Italy boasts a rich history when it comes to horse racing. As home to some of the most popular horse racing events in Europe, it stands alongside its European counterparts, including the UK, France, and Ireland, in terms of the sport’s popularity.
Like any other place in the world, Italy is no stranger to betting when it comes to spectator sports like horse racing. In fact, the word casino is derived from Italian. So, if you are curious to learn what betting opportunities lie in the field of horse racing, here is your chance to find out.
Horse racing in Italy
The first traces of formal horse racing in Italy can be found in 1773 when new horses were imported for breeding in the country. The first formal society for horse racing was established in 1835.
Since its humble beginnings in the 18th century, horse racing has come a long way. While football may take precedence over any other sport in the country, horse racing is deeply embedded within the society’s culture and enjoyed by a vast majority.
To date, the biggest horse racing event in Italy is the Gran Premio Merano steeplechase. The race was first introduced in 1935 and takes place in Meran in northern Italy every September. The 5000m race has around 24 hurdles for horses to jump over and is seen by thousands of spectators.
Another major event is the Premio Vittorio di Capua, a Group 2 1600m flat race held at the San Siro Racecourse in Milan in September every year. Other notable events include the Palio de Siena in July and August.
Horse race aficionados and keen bettors flock to these events to watch their favourite horses in action and to cash in on the betting opportunities. Given the wide number of races taking place in the country, it comes as no surprise that a substantial amount of money is bet on these events. If you want to be a part of the betting action in horse racing in Italy, here is a brief guide to lead you in the right direction.
Betting on horse racing in Italy
Gambling has a rich history in Italy and has been prevalent in the country since the time of the Roman Empire. Residents arrived at the Colosseum in Rome in huge numbers to watch and bet on chariot races and Gladiator competitions.
As the popularity of chariot races grew, so did the number of racetracks around the country. By the 3rd century AD, Rome had eight racetracks, which were followed by a spread out in other parts of the region. Italy is also known to be home to Europe’s first state-sanctioned gambling house, the Ridotto in Venice, which opened in 1638.
For many years, Italians enjoyed gambling with freedom as the legislation was quite lax. However, in the 19th century, betting and gambling, for the most part, were prohibited. Till 2010, the only approved authorities for betting were the National Horse Breeders Enhancement Society and the National Olympic Committee.
People would gamble illegally and risk losses as they were not eligible for compensation if things did not go as expected. This continued until 2011, when new laws were introduced.
The purpose of the new legal framework was to legalise betting and regulate the gambling industry officially. It was hoped that the industry would become profitable, and avid bettors would be able to practice gambling in safe conditions.
How To Bet On Horse Racing In Italy?
Since 2011 offshore betting operators have been sanctioned to provide betting services in Italy, provided they have a license from the Genzia Delle Dogane e Dei Monopoli (ADM), internationally known as the Italian Gaming Authority or Agency of Customs and Monopoly.
The online operators’ license applications are reviewed by the Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS), which is incorporated under the Agency of Customs and Monopoly.
So, if you want to bet on a horse racing event in Italy, it is important to ensure that the operators have a valid license from the authoritative body.
What bookies has the best Italian horse racing odds?
When it comes to betting on Italian horse racing, there are several bookies that offer competitive odds and a wide range of betting options.
One popular bookmaker for Italian horse racing odds is Bet365, which offers a variety of markets and competitive odds for races at tracks such as San Siro and Capannelle. This bookmaker is known for its user-friendly platform and extensive coverage of horse racing events around the world.
Another bookmaker to consider is William Hill, which offers a range of betting options for Italian horse racing, including win, each-way, and place bets. This bookmaker is known for its competitive odds and generous promotions, making it a popular choice among horse racing fans.
Other bookies that offer Italian horse racing odds include Betfair, Ladbrokes, and Coral, each with their own unique features and benefits. Betfair is known for its betting exchange platform, which allows users to bet against each other rather than against the bookmaker. Ladbrokes is known for its live streaming options and extensive coverage of horse racing events, while Coral offers a range of betting options and generous promotions for new and existing customers.
It’s important to do your research and compare odds and betting options across multiple bookies to find the best value for your bets. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are betting with a licensed and regulated bookmaker when betting in Italy to ensure fair and safe betting practices. By choosing a reputable bookmaker and doing your homework, you can enjoy the thrill of betting on Italian horse racing with confidence and ease.
Where can I find Italy horse racing tips?
Sure, here’s the same answer broken into paragraphs for easier reading:
Horse racing enthusiasts looking for Italy horse racing tips can find a variety of resources online.
One popular website for Italian horse racing tips is At The Races, which provides daily race previews, tips, and analysis for tracks across Italy and other countries. This website is known for its in-depth coverage of horse racing events and its expert analysis and insights into each race.
Another website to consider is Racing Post, which offers expert tips and insights into Italian horse racing, along with form guides, racecards, and results. This website is a trusted source for horse racing news and information and is a great resource for fans looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Italian horse racing.
Fans can also find Italy horse racing tips on the Betfair website, which offers a range of betting options and in-depth analysis for races at tracks such as San Siro and Capannelle. This website is known for its user-friendly platform and its extensive coverage of horse racing events around the world.
Additionally, many horse racing tipsters and handicappers offer their services online, providing subscribers with daily tips and selections for Italian horse racing and other tracks around the world. These services can be a great resource for fans looking to improve their betting strategies and make informed decisions when placing their wagers.
Overall, there are many resources available for fans looking to stay up-to-date on horse racing in Italy today and find expert tips and insights for Italian horse racing. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, these resources can help you stay informed and engaged with this exciting sport.
What odd format is used for betting on horse racing in Italy?
Like other European countries, Italy follows the decimals odd format. For instance, if you wager at odds of 1.35 with bet money of €100, you can win €135, out of which €35 is your profit on the bet.
Is mobile betting popular in Italy?
Sure, here’s the same answer broken into paragraphs for easier reading:
Mobile betting is becoming increasingly popular in Italy, as more and more bettors prefer the convenience and flexibility of placing their bets on-the-go.
According to recent statistics, mobile betting accounts for a significant portion of total sports betting revenue in Italy, with over 60% of online bets being placed via mobile devices. This trend is driven by the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, which allow users to access betting sites and apps from anywhere, at any time.
In response to this growing demand, many Italian bookmakers have developed their own mobile apps and optimised their websites for mobile use, providing users with a seamless and user-friendly betting experience on their smartphones and tablets. These apps and websites offer a range of features and options, including live betting, in-play betting, and cash-out options, allowing users to customize their betting experience to their preferences.
Mobile betting is also popular among younger generations, who are more likely to use mobile devices for all kinds of online activities, including sports betting. This demographic is an important target for bookmakers, who are investing heavily in mobile technology and marketing to attract and retain these users.
Mobile betting is a popular and convenient option for Italian bettors, and is likely to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. As technology continues to advance and more betting operators invest in mobile platforms and apps, the mobile betting landscape in Italy is expected to become even more competitive and innovative, providing users with even more options and features to enhance their betting experience.
