Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown when it comes to the biggest horse racing betting events in Britain today. The Royal Ascot Festival takes place over five days, with a number of high profile races being held. It should come as no surprise that Royal Ascot betting is big business.
All the top Royal Ascot betting sites attract the interest of punters both before and during the Festival. Ahead of the event, this Royal Ascot betting guide will cover everything that punters need to know.
Explore Our Horse Racing Betting Guides
Royal Ascot Betting Offers
When betting on Royal Ascot, it’s always handy to have some promotions and bonuses giving you extra value. These are our top Royal Ascot betting offers today:
- BetUK – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Betfred – Bet £10 Get £60 in Bonuses
- Paddy Power – Bet £20 and Get it Back if it Loses
- 888Sport – Bet £20 Get £40 in Free Bets for Royal Ascot
- SBK – Get up to £40 Money Back in Cash
- PariMatch – Bet £5 Get £30 Bonus
- 2kBet – Bet £10 Get £30 Free Bet
- Luckster – Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet
- Bet Goodwin – Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet
Royal Ascot Betting Odds 2024
As we have already outlined, Royal Ascot betting odds are of key importance. If a bookie is offering small prices, the potential earnings will be minimal. Luckily, our recommended Royal Ascot betting sites all score highly in this area. As a result, punters know that they are always taking advantage of the best, or close to the best, prices.
Of course, there is nothing stopping you signing up on multiple horse racing betting sites. This will make it possible to utilise the highest prices for each race at Royal Ascot. In order to give you a better understanding of how the Ascot odds work, the following are the frontrunners for the 2023 Gold Cup:
Gold Cup Runners | Royal Ascot Odds |
Coltrane | 4/1 with BetUK |
Eldar Eldarov | 4/1 with William Hill |
Emily Dickinson | 6/1 with bet365 |
Courage Mon Ami | 7/1 with bet365 |
Subjectivist | 10/1 with LiveScore Bet |
Yibir | 12/1 with BoyleSports |
Broome | 12/1 with 10bet |
Royal Ascot Free Bets
The most popular of Royal Ascot betting offers are deals that give you free bets to wager with. It may sound obvious, but taking a punt without risking capital is very appealing. There are plenty of Royal Ascot free bets on offer for both new and existing customers. Don’t forget about promotions that include everyone. Here are what some of our favourite Royal Ascot betting sites provide:
Bet365 Royal Ascot 2024
At Bet365, there’s a bet £10 and get £30 in bet credits new customer offer available for those who sign up before or during Royal Ascot. They also provide a Bet Boost deal covering every single UK and Irish horse race on a daily basis.
Those betting on Royal Ascot early can enjoy ante post betting on 18 of the 35 races scheduled for the meeting too.
William Hill Royal Ascot 2024
From the on-course bookies to High Street betting shops and online gambling, William Hill has always been at the forefront. They can offer you £30 in Royal Ascot free bets when you sign up and bet £10.
Other deals to look out for include a daily Racing Bet Boost that enhances the odds of a horse you fancy. They are also Non-Runner Money Back on the eight Group 1 races at the Royal meeting from 12:00 BST on 5 June. There are also eight other ante post markets available.
Beftred Royal Ascot 2024
As Betfred goes by the nickname of The Bonus King, you can expect some Royal Ascot betting offers into the bargain. Whether it’s their pledge to offer more extra places than ever before or the £50 in bonuses and free bets when new customers sign up and bet £10, they are another bookie that has transitioned from shops to online so well.
Betfred have a Free Bet if 2nd deal refunding you up to £10 on selected races. This looks sure to include Royal Ascot events that are so important to the gambling industry as a whole in the UK. All Correct Bonuses and One Winner Bonuses apply to any combination and system wagers made when betting on Royal Ascot too with ante post betting on 13 races at your fingertips..
888sport Royal Ascot 2024
Online only bookies 888sport have a bet £10 get £30 in Royal Ascot free bets for new customers now. Besides this neat sign up offer, they also run a 4/1 Winner promotion. Back any winner at those odds or bigger and receive a £5 free bet.
It’s another of the great Royal Ascot betting offers out there today. They match the best of their competitors with ante post markets on more than half (18) of the 35 races at the meeting.
