Alabama Online Horse Betting: Top AL Race Apps & Sites

Compare The Top Online Horse Betting Sites in The Cotton State

Hero image
#1 Best overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars
125% up to $3,125

5

Overall Rating

22

Top features:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#1 Best overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

Top features:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

5

5 stars
22

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#2 Best recurring promos
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars
50% up to $1,000

4.5

Overall Rating

23

Top features:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#2 Best recurring promos
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000
#2 Best recurring promos

Top features:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

4.5

4.5 stars
23

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#3 Best native app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars
50% up to $250

4

Overall Rating

21

Top features:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011
#3 Best native app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $250
#3 Best native app

Top features:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

Bonus:

50% up to $250

4

4 stars
21

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011

Key Things You Need To Know About Racebooks in Alabama

  • Sports betting, including horse racing betting, is not currently legal in the state of Alabama. There have been several attempts to legalize it, but all have so far failed to pass through the state legislature. However, Alabama residents are able to bet via offshore racebooks.
  • Despite the popularity of horse racing in the South, Alabama no longer hosts local races. The lack of a horse racing industry in the state means that fans usually have to travel out of state or bet online.
  • Due to the absence of locally licensed sportsbooks, either online or brick and mortar, Alabama horse racing betting fans often turn to offshore sportsbooks. These platforms offer a wide variety of races to bet on from tracks all over the country and even internationally.
  • If you’re new to horse racing betting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terminology. Terms like “ante-post,” “each-way,” and “handicap” are commonly used in racebooks and will help you understand both the form and betting.
  • To increase your chances of winning, it’s crucial to develop a betting strategy. This could involve studying the form of the horses, understanding the track conditions, and managing your betting bankroll effectively.
  • Remember to bet responsibly. While betting can enhance the excitement of the race, it’s important to only bet what you can afford to lose and to seek help if you think you may be developing a problem.

Reviews of the Best Alabama Horse Racing Betting Sites

After much consideration, we have determined that BetUS, Bovada and MyBookie are the top three online betting sites available to Alabama bettors. In this section we scrutinize their features, bonuses, customer service and more.

BetUS – Best Overall AL Horse Racing Sportsbook

BetUS is a sportsbook and horse racing betting site that has been in operation since 1994 and is licensed in Curacao. With over a million customers, BetUS offers a diverse range of betting opportunities on over 150+ domestic and international tracks. They also provide betting on quarter horse racing, greyhound racing, and harness racing.

BetUS allows you to bet on a variety of standard markets, including win, place, show, and exotics like exacta, trifecta, superfecta, quinella, daily doubles, and pick 3. Their unique market offerings include betting on individual jockey or horse matchups on specific events.

BetUS Racing

The promotions at BetUS are generous. They offer a 125% sign-up bonus (100% sportsbook + 25% casino) up to $3,125 on your first deposit using the promo code JOIN125. The minimum deposit to qualify is $100, and there is a 10x rollover requirement on the sportsbook bonus, which must be used within 14 days. Additionally, they offer a racing-specific promotion that refunds your money up to $100 if your horse finishes second or third in selected races.

The customer service at BetUS is excellent, with options to reach them via phone (88-512-3887), e-mail (custhelp@betus.com.pa), or through an online chat facility. The website is modern, well-designed, and easy to navigate, making it user-friendly even for beginners.

BetUS offers a variety of banking options, including Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/American Express), Cash Transfer, Card2Wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay), Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin/Bitcoin Cash/Litecoin/Ethereum), and Bank Wire. The maximum deposit by card is $2,499 or $50,000 by crypto, with a minimum deposit of $10 and no transaction fees. Withdrawals can be up to $5,000 per day, with processing times up to 24 hours after PAID status.

The BetUS site is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, including mobile and tablet, providing a seamless betting experience on the go, as you would expect from one of the best Alabama sportsbooks.

In terms of security, BetUS takes stringent measures to protect customer information. They assure that all personal information, including name, postal address, e-mail address, telephone number, and credit card number, is private and confidential. They pledge never to sell or lend personal information to third parties, ensuring a secure betting environment.

Bovada – Huge Range of Racing Betting Options

Bovada has been in operation since 2011. Though currently unlicensed by any known organization, it continues to be a popular choice among bettors for its wide range of domestic and international race courses. 

Bettors can participate in major events like The Triple Crown and Grand National and place bets on primary racing markets such as win, place, and show. They also offer a range of exotic bets like quinella, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick 3, and pick 4.

