Best Grand National Betting Sites and Apps For Aintree

Posted on March 31, 2025 by author in Horse Racing

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The Grand National at Aintree is more than just a horse race—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a thrilling spectacle, and, for many, a golden opportunity to place a bet. Held annually in early April, this iconic steeplechase draws millions of viewers and punters worldwide, all eager to back their favorite horses over the grueling 4-mile, 514-yard course with its infamous 30 fences. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or someone who only wagers once a year, finding the best Grand National betting sites and apps can make all the difference in your experience.

As we approach the 2025 Grand National on April 5th, the excitement is already building. Today, March 31, 2025, is the perfect time to start exploring your options. With so many online bookmakers vying for your attention, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered, I’ll walk you through the top betting sites and apps for the Grand National, share what makes them stand out, and offer tips to maximize your enjoyment (and maybe even your winnings). Let’s dive in!

Why the Grand National is a Betting Must

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the best platforms, let’s talk about why the Grand National is such a big deal for bettors. This isn’t your average race. With 34 horses (down from 40 in previous years) tackling legendary obstacles like Becher’s Brook and The Chair, it’s unpredictable, exhilarating, and famously tough to call. That’s part of its charm—anyone can win, and long-shot victories happen more often than you’d think.

Last year, I Am Maximus stormed to victory, and who knows what surprises 2025 will bring? For punters, this unpredictability means opportunity. Whether you’re placing an each-way bet or hunting for a juicy ante-post deal, the Grand National offers something for everyone. And with the right betting site or app, you can elevate the experience with live streaming, competitive odds, and exclusive offers.

What Makes a Great Grand National Betting Site or App?

Not all betting platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to an event as massive as the Grand National. Here’s what I look for when picking the best Grand National betting sites and apps:

Competitive Odds: You want the best value for your money, right? Look for sites offering Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)—if the starting price (SP) is higher than the odds you took, you get paid at the better rate.
Extra Places: With 34 runners, each-way betting is popular. The more places a bookmaker pays out on, the better your chances of a return.
Live Streaming: Watching the race unfold live on your phone or laptop? Priceless. Many top apps offer this for free if you’ve placed a bet or funded your account.
Bonuses and Free Bets: From welcome offers to existing customer promotions, these perks can stretch your betting budget.
User-Friendly Design: A clunky app or site can ruin the fun. I prioritize platforms that are fast, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB): Horses drop out before the race all the time. NRNB ensures your stake is refunded if your pick doesn’t run.

With these in mind, let’s explore the cream of the crop for Aintree 2025.

Top 5 Grand National Betting Sites and Apps for 2025

Bet365

If there’s one name that consistently tops the list for horse racing fans, it’s bet365. This global giant has everything you need for the Grand National—and then some.

Why It’s Great: Bet365 offers Best Odds Guaranteed across all UK races, including Aintree. They’re known for boosting the number of each-way places (often up to 6 or 7 for the Grand National), giving you a better shot at a payout. Plus, their live streaming is top-notch—high-definition coverage with commentary, free if you’ve got a funded account or placed a bet in the last 24 hours.
App Perks: The bet365 app is a dream. Log in with Face ID, get real-time notifications for odds boosts, and place bets in seconds. It’s fast, reliable, and perfect for betting on the go.
Offers: New users can snag £30 in free bets with a £10 qualifying wager (terms apply, 18+). They also run Non-Runner Money Back promotions, so you’re covered if your horse pulls out.
Why I Love It: Last year, I used bet365 to watch the Grand National live while at a friend’s house. The stream didn’t lag once, and I cashed out an each-way bet on a 20/1 outsider that placed. It’s hard to beat that kind of flexibility.

William Hill

William Hill has been a staple in the betting world for decades, and their Grand National coverage proves why they’re still a favorite.

Why It’s Great: They often lead the pack with competitive odds on top contenders. Their Grand National offers include price boosts on select horses and extra place races across the Aintree festival. Best Odds Guaranteed? You bet—it’s standard here.
App Perks: The William Hill app is smooth and packed with features like live streaming and in-play betting. You can even score a free £1 bet for the big race as an existing customer.
Offers: Newbies get £30 in free bets after a £10 stake (18+, terms apply). Look out for their epic price guarantee—they’ll match or beat rival odds on key runners.
Why I Love It: William Hill’s reliability is unmatched. I’ve used them for years, and their Grand National promotions always feel tailored to punters who know their stuff.

BetMGM UK

Newer to the UK scene, BetMGM UK is making waves with its fresh approach to horse racing betting.

