What's the EU Policy on Horse Racing?
Horse racing has a long and rich history across much of Europe. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain all have historic races that attract huge crowds each year. Still, how is this sport regulated and controlled across the EU?
Differing Gambling Regulations
It is worth starting off by pointing out that the EU doesn't have a single set of gambling regulations. While most European countries allow some form of betting, the exact laws vary from one country to another.
Naturally, betting on horse races is allowed in the countries where this sport is traditionally most popular. This means that you won't have any problems placing a wager on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris or the Grand Prix de Paris in the same French city.
In Italy, gambling is generally accepted. However, and perhaps surprisingly, the thrilling Palio di Siena is one of the few events of this type where bets aren't allowed. This shows how important it is to check the current legislation in any country where you want to place a wager.
A good example of the laid-back approach to betting in Spain comes from the legendary San Lucar beach racing events. As well the official bookmaker's stands, there are lots of little booths along the sand where people can place bets, with even very small stakes generally accepted.
Remember that you can also often bet on international horse races from other countries. Just look for the overseas races on the site you use. This means that can bet on Royal Ascot races, the Kentucky Derby (click here to know more) or a race in the Middle East no matter where you are.
The Pattern Races in Europe
As is common in most of the planet where this sport is carried out, horse races are graded by category. In the EU, this is something that is organized by the European Pattern Committee. They designate one of three different levels to each race, showing how important it is in the horse racing world.
This is done by looking at the official ratings for the top four horses over the last few years. Group 1 is the top rating and it covers classics as well as other events of global importance. Group 2 covers the international-level races that are less important, which Grade 3 is generally used for domestic races.
These races can move between categories, as has been seen in some high-profile examples in recent years. However, the biggest races tend to be the classics that have always been considered among the best in the world.
The Brexit Effect
One area that has complicated matter slightly is Britain's exit from the European Union. This has led to an increase in the paperwork needed for some things, and the transporting of horses between UK and the rest of Europe is one such area.
It is recommended that professional advice is sought when transporting horses between Britain and the EU zone. However, as of yet there is no sign that this is going to affect the quality of the races held across Europe.
A Look Ahead
Europe's love of betting, and horse racing in particular, should ensure that this sport remains a huge favorite for years to come. With a powerful network of top-class facilities, great horses, and lots of fans of this sport, there is no reason to believe that it will lose popularity anytime soon.
We have seen several European countries move their betting onto a more regulated framework in recent years, with the likes of Italy and Spain now issuing licenses to online betting operators. This has made it easier for sports fans to find licensed sites that they can trust, which should help to fuel the increase in online betting.