Bovada Racing

The promotions on offer at Bovada are attractive but don’t quite match up to BetUS. They offer a 75% deposit match welcome bonus up to $750 on their sportsbook for crypto players, using the bonus code BTCSWB750. For Visa or Mastercard users, there’s a 50% match bonus up to $250. A 5x rollover requirement is in place before withdrawing from the sportsbook.

Bovada’s customer service is commendable, with a comprehensive help center to answer most queries. They provide excellent customer service through phone, email, or live chat. The website, while not as aesthetically pleasing as BetUS, is clearly laid out and organized, making it easy to navigate.

Bovada offers a variety of banking options, including card deposits (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and a range of cryptocurrency methods (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, Bitcoin SV, and Bitcoin Cash). While the first deposit with any credit card is free, subsequent transactions may cost a fee of 15.9% or more, depending on the card. However, there are no charges for crypto transactions.

The platform is compatible with mobile devices, working perfectly on iPhone 4 and up, as well as modern Android devices. Users can play via their mobile browser as there is no app. Bovada is safeguarded by SSL and claims to be completely safe and secure, as their reputation would suggest.

If you are looking for an online sports betting site and racebook which also boasts a strong casino offering, you’ll find that Bovada also ranks among the top Alabama online poker sites.

MyBookie – Best Racebook For Ante-Post Betting Markets

MyBookie has been in operation since 2014 and holds a Curacao license. It offers a wide range of betting opportunities on tracks both domestically and internationally, including in South America, Ireland, the UK, and Australia.

MyBookie stands out for offering ante-post betting on the biggest events early and a variety of markets such as straight betting, exactas, trifectas, and a range of parlay options. They also offer props for major events, making them one of the best racebooks for betting opportunities.

MyBookie Racing

New users are offered a 50% deposit bonus up to $1,000 with a minimum deposit of $50 using the promo code MYB50. However, there is a 10x rollover requirement before winnings can be withdrawn.

MyBookie’s customer service is available 24/7 via an online web form, their social media channels, or live chat. However, the lack of a phone number for customer service is a drawback. The website’s attractive design and well-laid-out interface make it easy for users to quickly create a coupon for parlay bets.

In terms of banking options, MyBookie accepts Mastercard and Visa deposits as well as cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum. It should be noted that withdrawal times can take 2-3 days depending on the method, and charges apply for withdrawals, except for Bitcoin which is free. The minimum deposit limit is set at $45, and the maximum is $10,000 per day. Every deposit at MyBookie has a 1x rollover requirement before funds can be withdrawn.

MyBookie collects information to enhance the user experience and deliver a more personalized service. The aggregated information (which does not personally identify users) may be used in several ways, such as understanding usage patterns to enhance the site and services. They assure that third parties who provide technical support for the operation of the site may access such information only as permitted by law.

If you’d like to learn more about MyBookie, or any of our other operators, check out our sportsbook reviews.

How We Rank the Best Racebooks

In this section, we explain our criteria for ranking the top racebooks. We’ve considered a multitude of factors that influence user experience, from horse racing odds to security. 

Odds

Competitive odds mean better payouts. We assess the competitiveness of a racebook’s odds compared to the industry standard, as this directly affects your potential winnings.

Betting Opportunities

Variety is key. We examine the range of events and bet types offered, ensuring there’s something for every bettor’s taste.

Live Betting & Streaming

The ability to bet in real-time and watch races live adds excitement. Particularly during long races, such as the Grand National, many bettors enjoy betting on the action as it unfolds.

Promotions

Horse racing bonuses and promotions provide extra value. We evaluate the generosity and fairness of these offers, including welcome bonuses, rebates, refer-a-friend programs, specific event promotions, and much more.

Customer Service

Efficient support is crucial. We look at the availability and responsiveness of the customer service team, as well as the options they provide for contact.

Accessibility

A user-friendly platform enhances the betting experience. We assess the site’s ease of use and design, taking into consideration whether we liked its layout and design or not.

Banking Options

The more payment methods available, the better. We consider the variety and speed of deposit and withdrawal options, including traditional methods such as bank cards, as well as newer, more innovative payment methods like cryptocurrencies.

Mobile Compatibility

With bettors increasingly wagering on the go, a smooth mobile experience is vital for the best modern sportsbooks. We test the platform’s mobile version or app.

