The Netherlands is widely recognised for its short-track harness racing. The racing events held in the public streets of the country have gained recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
When it comes to betting, the country offers exclusive opportunities for various racing events in the country. If you are looking for betting information for the equestrian sport in the country, this article entails all the answers you are looking for.
Horse racing in the Netherlands
Horse racing has been prevalent in the Netherlands for a long time. However, unlike in other countries, where horse racing is a popular spectator sport, harness racing is a more popular form of horse racing than flat racing.
Short track harness racing has been taking place in the country since the mid-16th century, in which nobles, the elite, and innkeepers used to take part. Eventually, these races became popular and eventually a part of the tradition. In many local communities, these traditional racing events have been held and promoted for centuries, with the oldest harness races dating back to the mid-18th century.
Over the years, these races flourished and became a formal form of sport in the country, and today more than 25 such racing events are held all around the year, out of which 13 events to date have been registered as a part of the Dutch Cultural Heritage.
However, while the short-track harness races promote a wider range of equestrian sports in the Netherlands, these are not the only race forms prevalent in the country. You may also see various events of flat races, pony races, and mini trotting races. The Dutch Trotting and Flat Racing Association supervises the harness and flat races.
Eager fans 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 considerable amount of money is bet on these events. If you want to be a part of the betting action in horse racing in the Netherlands, here is a brief guide to lead you in the right direction.
Betting on horse racing in the Netherlands
Betting on horse racing has been a popular practice in the Netherlands. However, in 1911, the government prohibited betting on these races, particularly the harness events. However, after a long break, betting was again permitted in 1948 after the war.
However, the activity always remained under the government’s radar as it was perceived to be a part of criminal activities in the urban world. Betting was associated with other criminal acts like drugging horses, match-fixing, money laundering, etc. While it is generally perceived that not many people partake in betting on horse racing, the activity generates around €23million in revenue.
Presently, there is the only organisation that has a licensed permit to offer physical bets on trotting and horse racing in the country. ZE betting and Gaming have been actively providing betting opportunities for horse racing for a long time in the country. It was issued the totalisator license by the Dutch Gambling authority, making it the only legal bet provider on the sport.
As far as online betting is concerned, the situation has somewhat improved after implementing the Remote Gambling Act 2021, and gambling licenses were awarded to some local and international sites.
How to bet on horse racing in the Netherlands
ZE betting and Gaming is a part of the Group ZE Turf France and operates under the brand name Runnerz in the Netherlands. It has been operating horse lotteries in the country since 1998.
You can place bets on the respective racehorses at sales outlets or the racing, trotting, and short harness tracks in the country.
How to place bets online on horse racing in the Netherlands
If you want to place bets online, various licensed online betting sites offer individuals a myriad of betting markets to choose from. As of 2021, after the implementation of the Remote Gambling Act, licensed operators are allowed to offer betting odds to individuals. These include a mix of Dutch and foreign operators. So, if you want to place bets online, make sure to register with a licensed bookmaker.
What are the popular payment modes for online betting in the Netherlands?
When it comes to payment methods, you have a few options, including NETELLER, Skrill, and Paypal. Similarly, many sites offer iDeal, a Netherland-based online payment method.
What is the minimum amount for placing a bet on horse racing in the Netherlands?
The minimum bet value for horse racing in the Netherlands is typically €1. Your bet amount will be refunded in the event one a non-runner in the race.
Is Netherlands Horse Racing Popular?
Horse racing is not a popular sport in the Netherlands, and there are no major horse racing events held in the country. While there are some horse racing tracks in the Netherlands, the industry is relatively small compared to other countries.
Betting on horse racing in the Netherlands is also limited, as the government has strict regulations on gambling activities. While there are some Netherlands betting sites that offer horse racing betting options, the selection is limited compared to other countries where horse racing is more popular.
