Tradition Meets Technology: How Horse Racing Is Evolving in 2025
From real-time betting to immersive fan experiences, cutting-edge technology like WebRTC and 5G is revolutionizing horse racing — transforming it from a centuries-old tradition into a fully connected, interactive, and global sport.
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When it comes to horse racing, it’s all about its long history and rich culture. For a long time, this has been the case, until technology took root deeply in this industry, especially in live streaming. One might think that the only thing that will change in horse racing is how it is watched, but in reality, technology will fully transform the horse racing industry. Let’s delve in deeper.
WebRTC and 5G
The marriage between horse racing and live streaming is literally a match made in heaven. At the forefront of this endeavour, WebRTC and 5G serve as the foundation. Not only are they meeting the demand for instantaneous feeds, but they are also providing enhanced viewer experience by using high-definition imagery and sound.
Real-time technology is not just a leap for the horse racing industry; it’s also a business strategy that creates a much more enjoyable viewing experience for race fans. Nowadays, with sub-500ms becoming more commonplace, online bookmakers can host pre- and in-play bets for their users, encouraging high volume for these markets. Not only that, it’s a hit particularly for Gen Z viewers who value the quick-fire nature of these bets, which is both entertaining and exciting for them.
Profitable for Operators
Taking advantage of the current livestreaming state is not just about making an enhanced viewing experience to create loyal players, it’s also about looking into different revenue streams for platforms to take advantage of.
The in-the-moment engagement that live streaming and microbetting can transform casual viewers into loyal fans and because of this, operators can have multiple revenue streams, such as in-game betting, subscription services, horse racing promotions, virtual horse racing games, ads and sponsorships, simulcasting and data sharing, and even merchandising.
Fair Betting for Global Viewers
To add to the last section, real-time streaming is crucial for live horse racing betting because the race can change at any moment. A good bettor must always be ready to bet depending on what’s currently happening in the race, which is important for last-minute informed betting decisions, which usually have a lot of value.
This precision isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about giving bettors assurance that their bets are based on real-time data, not historical or delayed data. This is especially true for horse racing fans overseas. As we all know, delays are very common when covering a live broadcast outside our borders.
This is also very good for overseas bettors, since, as we all know, betting on horses beyond our borders can be wrought with difficulty, and the main problem is usually the delay in broadcast. However, given the current state of live streaming, this is no longer a problem. Nowadays, international bettors can comfortably bet even in-play games, making the playing level for them
What’s Next for Horse Racing?
The possibilities are practically endless. However, it’s also likely that most of the advancements in horse racing will centre on live streaming and on how platforms can profit from it creatively while also standing out from competitors.
- Better Fan Engagement. Platforms can use streaming to feature discussions with horse racing experts, owners, trainers, and jockeys. This will create an immersive experience and a closer look for horse racing fans around the world.
- Responsible Betting. Horse racing fans can also watch interviews with experts on responsible betting through streaming, becoming better educated and more aware of the problems it might entail.
- Expansion to Other Industries. It doesn’t have to centre around horse racing events. Platforms could also use other media, such as movies, TV shows, and even books about the history of horse racing and horses. This will not only generate more profit for platforms but also create buzz for horse racing outside of events.
Culture and Technology Combined
Gone are the days of going to the stadium and standing in line for tickets. With the technological advancements of today, one can even do a lot more than pre-racing bets, but also in-play bets that rely on precise live streaming infrastructure. This makes it exciting for bettors and experts alike.