Security

Protecting personal information is paramount. We review the security measures in place to ensure safe betting.

Types of Racing Betting Markets

Horse racing betting can involve much more than simply predicting who will win any given race. Alabama residents have access to a variety of markets, each offering unique opportunities to strategize and win. Let’s explore these in more detail.

Win

The most common racing bet is ‘win’, where you simply wager on the horse that you believe will win the contest. If the horse you picked wins, you win the bet.

Place

Place bets are similar to win bets except you also win if the horse finishes second. It’s less risky than a win bet, but the payout is also less.

BetUS Place

Show

A show bet follows the same principle as a place, except you win if your horse finishes in the top three, rather than two. Once again, the potential payout is smaller than win or place bets, reflecting its greater likelihood of winning.

Exacta

Exacta bets require you to predict the horse that will win the race as well as the horse that will finish in second place, behind it. This is also known as a forecast.

Trifecta

A trifecta is predicting the top three horses in the precise order. It’s more challenging than an exacta or a straight win bet, but the payouts can be huge.

Superfecta

In a superfecta bet, you need to predict the top four horses in the correct order. It’s even tougher than a trifecta but, once again, potentially very lucrative.

Daily Double

This bet involves picking the winners of two consecutive races. Some operators will offer featured daily doubles with enhanced horse racing betting odds as part of their daily promotions.

Parimutuel Betting

This is a betting system where all bets of a particular type are placed in a pool, and payoff odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets. Effectively, rather than competing against the bookmaker, you are competing against the other players.

Biggest Horse Races to Bet on in Alabama

Horse racing is a global spectacle with thrilling events across the world. From the American Triple Crown to the European classics and Australian marquee races, we list some of the biggest racing events worldwide.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs, Louisville, is a prestigious American race. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, complete with mint juleps and extravagant hats. Famous winners include Secretariat and American Pharoah, both Triple Crown champions.

Bovada Kentucky Derby

Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown, is held at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore. Its rich history and thrilling races have seen champions like War Admiral and Justify grace its tracks.

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, is held in Elmont, New York. It’s known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its demanding distance. Notable winners include Affirmed and Seattle Slew.

Grand National

The Grand National, held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, is one of the world’s most challenging steeplechase races. Famous winners include Red Rum and Tiger Roll, both multi-time champions.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup, a premier steeplechase race in the UK, is known for its demanding course and high-quality competition. Its hall of fame includes legends like Arkle and Best Mate.

Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup, often referred to as “the race that stops a nation,” is Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred race. Makybe Diva, the only horse to win it three times, is an iconic name in its history.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, is one of Europe’s most prestigious races. It’s been won by legends like Sea Bird and Treve, making it a highlight of the racing calendar.

How to Calculate Horse Racing Returns

Calculating returns from horse racing bets using the US odds system is a straightforward process once you understand the basics. US odds are based on a $100 stake and are either positive or negative. Positive odds indicate how much you would win from a $100 bet, while negative odds show how much you need to stake to win $100.

For instance, let’s take the example of Secretariat, one of the most famous racehorses in history. Suppose Secretariat had odds of +200 to win the Kentucky Derby. If you bet $100 and Secretariat wins, your profit would be $200 (the odds), and you’d get your original $100 stake back, for a total return of $300.

MyBookie Betslip

Now, let’s consider a horse with negative odds, like American Pharoah at -150 for the Belmont Stakes. This means you would need to bet $150 to win $100. If American Pharoah wins, you’d get a profit of $100, plus your $150 stake back, for a total return of $250.

To calculate the potential profit from a bet, you can use the following formulas:

  • For positive odds: Profit = Stake * (Odds / 100)
  • For negative odds: Profit = Stake / (Odds / 100)

Remember, these formulas give you the profit. The total return would be the profit plus the original stake. Always consider the risk associated with betting and gamble responsibly.

Is Betting on Racing Legal in Alabama?

Horse racing, as a sport, has a long history in the United States. However, the legality of betting on horse races varies from state to state.

In Alabama, the situation is quite complex. As of the current date, sports betting, including horse racing, is not legal. This remains the case despite numerous attempts to pass legislation that would allow it.

One of the most recent attempts to legalize sports betting in Alabama occurred in November 2022, when two bills, SB293 and SB294, proposed the legalization of sports betting. However, much like their predecessors, they failed to pass, leaving sports betting in the state in limbo until 2024 at the earliest.