How to Select the Best Online Bookmakers for Betting on Royal Ascot
The vast majority of UK online bookies will offer Royal Ascot betting. However, not all are worth taking advantage of. So, when it comes to Royal Ascot 2023 betting, consider the following factors when deciding where you back runners and riders:
- Odds – Royal Ascot betting odds will ultimately determine how much punters make from winning wagers. While a quick comparison between bookies will make it appear that prices are similar across the board, this is not the case. The slightest price difference can have a significant impact upon returns. Some punters will register with a handful of bookies, in order to ensure that they can take advantage of the best odds. 888Sport regularly offers industry-leading odds, with Royal Ascot betting being no different.
- Promotions – While not all are worth utilising, promotions can certainly be of benefit to punters. Whether it be an offer specific to Royal Ascot betting or a generic horse racing deal, promotions are not to be overlooked. Each of our recommended bookies comes with a welcome offer. Meanwhile, best odds guaranteed, faller insurance, price boosts and extra places are among the Royal Ascot promos awaiting existing customers. With a stack of horse racing betting offers, QuinnBet is a bookie leading the way in this area.
- Live Streaming – As we will discuss in greater detail throughout this Royal Ascot betting guide, live streaming is important too. Being in a position to watch races from Ascot is hugely appealing. Whether it be on desktop or mobile, many online bookies now offer such services. A small qualifying bet or a funded sportsbook account is generally all that is needed to gain access. Streaming all races from Royal Ascot, Bet365 stands out here.
- Mobile Betting – It has never been more important for online bookies to cater for the needs of mobile customers. As such, many have developed and introduced dedicated betting apps. Available to Royal Ascot betting customers, such apps offer enhanced efficiency and features. Meanwhile, for times when an app is not available, the best Royal Ascot betting sites are fully functional via mobile browsers. Betfred scores highly in this area.
- Banking – A variety of payment methods should also be available to punters. Including traditional bank cards and more modern e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, depositing and withdrawing funds is made simple. Payments must also be quick and without additional fees. SpreadEx offers a wide range of options, with payouts being processed in under 24 hours in many cases.
Royal Ascot Betting Markets
Royal Ascot betting includes a number of different markets. As a result, punters have far more options than simply betting on the winner of individual races. Below are some of the standout markets to look out for before and during the Festival this year:
Race Winner
Whether it be the Queen Anne Stakes, Gold Cup or Diamond Jubilee Stakes, punters can bet on the winner of each race at Royal Ascot. While being easy to understand, actually backing a winner is anything but. All races feature 8+ runners, with all potentially having the ability to come out on top on their day. Given the competitive and unpredictable nature of races at Royal Ascot, this market generally comes with attractive odds.
Each Way
Nowadays, each way bets are arguably the most popular for fans of horse racing betting. This is due to the good mix of rewards and insurance. With such bets, half of the stake goes on “Win”, with the other half going on “Place”. Place simply means finishing in one of the top positions, normally up to 4th or 5th. However, it is worth noting that each way bets require a larger investment.
Accumulator
As with other sports, many punters will place accumulators surrounding Royal Ascot. Here, several race winner picks are put together in the same bet. Each pick must be successful in order for your bet to win. Just one inaccurate prediction will mean that your bet loses. However, many online bookies now offer acca insurance for such eventualities. While being difficult to win, the rewards here are significant.
Other Markets
Some bookies will offer specials on Royal Ascot. Examples here include leading trainer, leading jockey and winning margin. Not all betting sites will feature such markets.
Royal Ascot Extra Place Races Today
With big fields for a number of two-year-olds only races and in the fiendishly competitive handicaps, punters should look out for Extra Place Races throughout the Royal meeting. These provide extra incentive for a spot of each way betting on Royal Ascot. Check out the latest Extra Place Races today from the festival:
Bookie |
Queen Anne Stakes | Coventry Stakes | King Charles III Stakes | Ascot Stakes | Wolerton Stakes | Copper Horse Handicap |
bet365 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Paddy Power | 3 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 6 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
William Hill | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
888sport | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Betfair | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 6 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
BetVictor | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Spreadex | 3@ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Betfred | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
BoyleSports | 3 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
BetMGM | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
BetUK | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
LiveScore Bet | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
QuinnBet | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
BetGoodwin | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Virgin Bet | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 | 4 @ 1/5 | 5 @ 1/5 |
Tote Betting on Royal Ascot
For those looking for something different to traditional fixed odds sports gambling, Tote betting may well be for you. Here, a cumulative pool of prize money is used. Effectively, this means that your bet contributes to winnings, with each market having its own respective pool.
