Find UK’s Online Betting Opportunities for Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is growing in stature each and every year, and the just-concluded 2023 event was a spectacular run, which leaves everyone highly pumped for what’s to come in 2024. In preparation for this, you might want to sign up with the right platform, which is why we’re here to help!

Why is the Event Important for UK Bettors?

Over the years, the Melbourne Cup has always taken place on the first Tuesday in November. Having first been run all the way back in 1861, it is the jewel in the crown of Australian racing.

It’s really an international event with horses, jockeys, and trainers from all over the world. Its betting market is also available on multiple gambling sites, which have been quick to recognise its status as one of the most popular races in the sport.

In the last ten races, there have been three British and Irish-trained winners. Famed trainers such as Willie Mullins, Joseph O’Brien, Aiden O’Brien, and Charlie Appleby all regularly send horses over to challenge.

With each renewal carrying a strong British and Irish interest, it has grown hugely in popularity despite the event taking place on the other side of the world.

The race is available to British viewers via television and gambling streams, and comprehensive coverage is given in the weeks leading up to the marquee race. Not only do viewers and bettors tune in for this thrilling competition, but other high-quality races, such as the Victoria Derby and Mackinnon Stakes, help form a quality undercard.

With bettors being able to make all sorts of different bets for the big race, this article will look at some of the very best bookmaking sites that you can place your bets with ahead of 2024’s race.

Choosing the Correct Betting Site for the Melbourne Cup

Online horse racing betting in the UK is hugely popular and attracts attention all year round. Below are things you need to consider when selecting:

  1. Competitive odds – The race will be available on almost all of the top-notch betting sites online. Nobody wants to participate in this massive sporting event only to be offered low odds. So, find operators with the best odds.
  2. Stream the event – Not everyone gets the chance to be present, so you might need to find an alternative! Only a few leading bookmakers stream it, so find a bookie who does.
  3. Detailed breakdown of the runners and riders – despite the potential presence of UK and Irish-based runners, the majority of the field will be made up of Australian horses. In order to help you out, some of the UK’s best bookmakers will provide comprehensive analysis and a form guide of the entire field. This can help narrow down your selections.
  4. What markets are available – When staking, you want to have access to as many different markets as possible, including forecasts, each-way bets, and race specials such as the winning margin or time.
  5. Any special offers – because of the large field, some bookmakers may try to sweeten the deal by offering special betting deals. These can range from the amount of places that will be paid out as well as money-back offers if you lose.

Special UK Offers for the Melbourne Cup

Welcome £60 in Free Bets

Get up to £60 Welcome Bonus in Free Sports Bets

Turnover

1X

Min Odds

2.0
Claim Bonus

18+. For NEW UK customers only. Requires account opening, deposit using UK debit card, and certain qualifying bets of Evens or greater .£10 free bet requires 5 x £10 settled bets. Full Terms apply. Betzone Review

Up to £50 as a Free bet

Bet £10 at odds of 2.00 or greater and receive up to £50 as a Free Bet

Turnover

1X

Min Odds

2.0
Claim Bonus

New customers only, aged 21+. Min deposit £10. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater. Get 50% back on first day losses (up to 23:59) as a Free bet, up to £50, plus 10 Free Spins on Reel King, credited within 24 hours. Free Bet & Spins expire in 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply. Fitzdares Review

£20 Free Bet

Place a qualifying bet of £10 or more and get a £20 Free Bet

Turnover

1X

Min Odds

2.0
Claim Bonus

New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply. BoyleSports Review

£30 Free Bet

Place a minimum £10 bet and receive a £30 Free Bet

Turnover

1X

Min Odds

1.5
Claim Bonus

New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply. Monster Casino Sports Review

£50 Free Bet + £20 Welcome Casino Bonus

Enjoy £50 Free Bets upon sign-up and £20 Welcome Casino Bonus

Turnover

1X

Min Odds

2.00
Claim Bonus

18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only. Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 7 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. T&Cs apply. Fafabet Review

Key Takeaways

Many popular international horse races attract UK bettors, such as the Kentucky Derby. But the Melbourne Cup is also becoming increasingly popular to bet on in the UK due to its international appeal, variety of betting markets, and high stakes – similar to the Dubai World Cup, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

British and Irish trainers have begun to target the cup, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more British success in 2024.

All of the UK’s sites for bets have a great selection of markets and will provide in-depth analysis before 2024’s race kicks off, helping make your decisions as easy as possible.

The cup is truly a brilliant race to stake on, so make sure you don’t miss out on one of the best and most exciting races in the world. The ‘race that stops the nation’ simply can’t be missed in 2024.