus funds to the account. It encourages new players to join and start with a big deposit in order to claim the full bonus.

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is available on a deposit after the first payment. It allows frequent players to receive more bonus funds on the same site. Reload bonuses are usually smaller than welcome bonuses, but available more frequently. Plus, the wagering requirement here can be lower as well.

Risk-Free Bet

Often used for online sports and horse racing betting, a risk-free bet allows you to make a wager without any worries. If you lose, you receive the stake back so that you can try again. The downside is that a risk-free bet doesn’t benefit you if your initial wager is successful.

Horse Racing Betting Rebate

Rebate is pretty common at the best online sites for horse racing in Missouri. Basically, you receive a percentage of your losses back from the previous day. Most offers are of around 7-10% rebate, depending on the type of bets placed. Some operators offer rebate on the total action from the day.

Loyalty Bonus

Some betting sites have dedicated loyalty programs where members can receive bonuses and other perks. The standard system works by allocating points to users based on their betting activity. The number of points then determines the level and the loyalty bonuses available.

Special Promotions

Extra promotions for horse racing betting can come in various shapes and sizes. Money back specials are quite popular since they give bettors back their stakes if the wagers aren’t successful. Some promos can also award horse racing free bets to give users more winning opportunities.

BetUS Money Back promotion

Comparing The Best Missouri Horse Racing Betting Bonuses
Brand Welcome Bonus Reload Bonus Risk-Free Bet Racebook Rebate Loyalty Bonus
TwinSpires

BetOnline

XBet

Bovada

BetUS

MyBookie

BUSR

SportsBetting.ag

BetNow

GTBets

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Missouri

In addition to the standard horse racing events, online betting sites can also host virtual horse racing. These usually offer around-the-clock action and can be as exciting as the live events.

Bovada stands out here with its virtual racing section. It offers fixed odds for a variety of scheduled races. There is even the option for Push to Play events to ensure that there is always some horse racing action. Some races have a virtual representation, complete with commentary.

Bovada Virtual Horse Racing

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Apps

All of the featured horse racing sites for betting in Missouri allow users to connect from mobile devices. The latest horse racing betting apps are compatible with iPhone and Android devices. You just have to visit the site from your phone to sign in and place your bets.

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Apps for iPhone

iPhone betting apps are great for a smooth experience on different iPhone models. Nowadays however, most operators prefer to optimize their sites directly. As a result, users don’t have to waste time downloading and installing apps on their phones. You can just connect from the browser app instead.

Missouri Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

Similar to the iPhone apps, Android mobile betting apps are mostly in instant play in 2023. This saves time when connecting and the interface usually fits on a variety of Android smartphones and tablets. For betting brands that have Android apps, you can usually download them directly from the sites.

How To Start Betting At Horse Racing Sites in Missouri

You can start betting on horse racing in Missouri in a matter of minutes. The process is simple and we will guide you through the few steps required to open an account and bet, while using BetOnline for the example.

Step 1: Register an Account

You can quickly go to the BetOnline site and then click on the Join Now button to bring up the registration form. Fill out the boxes and then create the account.

BetOnline Join Now Button

Step 2: Make a Deposit

Open the cashier and add funds through the preferred banking method. You will also be eligible for a $25 risk-free bet on the first wager on the racebook.

BetOnline Deposit Options

Step 3: Go to the Horse Racing Section

Click on the tab for the racebook to view the horse racing section on the site. From here, you can browse the tracks and upcoming races.

BetOnline Racebook Tab

Step 4: Place Your Bets

After you select the race, you can place bets by entering the stake in the corresponding boxes. Once the selection is ready, add it to the bet slip.

BetOnline Racebook Bet Slip

Step 5: Enjoy Your Winnings

BetOnline pays winnings immediately after the race is over and the payouts are calculated. You can keep betting to win even more.

BetOnline Horse Race

Other Types of Gambling in Missouri

Almost all of the featured horse racing betting sites in Missouri also offer additional types of gambling. Sports betting is very popular here and often goes hand-in-hand with betting on horses. Online sportsbooks cover a variety of sports and leagues, not just from North America but also from around the world.

Sports betting in Missouri mostly revolves around the NFL, MLB, and NHL due to the local teams in Kansas City and in St. Louis.

The covered betting brands offer leading online casinos with a variety of games across different categories. Online slots are usually the most popular and some sites can host over 300 titles from various developers.

Residents of Missouri even have access to nation-wide poker networks through sites like BetOnline and Bovada. Real money online poker sites have cash games at low and medium stakes, along with large tournaments and frequent sit & go events.

What Is The Best Site For Horse Racing Betting In Missouri?

After going through all the reviews and comparing the horse racing betting sites in Missouri, we can conclude that the toplist is accurate.

Twin Spires definitely stands out with its unique interface and focus on American races. The welcome bonus of $200 has a low wagering requirement and is great for mid-stakes bettors since it requires only $800 in bets to unlock. The other offers are also perfect for increasing the profits.

BetOnline receives high scores across the board as well and it is definitely a betting site that we can recommend. The new platform allows for smooth navigation and the bookmaker lists great odds for popular races. With over 40 tracks to choose from, daily rebate, and mobile support, BetOnline can be a great fit.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preference. The conclusion is that you can go with any of the top sites on this page and you will have a great time. So, join today and experience horse racing betting of the highest quality.

FAQs

Is TVG legal in Missouri?

Can you bet online in Missouri?

Does Missouri have off track betting?

Can you bet on horse racing online in Missouri?

Vlad is a writer with more than a decade of experience in online gambling and a Master's Degree in Economics. The two backgrounds allow for a unique perspective when it comes to sports betting, casino games, and more. He has shared this experience to followers on leading platforms, such as Casino.org, Covers, and Business2Community.

More on horse racing …
Horse Racing in Your State
Recent Posts