After the Grand National 2020 was cancelled earlier in the month due to coronavirus pandemic, organisers have turned to technology in a bid to save the day. ITV have announced that they'll screen the Virtual Grand National this year despite the real race not actually taking place. Here's all you need to know about the

• How To Place A Bet On Grand National Online Casino
• How To Place A Bet On Grand National Online Betting
• Can You Place A Bet Online

The general rule with Grand National each way betting is that because the place part of an each-way bet is ¼ of the winning odds, the benchmark price to bet each-way is around 4/1 or higher. Anything lower than 4/1 and unless the horse wins you’ll actually return a loss on your overall stake.

2020 Virtual Grand National betting

• Most of you that read this will be placing your 2021 Grand National bets online. However, for those 70,000 people actually heading to the Aintree course on the big day, there is also a huge amount of bets placed trackside. Over the three-day Grand National Meeting.
• Place Your Bet at the Grand National: Who to Bet On? Getting value betting odds is the first thing you need to do so that you can make the most informed decision. Know that the benchmark price of an each-way bet is at least 4/1 given that the second part of an each-way bet is ¼ of the winning odds. Anything below that means a loss to you.

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What Is the Virtual Grand National?

The Virtual Grand National is a computer simulated running of the big race, which provides a winner, finishers, fallers and unseated riders, just like the real race.
The game is developed by virtual sports betting provider Inspired, a company specialised in games and content for the gambling industry. The simulation uses algorithms and CGI animation to run the race.
Due to real-life cancellations due to COVID-19 pandemic, this year's edition will be run virtually.

When is the 2020 Virtual Grand National?

We will see the virtual Grand National race in 2020 with the real version cancelled due to COVID-19. 40 runners who would have been most likely to line up will take part, using CGI technology and special algorithms. The virtual race will be broadcast by ITV at 17:00 BST on Saturday April 4th – the same day the actual race was scheduled to run.
There will also be a Virtual Grand National race of champions, featuring previous winners such as Red Rum and Tiger Roll which should also provide some good entertainment.

How the Virtual Grand National Works

More or less, it works like the real big race at the Aintree Festival:

• 40 runners will line up for the virtual contest
• CGI technology and algorithms will simulate the race
• ITV will stream the 2020 Virtual Grand National
• Commentary will be provided by Stewart Machin

Can I bet on the Virtual Grand National 2020?

A group of major gambling operators have announced that they will donate any profits from this Saturday’s virtual Grand National event to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). In addition, the Tote will run a pool on the race and donate any profits to charity.
The funds will be sent to NHS Charities Together, the umbrella organisation that represents more than 140 approved NHS charities.
The bookmakers have also confirmed that stakes on the virtual horse racing event would be limited to £10 per horse per customer or £10 each way per horse.
It could be expected that in the coming days we see markets popping up across bookies sites.
Plus, many bookmakers are going further and featuring their own Virtual Grand National, using existing graphics and Virtual databases of runners to stream an alternative Virtual Grand National of their own.

Will bookmakers pay out winning bets on the Virtual Grand National?

Of course, anyone placing winning bets will be regularly paid but bookmakers do not want to be seen to profit at such a sensitive time. As a result, all profits (Bets taken - winning bets) will be donated to charity.

Can I get a free bet on the Virtual Grand National 2020?

With all physical betting shops currently closed, punters keen for a bet on the Virtual Grand National 2020 will need to exclusvely rely upon online betting sites. Anyway, several online bookmakers will remove their welcome offer and free bets for the Virtual Grand National.
If you fancy getting a free bet ahead of the big race you can take a look at our hand-picked list of the best free bets.

What are the 2020 Virtual Grand National Runners and Jockeys?

The final field has been confirmed on Wednesday. The race will feature the 40 horses and jockeys considered most likely to have lined up for the real Grand National, including Tiger Roll, Walk In The Mill, Definitly Red, Kimberlite Candy, Any Second Now and Burrows Saint.
Click below to find the 2020 Virtual Grand National Odds.

