The Grand National at Aintree is one of the biggest horse races in the world. Featuring a large field, famous fences and receiving huge mainstream media attention, the Grand National is the be-all and end-all for many horse racing fans.
And, for iGaming operators, it means weeks of planning so they, in turn, deliver on what’s expected.
Betting Markets That Go Beyond The Norm
Weeks and months in advance of race day, most operators open ante-post markets, allowing punters to place bets on the race before the runners are even declared.
Many operators will also offer non-runner no bet windows, in case selections don’t take part in the race.
As declarations get closer to being made, side markets begin to appear. As well as the typical win and each-way offerings are extra place betting, forecasts, tricasts and more.
Because of the race attracting casual fans, novelty bets are also offered. When declarations are made, traders will make the necessary adjustments to prices.
In-Play Betting Is Gaining Popularity
The Grand National is attracting more in-play activity than ever before. Live odds are presented by operators, and they’re updated in real time, usually after each fence, so bettors can make informed decisions on the bets they place in-running.
In-play odds are usually available for the majority of the race, with the market suspended only in key moments and for brief periods.
In practice, in-play betting allows punters to place bets based on what they’re seeing and how the race is unfolding.
Price Boosts And Targeted Promotions
Promotions often begin a couple of weeks in advance of the Grand National taking place, peaking around race week, largely due to the competition between operators.
Common offers you can expect to see are price boosts, enhanced odds, winnings boosts, and perks for new customers.
Due to the nature of the race and because falls regularly occur, operators will also offer deals such as money-back if your horse falls.
Or, money back as a free bet if your horse finishes second. A lot of promotions are tailored to the unpredictability of the Grand National, which is something a lot of people buy into.
Price boosts are also popular because, while they will offer value for a selection, the operator controls staking by deploying wager caps.
Horse-Racing Themed Casino Games Come Alive
While sportsbooks will be the main attraction during the time around the Grand National, once bets have been placed, it can see punters looking for alternative offerings while waiting for the race to happen.
As a result, horse-racing themed online casino games come alive and grow in popularity.
While titles will vary from operator to operator, there’s a whole host of horse-racing themed games out there.
There’s even Grand National: Sporting Legends, a slot game based on the race itself. Operators have all bases covered in the run-up to the Grand National.
Conclusion
Horse races don’t come much bigger than the Grand National, not just in the UK but on a global scale.
That’s why it’s vital for iGaming operators to take the right steps, usually immediately following the finish of the race, by offering ante-post betting for next year’s event.
It’s a process that gathers pace over time, with the intention for operators to have a full service available, including markets, promotions and games, as the showpiece race approaches.
