What is the Jockey Club?

Established in 1750, by some of the most influential people of the day, the Jockey Club established the Rules of Racing and was, until 2006, official governing body of horse racing in Britain. However, responsibility for the governance and regulation of British horse racing passed to the newly-formed Horserace Regulatory Authority (HRA) in 2006 and subsequently to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) – formed by the merger of the HRA and the British Horseracing Board (BHB) – in 2007.

Nowadays, the Jockey Club maintains a portfolio of commercial interests, which ownership involves ownership of fifteen British racecourses, including Aintree, Cheltenham, Epsom and Newmarket, as well as training facilities in Epsom, Lambourn and Newmarket through its property division, Jockey Club Estates. Other concerns include the National Stud, a 500-acre site on the outskirts of Newmarket, which was, until April, 2008, under governmental control. Following the acquisition of the National Stud, the Jockey Club set about reinvigorating and re-establishing confidence in breeding, boarding and education programmes; indeed, the National Stud remains the only working stud farm in the country to offer behind-the-scenes tours to the general public.

Why are odds of 33/1 known as ‘double carpet’?

In the heyday of the on-course betting ring, the job of the tic-tac was to convey information to his, or her, bookmaker, by means of a series of coded arm movements. Odds of 33/1 were conveyed by crossing the arms and placing the hands flat on the chest. Verbally, odds of 33/1 were and, in some cases, still are, called out as ‘double carpet’, which, like the arm movements, was intended to keep the information secret from anyone not ‘in the know’.

Betting ring vernacular often draws on sayings and slang including, but not limited to, backslang and Cockney rhyming slang, for its inspiration and ‘double carpet’ is no exception. In criminal, or prison, slang dating from the nineteenth century, the term ‘carpet stretch’ meant three months’ imprisonment; three months was reputedly the length of time required by an inmate to to weave a carpet or mat for his cell in the prison workshop. Thus, in the betting ring, odds of 3/1 became known as ‘carpet’ and, naturally enough, odds of 33/1 became known as ‘double carpet’.

What are standard each-way terms?

By contrast to a win bet, an each-way bet is effectively two bets. The first bet is on the horse to win and the second is on the horse to be placed or, in other words, to finish in one of the place positions specified in the each-way terms for the race in question. Of course, if your horse finishes first, you’ll collect on both bets but, if your horse finishes second, or possibly third or fourth, you may still collect on your place bet. The each-way, or place, terms not only specify the number of places paid, but also the fraction of the win odds at which your place bet will be paid out if your horse finishes in one of those places.

Each-way terms usually depend on the number of runners in a race and, in larger fields, whether or not the race is a handicap. Races with four or fewer runners are ‘win only’ or, in other words, the only place paid is first place. In races with between five and seven runners, first and second places are paid, at one quarter of the win odds. In races of eight or more runners, first, second and third places are paid, at one fifth of the win odds. However, in handicap races, and only in handicap races, with between twelve and fifteen runners, first, second and third are paid, at one quarter of the win odds. Similarly, in handicap races with sixteen or more runners, first, second, third and fourth place are paid, at one quarter of the win odds.

 

The Rise of Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing betting sites not on Gamstop are becoming the go-to choice for many UK punters looking for greater freedom, better odds, and a wider selection of betting markets. With GamStop restrictions making it harder for self-excluded players to place wagers through UKGC-licensed bookies, these offshore platforms offer a legal alternative. They operate under international licences, such as Curaçao or Anjouan, and accept British customers without being bound by UK self-exclusion rules.

In the fast-paced world of horse racing, punters value flexibility. Whether it’s placing a bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Grand National, or international races like the Melbourne Cup, non-GamStop horse racing sites provide instant access without the limitations of UK-regulated operators. For many, the biggest draw is that these bookmakers combine traditional fixed-odds betting with modern features such as live streaming, in-play markets, and early cash-out options.

Why More Punters Are Turning to Offshore Horse Racing Bookies

One of the main appeals is the sheer variety of races covered. UKGC-licensed betting sites often focus primarily on domestic and high-profile international events, but non-GamStop platforms tend to offer extensive coverage of smaller and niche races worldwide. This means bettors can explore betting opportunities in Ireland, Australia, the US, South Africa, and even less publicised racing scenes like Scandinavia or Asia.

Additionally, offshore operators are known for competitive odds and generous promotions. Without UK tax and compliance costs, many can offer better prices on favourites and longer odds on outsiders. They also frequently run boosted-odds specials, enhanced each-way terms, and reload bonuses tailored to horse racing enthusiasts.

Flexible Banking and Fewer Restrictions

Payment flexibility is another strong advantage. Non-GamStop horse racing betting sites often accept a broader range of payment methods, including crypto, e-wallets, and international bank transfers. Some even allow wagers in multiple currencies, which can be especially useful for frequent travellers or high-stakes bettors.

Unlike UK-regulated sites, there are fewer stake limits and fewer restrictions on bonus usage. This gives experienced punters more control over their strategies. For those who prefer a higher-risk, higher-reward betting style, this flexibility is a game-changer.

Finding Trusted Non-GamStop Betting Platforms

Of course, not all offshore bookmakers are created equal. Reputation, licensing, and customer feedback matter just as much as odds and bonuses. That’s why it’s essential to choose platforms that have a proven track record for timely payouts, fair odds, and quality customer support.

At this point, it’s worth noting that Betting Sites Not on Gamstop is a great resource for discovering vetted and trusted operators. Their team reviews each site based on safety, market variety, and user experience, ensuring players can enjoy the benefits of offshore betting without unnecessary risks.

Tips for Betting on Horse Racing Outside GamStop

1. Study Form and Conditions – Non-GamStop sites may offer more races, but it’s still important to research the form of horses, jockeys, and trainers before placing bets.

2. Shop for Best Odds – With more bookmakers to choose from, comparing prices can make a significant difference to potential returns.

3. Use Bonuses Strategically – Many sites offer free bets or matched deposits; using these wisely can increase your bankroll without extra risk.

4. Practice Responsible Gambling – Even with fewer restrictions, set limits for yourself to ensure betting remains enjoyable.

The Future of Non-GamStop Horse Racing Betting

With the continued rise of international operators catering to UK players, it’s likely that non-GamStop horse racing betting will keep growing in popularity. The combination of market variety, competitive odds, and unrestricted access makes these platforms an appealing choice for both casual and serious bettors.

For punters who want to enjoy a wider betting landscape, avoid GamStop restrictions, and access unique racing markets worldwide, exploring reputable non-GamStop bookmakers is a smart move.

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