Horse racing is a hugely popular sport – particularly for those who enjoy a bit of sports betting action. 

However, thanks to the growth of the digital world, virtual horse racing has become a pretty popular alternative to traditional horse racing – but how does it compare? Well, both types come with their own different experiences, advantages – and challenges. 

Here, we’re going to look at the main differences between virtual and traditional horse racing so you can decide what’s best for your betting style.

Virtual Horse Racing Betting

This is basically a computer-generated simulation of horse racing – digital horses running a virtual race. Forget weather conditions and track conditions – and jockey errors, the results of these races are basically determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) – just like online slots and other online casino games. 

Unlike traditional horse racing, where you are actually betting on a real-world event and a live competition, virtual races are run around the clock, all times of year, day or night. They’re not affected by the weather or injuries so there’s less unpredictability to concern yourself with.

Virtual Horse Racing:

• Quick and Convenient: Races are happening virtually every couple of minutes, so you don’t have to hang around waiting – and you can place as many bets as you like in a relatively short space of time. 
• Fixed Odds: Unlike traditional betting markets, virtual races all have fixed predetermined odds, so it’s easier to understand payouts. When you look at Gold Cup betting odds, for example, the prices you get on the front-runner will generally change a lot before the race concludes. However, when you bet on a virtual race, the odds are the same until the race is run. 
• No Worries About External Influences: The outcome of a race purely relies on an algorithm. You won’t have to think about things like the experience and performance of the jockeys, how the weather is or the track conditions. 
• Consistency: You can get a stable betting experience without having to worry about any external factors affecting it.

Traditional Horse Racing Betting

Then there’s traditional horse racing – where you’re putting your money on a real live racing event with real horses, real jockeys – and real unpredictability. Anything could happen – a fall, a collision, a thunderstorm – anything. 

This isn’t just about trusting an algorithm! You need to put in the work and do your research if you want a decent chance of winning. You need to look at things like form guides, track conditions, the jockeys and trainers, and all sorts of other factors to help you make the most informed decisions.

Traditional Horse Racing:

• Real-World Variables: Lots of things can affect the outcome of a race… weather, track conditions, horse fitness, etc – which makes it a much more dynamic and unpredictable betting experience. 
• Live Events: There’s nothing quite like the excitement of putting your money on a live race. And if you’re there in the crowd, you get to experience all the crowd energy and on-track insights, which makes it a lot more exciting than virtual racing. 
• Lots More Betting Options: When betting on traditional races, there are all sorts of markets – not just win, but things like place, exacta, trifecta, and more. 
• Strategy: If you’re into horse racing and know your stuff, you look at things like past performances, the pedigree of the horse, and trainer and jockey stats, etc to make a more informed decision.

Which is Right for You?

So, what one should you actually go for? Well, picking between virtual and traditional horse racing betting really depends on what you’re looking for:

• If you’re someone who likes being able to bet as and when you like – and you prefer more predictability and stability, virtual horse racing is excellent. 
• However, if you prefer doing your research, the live excitement of watching your horse race to the line – with the thrill of the crowds and the unpredictability of external factors then traditional horse racing is definitely the way to go.

However, there are some bettors who enjoy a bit of both – loving the thrill of real traditional racing and using virtual racing to fill the gaps as they wait for the next big race.

Whatever one you choose, remember to have fun and gamble responsibly!