This is not to say that Alabama residents are completely barred from betting on horse races. The racebooks that we have reviewed are offshore entities, not licensed within Alabama. This puts them in a legal gray area. While they are not explicitly legal, they are also not illegal, and no Alabama resident has been prosecuted for using these offshore betting platforms.

These offshore racebooks are safe to use, offering secure platforms for betting. However, to ensure privacy and anonymity, it is recommended that Alabama residents use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and make deposits using cryptocurrencies.

State Licensed Horse Racing Betting Operators in Alabama

In Alabama, there are currently no state-licensed horse racing betting operators. Even the licensed tribal casinos within the state do not offer this service, unlike the best online casino sites in Alabama.

The legal landscape of sports betting, including horse racing, remains uncharted in Alabama. As a result, residents seeking to bet on horse races must resort to offshore sportsbooks.

Horse Racing Tracks Based in Alabama

Horse racing in Alabama has a rich history but is currently dormant. 

One of the most prominent venues was the Birmingham Turf Course, which used to be a bustling hub for horse racing enthusiasts. However, over time, the popularity of horse racing declined in the state, and the Birmingham Turf Course ceased operations. 

As a result, live horse racing events are no longer held in Alabama, marking a significant shift in the state’s sporting landscape.

Virtual Horse Racing in AL

Virtual horse racing at offshore sportsbooks is a popular alternative for betting enthusiasts. This form of racing simulates real-life horse races, with outcomes determined by algorithms and random number generators. 

Bovada and MyBookie are two notable platforms which offer comprehensive coverage of virtual horse racing. They provide a variety of betting options and races that run around the clock. 

Participants can study odds, jockey stats, and horse form before placing bets. Although virtual races lack the physicality of live events, they offer a convenient and engaging experience for those who enjoy the thrill of horse racing betting.

Bonuses & Promotions at Online Racebooks

Bonuses and promotions are incentives that sportsbooks offer to attract and retain bettors. These bonuses can greatly enhance your betting experience and boost your potential winnings. Let’s delve into the different types of bonuses available to horse racing bettors in Alabama.

BetUS Promotions

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are often the first interaction a bettor has with a sportsbook. They’re designed to attract new customers, typically matching a portion of your first deposit or even offering a risk-free first bet.

Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses are similar to welcome bonuses, but they’re not exclusive to new customers. These bonuses match a percentage of your deposit, providing additional funds for betting.

Crypto Deposit Bonuses

Crypto deposit bonuses are a newer type of incentive, specifically for bettors who use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. These bonuses often offer higher amounts than traditional deposit bonuses due to the growing popularity of crypto betting.

Refer-a-Friend

Refer-a-friend bonuses reward you for bringing new bettors to the platform. If your friend signs up and makes a deposit, you’ll receive a bonus.

Racing Rebates

Rebates are a form of cashback, where a percentage of your losses or total wagers is returned to you. This can help mitigate losses and keep your bankroll healthy.

Reload Offers

Reload offers are bonuses given when you add funds to your betting account. These are often periodic, such as weekly or monthly, and can provide a consistent boost to your betting funds.

Enhanced Odds

Often, for the biggest events, betting operators will offer special enhanced odds on a variety of markets. It is worth checking around to see if any racebook is enhancing the specific horse that you were already looking to back.

Deposit Methods at Online Racebooks

Engaging in Alabama racebooks offers bettors a plethora of secure and convenient banking options. Ranging from traditional methods to innovative digital currencies, there’s an option for every preference and need.

Bovada Banking

Card Deposits

Card deposits are the most popular choice among bettors. Operators like BetOnline and MyBookie accept a wide range of cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. These provide a quick and easy way to deposit funds, ensuring that you can place your bets without delay.

Cryptocurrencies

The rise of digital currencies, especially Bitcoin, has changed the betting industry. Recognizing their security and speed, most operators, such as Bovada, have embraced cryptocurrencies. This option is particularly beneficial for those seeking privacy and swift transactions.

Gift Cards

For bettors seeking an anonymous and straightforward deposit method, gift cards present an excellent solution. They offer a unique way to manage betting funds, without the need for sharing personal banking information. However, it is important to note that you cannot withdraw winnings back onto a gift card.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers remain a reliable option for those looking to make larger deposits. This method provides a secure way to transfer substantial amounts directly from your bank account, ensuring peace of mind.

