Horse race betting in India has a long and established history, with the sport being one of the few forms of gambling that is legally permitted in most parts of the country. The primary legal framework for horse race betting is governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which exempts horse racing from its general prohibition. This legal status has allowed for the development of a structured and regulated betting environment.
The most prominent product in the Indian horse race betting market is the on-course totalizator, or Tote. Operated at racecourses by turf clubs, the Tote is a pooled betting system where all bets of a particular type are combined into a pool. After deducting a commission, the remaining pool is distributed among the winning bettors. This system offers various bet types, including Win （betting on a horse to finish first）, Place （betting on a horse to finish first or second, or sometimes third, depending on the number of runners）, and exotic bets like Quinella and Trifecta, which involve predicting the first two or three finishers in exact or any order.
Beyond the racecourse, off-course betting is facilitated through licensed betting terminals located in authorized betting shops. These terminals are connected to the central Tote system, allowing patrons to place bets on races happening across the country. Some major turf clubs, such as the Royal Western India Turf Club （RWITC） in Mumbai and Pune, and the Madras Race Club in Chennai, also offer online betting platforms. These platforms require user registration and are typically restricted to individuals within the state where the club is located, due to state-specific gambling regulations.
It is crucial to understand that the legal model for horse race betting in India is based on the principle of \“betting on a horse race\“ as a game of skill, rather than pure chance. This distinction is what separates it from other forms of gambling. All legal betting is conducted through the official channels of the recognized turf clubs. Betting with unauthorized bookmakers or on international online platforms that are not licensed by Indian authorities is illegal and carries significant risks. The landscape of horse race betting in India is therefore a unique blend of tradition and regulated modernity, operating within a specific legal niche. |
