Can You Bet On Bangkok Horse Racing?

Bangkok may not be the first horse racing venue that springs to mind for many punters, but horse racing does take place in Thailand at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club twice a month on average.

The Quick Answer

Can You Bet On Bangkok Horse Racing?

While gambling is prohibited in most of Thailand, you’ll be pleased to discover that you can bet on Bangkok horse racing, and enjoy a few bets while in this beautiful city.

If you want to know what to expect from a day at the races in Bangkok, we’ve shared our experiences below.

The History Of Horse Racing In Bangkok

One of Thailand’s former monarchs, King Rama V decided there would be horse racing in Thailand after he saw similar events on his tour of Europe in the late nineteenth century. The first official meeting took place at Sanum Luang in Bangkok and local stables sent horses to compete. In the reign of King Rama VI, a horse racing association was formed, and racing continues under royal patronage.

How Much Does Horse Racing Cost In Bangkok?

Just like at horse racing tracks in many countries, the cost of a day at the races in Bangkok varies greatly depending on which enclosure you enter. When we visited the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, it was 100 baht for entry into the general grandstand, 200 baht to stand adjacent to the winning post, 1,000 baht for entry into the Clubhouse enclosure, and 2,100 baht for entry to the Winning Post.

On top of the 100 baht it cost to enter, we also treated ourselves to some food. A local sticky pork delicacy cost 40 baht, while soft drinks were 15-20 baht and beers were 50 baht. You can also buy programs, and a form guide in English costs 100 baht. You can save 50 baht if you speak Thai, but never mind.

How To Place Bets On Bangkok Horse Racing

The Royal Bangkok Sports Club operated a tote pool system similar to the ones you’ll find at many racecourses in the United Kingdom, America, France, and Australia. Once you’ve selected the horse you want to bet on, go up to one of the betting windows and tell the operator how much you want to bet. You can bet win-only or have a place bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.

You won’t be able to take any odds, as all the money bet forms a tote pool. The operator then takes a percentage of all the money taken before the remaining money is divided by the number of winning bets to determine the winning dividend, which is declared to a 10 baht stake. That means if you bet 50 baht, you will win five times the dividend.

If you’re lucky enough to back a winner, go back up to the window, present your winning ticket, and collect your money.

Is There A Dress Code At The Royal Bangkok Sports Club?

If you’ve paid 50 or 100 baht to get into Royal Bangkok Sports Club, you shouldn’t need to worry about a dress code. If you’ve paid more to get in, we advise to you check if there is a dress code on the day. We didn’t go into these enclosures, but the people in there did look to be dressed for a special occasion.

What’s The Atmosphere Like At The Royal Bangkok Sports Club?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that horse racing may not be very popular in Thailand, but you’d be wrong. What you’ve got to remember is there aren’t many opportunities to gamble in Thailand and the people that frequent the Royal Bangkok Sports Club make the most of the chance to enjoy it to the full.

There’s a pre-race buzz in the grandstand as people talk about the form over a beer or a meal, and that buzz gets louder as the races approach. Betting slips and binoculars are clutched tightly as the horses approach the winning post and every winner is greeted with a cheer… at least by those holding winning tickets.

Where Is The Royal Bangkok Sports Club?

The Royal Bangkok Sports Club can be found at 1 Henri Dunant Street, Prathum Wan. You can make enquiries by phone on (66) 2652-5000 or by emailsportsvlub@rbsc.org. Racing normally takes place on two Sundays every month and occasionally on Saturdays. The website is https://www.rbsc.org.

Should I Go To The Horse Racing in Bangkok?

Having been lucky enough to go horse racing all over the world, horse racing in Bangkok may not be quite on a par with big meetings such as Royal Ascot, the Grand National, Dubai World Cup Night, the Breeders Cup, or the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. But if you like horse racing in a fun atmosphere, surrounded by a beautiful city and amazing people, you’ll feel right at home.

How popular is horse racing in Thailand?

Horse racing has a long history in Thailand, dating back to the late 19th century. Initially popular among Western expatriates and Thai aristocrats, the sport later gained widespread appeal. However, the sport has seen a decline in recent years. Horse racing was highly popular during the mid-20th century but has largely declined since. Today, it primarily attracts people from lower income groups, while also serving as a networking venue for the elite, who own most of the stables.

In terms of venues, the Royal Bangkok Sports Club is one of the most notable places for horse racing in Bangkok. Unfortunately, the Royal Turf Club in Bangkok shut down in 2018, but six of eight racecourses throughout the country remain operational. These include racecourses in Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Chiang Mai provinces.

The sport remains popular among some fans, with a reported 2.5 million people attending races throughout the year. One of the biggest races in Thailand is the Bangkok Derby, which is staged annually in January. Despite the decline, Thailand horse racing still has a dedicated following, especially for major events like the Bangkok Derby.

In summary, while horse racing in Thailand has seen better days, it still holds a certain level of popularity, particularly for major events. The sport serves different social functions, from being a form of entertainment for the masses to a networking opportunity for the elite.

Can you bet in Thailand?

In Thailand, betting is generally disallowed with a few exceptions. The primary forms of legal betting are horse races and the Thai lottery. The Gambling Act of 1935 governs the regulations around betting in the country. While traditional gambling activities like casinos are not permitted, horse racing remains one of the few avenues where Thai residents can place bets legally.

Online betting, however, is not allowed in Thailand. Despite this, many locals find ways to bet online through offshore bookmakers. These foreign sites often offer better odds and are considered more secure compared to local bookmakers. It’s worth noting that sometimes access to these offshore betting sites may be blocked by the Thai Government, although this can usually be bypassed using a VPN.

In the context of Bangkok, it’s essential to be cautious if you’re considering placing a bet. While the city is a bustling metropolis with various forms of entertainment, the legal restrictions on betting still apply. Therefore, if you’re looking to make a Bangkok bet, your safest options would be horse racing or the Thai lottery.

In summary, while betting is largely restricted in Thailand, there are limited avenues like horse racing where it is permitted. Online betting is not officially sanctioned, but many Thai residents do access offshore bookmakers for this purpose. Always exercise caution and be aware of the legal landscape if you’re considering betting in Thailand.


Free Betting Tips, Direct to Your Inbox

Sign Up Today to Join Betting Gods for FREE and Receive Betting Tips Direct to Your Inbox Every Morning

Not Sure Who to Join?

These are the Top Performing Tipsters in March

In Form

The Outside Edge

1,502 Winners Since December 2019
Total Profit:£18,355.58

£367.11

Per Month

29.68%

Win Rate

8.33%

ROI

£990.75

This Month

In Form

Premier Greyhound Tips

1,070 Winners Since October 2014
Total Profit:£34,436.35

£307.47

Per Month

27.25%

Win Rate

13.31%

ROI

£555.75

This Month

Racing Rundown

313 Winners Since August 2022
Total Profit:£7,394.50

£369.73

Per Month

22.72%

Win Rate

10.49%

ROI

£332.00

This Month