Why It’s Great: This American import offers live streaming of UK and Irish races, including the Grand National, through their site and app. Their odds are solid, and they’re quick to roll out promotions like boosted odds on favorites.
App Perks: The BetMGM app is sleek and modern, with easy navigation and push notifications for the latest Grand National offers. It’s ideal for punters who want to stay in the loop.
Offers: New customers can grab a £40 free bet package with a £10 bet (18+, terms apply). They also run creative specials—like money back if your horse finishes second to the SP favorite.
Why I Love It: BetMGM feels like a breath of fresh air. I tried it last month for a smaller race, and the app’s speed impressed me. It’s definitely one to watch for Aintree.

Paddy Power

Paddy Power brings a playful vibe to betting, but don’t let that fool you—they’re serious about the Grand National.

Why It’s Great: Expect extra places (sometimes up to 8!) and quirky promotions like money back if your horse falls. They also offer Best Odds Guaranteed and fast payouts—perfect if you want your winnings quick.
App Perks: The Paddy Power app is a standout, with withdrawal times as low as 1-4 hours via debit card. It’s got a clean layout and loads of in-play options.
Offers: New users can claim £20 in free bets with a £5 stake (18+, terms apply). Existing customers often get free bet drops during the festival.
Why I Love It: Paddy’s humor keeps things light, but their betting tools are deadly serious. I once got a refund when my horse fell at Becher’s Brook—talk about a lifesaver!

Betfair

Betfair offers a unique twist with its betting exchange, alongside a traditional sportsbook, making it a versatile choice for the Grand National.

Why It’s Great: The exchange often has better odds than the industry SP, especially for win bets. Their sportsbook offers Non-Runner No Bet early in the ante-post season, plus live streaming for all Aintree races.
App Perks: The Betfair app lets you switch between sportsbook and exchange seamlessly. It’s fast, secure, and great for last-minute bets.
Offers: New customers get £20 in free bets after a £10 bet (18+, terms apply). Look for their Superboosts on Grand National day.
Why I Love It: I’ve used the exchange to back long shots at crazy odds—sometimes it pays off big. The flexibility is unbeatable.

How to Choose the Right Platform for You

With so many stellar options, how do you pick? It depends on what matters most to you:

If You Love Live Action: Go for bet365 or William Hill. Their streaming is flawless.
If You Want Big Promotions: Paddy Power and BetMGM UK have you covered.
If You’re a Savvy Bettor: Betfair’s exchange could be your secret weapon.
If You Value Ease: All these apps are user-friendly, but bet365 and Paddy Power edge it for simplicity.

Think about your betting style. Are you an each-way enthusiast? Prioritize extra places. Betting ante-post? Look for NRNB. Whatever your vibe, there’s a platform here that fits.

Tips for Betting on the Grand National

Now that you’ve got the best sites and apps lined up, let’s talk strategy. The Grand National isn’t just about luck—here’s how to bet smarter:

Study the Trends: Recent winners tend to be aged 8-10, carry 11 stone or less, and have Aintree experience. Stumptown and Intense Raffles are trending hot for 2025—keep an eye on them.
Go Each-Way: With 34 runners, picking the winner is tough. Each-way bets (win or place) increase your odds of a return, especially with extra places.
Watch the Ground: Heavy conditions favor stamina horses like Delta Work (40/1 outsider tip!). Check the weather closer to April 5th.
Grab Free Bets: Sign up early to lock in welcome offers. Stack them with existing customer promos for maximum value.
Set a Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Decide what you’re comfortable spending and stick to it.

Last year, I backed Corach Rambler each-way at 16/1. He didn’t repeat his 2023 win, but a placed finish still paid out nicely. It’s all about balancing risk and reward.

The Grand National 2025

The 2025 Grand National kicks off at 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 5th, as part of a three-day festival starting April 3rd. Irish trainers like Willie Mullins (last year’s winner with I Am Maximus) and Gordon Elliott dominate the field, but British hopefuls like Lucinda Russell could spring a surprise. Jockeys like Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore—who made history in 2021—will be ones to watch.

The buzz is already building around horses like Iroko (shortening odds after a strong Aintree run last year) and Monty’s Star (second at Cheltenham 2024). Outsiders like Galvin (33/1) could also shine if the stars align. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a wild ride.

Final Thoughts

The Grand National is a one-of-a-kind event, and the best Grand National betting sites and apps make it even better. Whether you’re glued to bet365’s live stream, chasing Betfair’s exchange odds, or enjoying Paddy Power’s cheeky promos, you’re in for a treat. These platforms blend cutting-edge tech with punter-friendly features, so you can focus on the thrill of the race.