For punters looking to bet against the popular opinion, Tote betting will be especially appealing. A number of different Tote bets are also available, including exactas and trifectas. When it comes to Royal Ascot Tote betting, visit the official home of pari-mutuel wagering pools in the UK. We’re talking about the Tote itself.
Royal Ascot Ante Post Betting
Ante post betting involves wagering on an event well in advance. This is a strategy used by many punters in an attempt to claim the best odds available. Ante post Royal Ascot betting is unsurprisingly popular. Prices are introduced many months in advance, often over 12 months.
This means that you can bet on the 2024 Royal Ascot Festival even before the 2023 event has taken place. It is worth placing ante post bets with bookies offering non-runner no bet offers. This means that if your pick ultimately doesn’t race, your stake will be refunded.
How to Bet on Royal Ascot Online
Royal Ascot betting is easy to get to grips with. This is largely due to the usability of our top ranked bookies. Using Bet365 as an example, the following is a step by step guide surrounding exactly how to place bets on Royal Ascot:
Step 1: Select Your Bookie
From the table at the top of this page, browse our recommended Royal Ascot betting sites. Consider available markets, odds, features and promotions. Based on such criteria, decide which bookie best meets your needs.
Step 2: Sign Up
Having made your decision, enter the site in question on either desktop or mobile. On the Bet365 website, click or tap on the “Join” button, located in the top-right hand corner of the page. Complete the registration form, entering your full name, date of birth, email address and home address in the process. Create a username and password, before entering a security code. Read and accept the terms and conditions and click or tap on the “Join Bet365” button.
Step 3: Browse Markets
Login using your username and password, before selecting “Horse Racing” from the list of available sports. Browse available Royal Ascot markets, viewing the odds on offer in the process.
Step 4: Place Bet
Having carried out research surrounding runners and riders, add selections to your bet slip by clicking on their name. On your bet slip, enter your chosen stake, which will automatically calculate the potential returns. When happy, confirm by selecting the “Place Bet” button.
Step 5: Withdraw Winnings
Track the progress of your picks, ideally through live coverage of Royal Ascot. In the event of picking a winning horse, it is likely that punters will have funds available for withdrawal. Enter the cashier page, before selecting your preferred payment method.
Royal Ascot Live Streaming & Live Commentary
The ability to watch or listen to races from Royal Ascot is hugely appealing. For those placing bets, there is nothing like following your picks. Through streams and radio, many online bookies cater for such punters. For those in the UK, all races are broadcast live on ITV. However, a number of betting sites also come with live streaming and commentary features. The table below delivers the best ones, including how to gain access:
Bookmaker | Stream Criteria |
Funded sportsbook account | |
£1 qualifying bet | |
£1 qualifying bet | |
Funded sportsbook account | |
£1 qualifying bet | |
Funded sportsbook account |
Best Betting Apps for Royal Ascot
As is the case in most sports, betting apps are increasingly important for horse racing betting fans. Before and during Royal Ascot, punters will download their preferred app, be it on smartphone or tablet. The best Royal Ascot betting apps make wagering on your handheld device simple.
They also allow users to deposit and withdraw funds, as well as take advantage of customer service features, promotions and additional features. So, if you are searching for an app for Royal Ascot betting, these are our current favourites:
Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets
Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets
- Free bet on the World Cup valid for 60 days
- Excellent football coverage
- Leading World Cup betting odds
Royal Ascot Festival Betting Guide
While Royal Ascot is one of the most recognisable and enjoyable horse racing betting events of the year, there are no guarantees that punters will be rewarded when placing bets. However, the following Royal Ascot tips will give customers the best possible chance of beating the bookies:
- Do Your Homework – Before placing any bet on Royal Ascot, carry out the necessary research. Key statistics and information is readily available online, so there is no excuse. Look at the form of runners and past Royal Ascot results, as well as the going.
- Have Numerous Accounts – In order to take advantage of the best Royal Ascot betting odds and offers, it is worth having multiple accounts. This means registering with different bookies.
- Set a Budget – Regardless of your goals, Royal Ascot betting customers must have a budget. This should be a small proportion of your disposable income. Remember that betting on the event is about entertainment first and returns second. Do not chase losses or bet beyond your means.
