Virtual horse racing is now firmly established as one of the most popular sports at the world’s best online bookmakers. These computer-simulated races feature sharp graphics, smooth animations and authentic soundtracks.
They’ve soared in popularity over the past decade, emerging as an exciting alternative to betting on real-life events. We’ve explained how virtual horse racing works, discussed why it is so popular and provided our top tips for betting on virtual horse races.
How Does Virtual Horse Racing Work?
A virtual horse race is just like an actual horse race. However, instead of watching real horses and jockeys competing on a track, you simply watch an animated race generated by a computer program.
Virtual horse races are powered by Random Number Generators (RNG). These RNG tools are also used to provide the results of online slots and table games. They are independently tested by licensed, regulated labs, so you can always rely on them to deliver fair, accurate results.
The RNGs determine which horse wins the race, which horse finishes second and so on. You can then watch the action unfold on your screen. The races look and feel like real events.
There are flat and jumps races. You’ll see the horses charging along a track, with commentary, odds and finishing results. They run 24/7, and you’ll typically be able to bet on a virtual horse race every 2-3 minutes.
Virtual horse races were pretty basic when they first launched. They were certainly more sophisticated than mechanical horses sputtering forward at an arcade, but the graphics were pretty poor. That’s no longer the case, as technology has improved, and the best virtual races are now extremely polished.
Why is Virtual Horse Racing Popular?
There are several reasons why virtual horse racing is so popular:
- 24/7 availability: Virtual horse races run 24/7, 365 days a year. There are loads of races each hour, so you don’t need to wait for the next race meeting to begin.
- Consistency: Races won’t be postponed due to bad weather, travel issues or even global pandemics. You can always rely on them to go off.
- Entertainment: They feel like real racing, with realistic graphics, authentic commentary and a great deal of suspense.
- Accessibility: You don’t need to research a horse’s form. They’re based purely on chance, as the results are delivered by algorithms, rather than external variables. They’re 100% fair and random, and anyone can get involved, from newcomers to seasoned punters.
- Variety of bets: There are lots of virtual sports betting options, from simple win bets to more complex forecasts and tricasts.
- Broad limits: The minimum bet is often only £0.10 per race, so they cater to casual punters. High rollers can also place large bets, although responsible gambling is imperative.
Betting on Virtual Horse Racing
You’ll find a wealth of markets on these virtual horse races. It’s very similar to betting on an actual race, such as the Derby at Epsom or the Grand National. In fact, a virtual Grand National actually proved very popular amid the lockdowns in 2020.
These are the main betting options to consider:
- Win: A simple bet on which virtual horse will win the race. The results are determined by the RNG tools, so the favourite has the highest chance of winning. However, they’re 100% random, so underdogs can win.
- Each-way: There are two parts to this bet: one on the horse to win, and one on the horse to place. In a virtual horse race, “to place” typically means to finish inside the top three. You’ll then get a quarter of the odds if the horse places. If your horse wins, both parts of the bet pay out. If it finishes second or third, only the place part of the each-way bet will pay out.
- Forecast: Pick the winner of the race and the runner-up, in that exact order. This tends to deliver a significantly larger payout than simply picking the winner. You can also place reverse forecasts and combination forecasts.
- Tricast: Pick the winner, the runner-up and the third-place horse, in that precise order. This is harder than a forecast, so you’ll typically be rewarded with an even larger payout if you nail it. Combination tricasts are also available.
Top Tips for Betting on Virtual Horse Races
Follow these tips to make the most of betting on virtual horse races:
- Remember that they’re games of chance. Unlike real horse racing, there’s no skill in analysing the form. You may see past performance data for the runners, but it has no real bearing on the outcome of the upcoming race.
- Gamble responsibly. Virtual horse races are very similar to casino games like slots and roulette. It’s important to treat them as a form of entertainment, as success is never guaranteed. Don’t spend money you can’t afford to lose, and manage your budget carefully.
- Consider your risk tolerance. If you like grinding out lots of small wins, bet on horses with shorter odds (such as 2/1 or 3/1). These runners tend to win more frequently, providing steadier returns. If you prefer a riskier approach, bet on long shots or exotic bets like tricasts. They win less frequently, but they deliver larger profits. It’s similar to choosing between a low volatility slot or a high volatility slot.
- Claim bonuses. The best online bookmakers offer special bonuses, which boost your bankroll before betting on