Horse Racing Betting Apps in AL

While our selected operators may not offer downloadable sports betting apps, their mobile horse racing betting sites are impeccably designed to run seamlessly on modern devices, having been designed using HTML5 technology. 

For bettors seeking a more app-like experience, you can easily create a native progressive web app by simply bookmarking the site to your home screen for quick, one-touch access.

Best Android Racebooks in Alabama

These mobile sites are exceptionally compatible with Android devices. BetUS stands out as our top choice for the best Android horse racing betting mobile online horse racing site, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Best iOS Racebooks in Alabama

For iOS users, Bovada is the go-to option. Its mobile site provides an intuitive interface and flawless performance, making it the best choice for betting on horse racing.

How to Sign Up to an Alabama Racebook

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of signing up to an offshore racebook from Alabama, using BetUS as an example.

1. Sign Up. Visit the homepage of your chosen racebook and click on the ‘register’ or ‘sign up’ button, typically found at the top of the page.

BetUS Sign Up

2. Register. You’ll then be prompted to enter your registration details. This usually includes personal information such as name, address, and email. If you have a bonus code, make sure to enter it in the appropriate field.

BetUS Register

3. Verify and Deposit. The next step is to verify your identity. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and is usually done by providing a copy of your ID or other documentation. Once verified, you can make your initial deposit.

4. Start Betting. With your account set up and funds deposited, you’re now ready to start betting on horse racing. Navigate to the racing section, select your race, place your bet, and enjoy the thrill of the race!

BetUS Sportsbook

Horse Racing Terminology

Horse racing betting can seem like a whole different language to new bettors, particularly with its unique set of terminology. To help you navigate this exciting world of horse racing in Alabama, we’ve compiled a list of key terms and their meanings.

  1. Ante-post: This is a bet that is placed in advance of the race day. It often carries the risk that you will lose your money if your horse doesn’t run.
  2. Each-way: A bet that splits your stake into two bets; one for your horse to win and one for it to place.
  3. Furlong: A unit of measurement in horse racing. One furlong is equal to 1/8th of a mile.
  4. Handicap: A race where horses carry different weights, assigned by the handicapper to level the playing field.
  5. Maiden: A horse that has never won a race.
  6. Nap: A tipster’s best bet of the day.
  7. Odds: The ratio of profit you will receive if your bet is successful.
  8. Photo Finish: When a race is so close that a photograph of the finish line is used to determine the winner.
  9. Rule 4: A deduction applied to winning bets when a horse is withdrawn from a race.
  10. Stewards: Officials in charge of ensuring that the rules of racing are adhered to.
  11. Tote: A form of betting where all the stakes are pooled and shared among the winners.
  12. Under Starter’s Orders: The moment when the horses are being called into position at the start of a race.
  13. Win: A bet that only pays out if the horse you back finishes first.
  14. Yielding: A term used to describe the condition of the racecourse. Yielding means the ground is soft and damp.
  15. Dead Heat: When two or more horses tie for the same place in a race.

FAQs

Finally, we conclude our article by answering some commonly asked questions in our Alabama sports betting FAQ.

Is Alabama a legal betting state?

No, Alabama is not a legal betting state as all attempts to legalize it have so far failed. However, you are able to use offshore racebooks with no risk. Always be sure to check your local state gambling laws, if you are unsure whether to bet or not.

Can you place online bets in Alabama?

While Alabama law does not permit betting, residents can still place online bets. This is possible through the use of offshore betting platforms, which are not subject to Alabama’s jurisdiction and therefore operate in a legal gray area.

Why is gambling illegal in Alabama?

The prohibition of gambling in Alabama primarily stems from its conservative legislative views. Additionally, the state lacks a significant horse racing industry, which further reduces the push for legalized betting.

What is the best online racebook in Alabama?

In Alabama, the best online racebook is BetUS. Despite the state’s restrictions on betting, BetUS, an offshore platform, offers Alabamians a wide range of races and a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice.

Is MyBookie legal in Alabama?

MyBookie, like other offshore sportsbooks, operates in a legal gray area in Alabama. It is not subject to Alabama law, and while the state does not endorse such platforms, it also does not prosecute individuals who use them.

What is the best racing betting app in AL?

For Alabamians looking for a racing betting app, the best option would be the BetUS app. It mirrors the online platform’s wide range of races and user-friendly experience, making it the top choice for racing enthusiasts in the state.

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