- Utilise Promotions – There are a number of betting promotions that can be of use to punters before and during Royal Ascot. Best odds guaranteed, extra places, faller insurance and price boosts are all on offer to those in the UK. Check out the terms and conditions beforehand though.
- Avoid All Races – It can be tempting to bet on every race during Royal Ascot. However, this is a quick way of losing funds. Instead, target selected races, where you have a good knowledge of the runners and riders involved.
What is the Royal Ascot Festival?
Ascot Racecourse’s founder was horse racing mad monarch Queen Anne back in 1711. Meanwhile, in 1911, the Ascot summer race meeting was made an official royal week. The 5-day festival now attracts some 300,000 visitors, with the event being known for its prestige and glamour. Jump racing was introduced at Ascot in 1965, with the “Race of the Century” having taken place in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes 10 years later. The course record was broken that day, a record that remained until 2010.
In 1996, jockey Frankie Dettori made history by winning all seven races on an Ascot card. Notable winners at Royal Ascot in recent years include class horses like Rock Of Gibraltar, Ouija Board, Black Caviar, Frankel, Estimate, Tepin and Blue Point. The table below shows that winners of the Gold Cup since 2013:
Royal Ascot Past Winners of the Gold Cup
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
2013 | Estimate | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute |
2014 | Leading Light | Joseph O’Brien | Aidan O’Brien |
2015 | Trip to Paris | Graham Lee | Ed Dunlop |
2016 | Order of St George | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2017 | Big Orange | James Doyle | Michael Bell |
2018 | Stradivarius | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden |
2019 | Stradivarius | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden |
2020 | Stradivarius | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden |
2021 | Subjectivist | Joe Fanning | Mark Johnston |
2022 | Kyprios | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2023 | Courage Mon Ami | Frankie Dettori | John & Thady Gosden |
Royal Ascot Festival 2024 Dates & Schedule
The 2024 Royal Ascot Festival will take place between Tuesday, 18th June and Saturday, 22th June. Below is the complete schedule, perfect for those looking to plan their Royal Ascot betting in advance:
Royal Ascot Day 1 Schedule – Tuesday, 20 June
Race Time | Royal Ascot Race Name | Distance | Class of Race | Age of Horses |
2:30 | Queen Anne Stakes | 1m | Group 1 | 4yo+ |
3:05 | Coventry Stakes | 6f | Group 2 | 2yo |
3:45 | King Charles III Stakes | 5f | Group 1 | 3yo+ |
4:25 | St James’s Palace Stakes | 7f 213y | Group 1 | 3yo colts |
5:05 | Ascot Stakes | 2m 3f 210y | Heritage Handicap | 4yo+ rated 0-100 |
5:40 | Wolferton Stakes | 1m 1f 212y | Listed | 4yo+ |
6:15 | Copper Horse Handicap | 1m 6f 34y | Handicap | 4yo+ rated 0-105 |
This most prestigious and valuable race meeting kicks off with not one, not two but three Group 1 events on its opening day. The Queen Anne Stakes for older milers is the traditional curtain raisers, while sprinters strut their stuff in the Kin Charles III Stakes (formerly the King’s Stand Stakes). Three-year-old colts alone contest the St James’s Palace Stakes on day one.
Royal Ascot Day 2 Schedule – Wednesday, 21 June
Race Time | Royal Ascot Race Name | Distance | Class of Race | Age of Horses |
2:30 | Queen Mary Stakes | 5f | Group 2 | 2yo fillies |
3:05 | Queen’s Vase | 1m 6f 34y | Group 2 | 3yo |
3:45 | Duke Of Cambridge Stakes | 1m | Group 2 | 4yo+ fillies and mares |
4:25 | Prince Of Wales’s Stakes | 1m 1f 212y | Group 1 | 4yo+ |
5:05 | Royal Hunt Cup | 1m | Heritage Handicap | 3yo+ |
5:40 | Kensington Palace Stakes | 7f 213y | Handicap | 4yo+ fillies and mares rated 0-105 |
6:15 | Windsor Castle Stakes | 5f | Listed | 2yo |
Day two of the royal meeting contains arguably the biggest betting race of the gala as a maximum field of 30 tackle the cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup on the straight mile. The same course and distance is used earlier on the card for the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes for older fillies and mares, while the feature Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is the first elite race at a mile-and-a-quarter in the UK. Three-year-olds put their St Leger credentials on the line in the Queen’s Vase later on as well.
