A Quick Overview of Horse Betting History in UK

Horses have always been considered good friends of people. Using horses for transportation and other purposes has been what connected humans and horses. However, horse racing as an attractive and exciting activity turned into a sport that thousands enjoy. 

The industry of horse racing evolved in recent history. It provided millions of revenue as well as fun and excitement for everyone involved in the industry. Horse racing has been an inspiration for a variety of slots and other casino games. The main intention of this text is to introduce you to the industry and critical events related to the horse race odds in the UK.  

The early days

The first evidence of the sport’s existence is more than 3000 years old. However, many think that horse racing appeared earlier. Since people started using horses for everyday life, they have enjoyed the excitement of competition. Everywhere in the world, from America to China, horse racing became popular. Some nations invented their own rules, while others adopted what came to be accepted in other parts of the world. When horses were some kind of exclusivity, only rich and powerful people had the opportunity to practice their racing skills and compete against each other. 

Money and formalization

However, horse racing hasn’t provided anything but fun and internal satisfaction since the 12th century. In England, horse racing became a knight sport, the one that could offer a successful night for about $40 per race that they have won. 

In the decades to come, influential people tried to formalize the sport.  Charles II of England did not just compete, but also defined rules that became mandatory for all participants. 

After the money was involved, gambling on the outcome of the game became normalized. The first wagers placed on the results of the horse races were found in the 17th century in England and colonies. During the War of Independence, horse racing became popular in America. (zgardensantamonica.com) It started on the East coast and then spread towards the west. 

The modernity of the sport

In the 18th-century, horse racing became completely different. More people could approach the racing event, and it became normal that the horse owner and the rider were not the same person. The growing publicity brought more money from organizing horse races and gambling on horse racing outcomes. However, many suspect that without gambling, and especially online betting in recent years, horse racing could not become so popular and loved around the world. 

With the commercialization of the sport, it became possible for talented riders, regardless of their status and origins, to prove their abilities and win races. 

Nowadays, horse racing has become mainstream. Due to the internet, live streams, and tv broadcasts, many interested in horse racing have an opportunity to enjoy it.