Royal Ascot Day 3 Schedule – Thursday, 22 June
Race Time | Royal Ascot Race Name | Distance | Class of Race | Age of Horses |
2:30 | Norfolk Stakes | 5f | Group 2 | 2yo |
3:05 | King George V Stakes | 1m 3f 211y | Heritage Handicap | 3yo rated 0-105 |
3:45 | Ribblesdale Stakes | 1m 3f 211y | Group 2 | 3yo fillies |
4:25 | Ascot Gold Cup | 2m 3f 210y | Group 1 | 4yo+ |
5:05 | Britannia Stakes | 1m | Handicap | 3yo rated 0-105 |
5:40 | Hampton Court Stakes | 1m 1f 212y | Group 3 | 3yo |
6:15 | Buckingham Palace Stakes | 7f | Handicap | 3yo+ rated 0-105 |
The biggest major race of all for Flat stayers, the Ascot Gold Cup, takes place at the exact halfway point of the Royal meeting. Day three has the Ribblesdale Stakes for three-year-old fillies as the chief supporting event, plus three handicap races and two of those are open to the same age bracket. There is also the Hampton Court Stakes over a mile-and-a-quarter, meaning five of the seven races, are age restricted on Ladies Day.
Royal Ascot Day 4 Schedule – Friday, 23 June
Race Time | Royal Ascot Race Name | Distance | Class of Race | Age of Horses |
2:30 | Albany Stakes | 6f | Group 3 | 2yo fillies |
3:05 | Commonwealth Cup | 6f | Group 1 | 3yo colts and fillies |
3:45 | Coronation Stakes | 7f 213y | Group 1 | 3yo fillies |
4:25 | Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes | 1m 3f 211y | Handicap | 3yo+ rated 0-105 |
5:05 | Sandringham Stakes | 1m | Handicap | 3yo fillies rated 0-105 |
5:40 | King Edward VII Stakes | 1m 3f 211y | Group 2 | 3yo colts and geldings |
6:15 | Palace Of Holyrood House Stakes | 5f | Handicap | 3yo rated 0-105 |
There are two feature races for the price of one on the Friday of the Royal meeting with both only open to three-year-olds. The sprinters’ Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes for fillies on the round mile ensure the Classic generation have chances to impress. That goes even further thanks to races like the King Edward VII Stakes, which is Ascot’s equivalent of the Epsom Derby.
Royal Ascot Day 5 Schedule – Saturday, 24 June
Race Time | Royal Ascot Race Name | Distance | Class of Race | Age of Horses |
2:30 | Chesham Stakes | 7f | Listed | 2yo |
3:05 | Hardwicke Stakes | 1m 3f 211y | Group 2 | 4yo+ |
3:45 | Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes | 6f | Group 1 | 4yo+ |
4:25 | Jersey Stakes | 7f | Group 3 | 3yo |
5:05 | Wokingham Stakes | 6f | Heritage Handicap | 3yo+ rated 0-110 |
5:40 | Golden Gates Stakes | 1m 1f 212y | Handicap | 3yo rated 0-105 |
6:15 | Queen Alexandra Stakes | 2m 5f 143y | Class 2 | 4yo+ |
The last of five race days sees Saturday race cards from Ascot headlined by the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, formerly the Platinum Jubilee Stakes, Diamond Jubilee Stakes and Golden Jubilee Stakes as this sprinters’ event marked major milestones of her historic reign. Older mile-and-a-half horses put their King George claims on the line in the Hardwicke Stakes. The curtain comes down on the Royal meeting with the longest Flat race contest under Rules, the Queen Alexandra Stakes over almost two-and-three-quarter miles.
Bottom Line on Betting on Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is rightly regarded as one of the most prestigious sporting events in the British calendar. While many enjoy the hospitality and entertainment, action on the track is of major interest to betting customers. Royal Ascot betting is now big business, with punters hoping to back winners across the five days.
Royal Ascot 2023 betting promises to be bigger than ever, with the countdown having well and truly begun. Our Royal Ascot betting guide has covered everything there is to know. So, check out our recommended bookies and Royal Ascot betting offers today!
Our Recommended Bookie for Royal Ascot Betting
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
- Excellent Royal Ascot coverage
- Tote betting available
- Live streaming