Is The Virtual Grand National A Pre-Recorded Race?

The Virtual Grand National 2020 has been already pre-recorded and only a small number of people will know the outcome - all of who will be subject to strict confidentiality obligations.

How accurate is the Virtual Grand National algorithm?

Simulating how such a complex race is run is no easy task, but complex algorithms take into account hundreds of variables and real sport factors (from, ground, etc..)
In 2017, the algorithm came up with six of the top-10 finishers and the runner-up in the real race won The Virtual Grand National. In 2018, it selected six of only 12 finishers and the winner. The computer chose three of the top five finishers, including Tiger Roll, in 2019.
Looking for Virtual Horse Racing or the top Virtual Sports Betting Sites? We got you covered!

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Why These Grand National Betting Sites?

Unsurprisingly, due to the popularity of the race, UK betting sites and others from across the world offer countless odds and markets on the Grand National. Using our tried and tested research strategy, the team at SBO.net has identified the best betting sites for the Grand National. We’ve done the hard work for you, so you don’t have to waste time on less than great sites.

In addition to finding you great offers and top Grand National betting odds, we also make sure the sites we recommend are safe and secure. Our criteria for selection includes:

Generous Promotions

No great offers, no dice. We scour all the best Grand National betting sites to bring you the absolute best deals on the market. Our recommended sites will typically offer you generous joining perks, including deposit match bonuses and free bets.

The Best Odds

We shortlist the best bookmakers through our odds comparison research. Using regularly updated data, we provide you with the best Grand National odds currently on the market, giving you a bigger bang for the same bet.

Markets and Other Sports

When we recommend horse racing betting sites to you, their ability to offer you a whole host of markets is key. All our sites offer everything from spread betting to faller offers. Plus, we examine the best betting sites for Grand National action that also offer sports markets with competitive offers.

Encrypted Sites

Last but not least, we check the security credentials of all potentially attractive Grand National online betting sites. We look into how sites store your personal information, in addition to checking the levels of encryption on selected sites.

How to Place a Bet at a Grand National Betting Site

If you’re new to Grand National online betting, don’t worry. We’ll show you how to place a bet, so you can relax and watch the excitement unfold.

Shop Around

How To Place A Bet On Grand National Online Casino

Firstly, shop around our recommended best betting sites for Grand National wagers, as listed above. When you find a site you like, click on the open account or join here buttons.

Next, enter your standard personal registration details, and your card details if you’re making a deposit. If you’re new to any particular Grand National online betting site, they will usually offer you a free bet. Regardless, always look for the secure padlock icon whenever making a transaction on payment pages.

Make Your Stake

When you’re ready to rumble, click on the link to your chosen site’s Grand National page. You’ll now see all the runners, with the current odds beside each horse’s name. Simply select the odds you fancy, and your selection will be added to a betslip. Open your betslip, enter how much money you wish to stake and your bet type. Then simply confirm your bet and that’s it, you’re under starters’ orders!

Grand National Betting Tips

Good grand national betting tips don’t just mean getting some inside knowledge on a horse or jockey. We’ve outlined a few important things to consider before you bet on the event:

Choose Your Grand National Online Betting Site Early

Many bookmakers put the brakes on their new customer offers. So, we strongly recommend you open your new account with a bookmaker several weeks ahead of the Grand National in April. Now that the bookies don’t suspect you’re a one-time-wonder, you can tuck into their regular joining offers.

Spread Your Bets

The Grand National is a notoriously difficult race to win. There are upsets a plenty in the history of the race, but also some outstanding horses and jockey’s who have had incredible success. With so many variables out there, it makes sense to back more than one horse, so don’t be afraid to spread bet.

Don’t Discount Hold-Ups

Another helpful tip is don’t turn your nose up at hold-up horses. Remember One For Arthur in 2017? While its accepted wisdom to be up with the pace from the start, slower starters have shown that ‘tortoises’ can overcome ‘hares’.

Common Grand National Bets

If you’re not sure about different types of bets and what they mean, we’ve put together a few examples of common Grand National bets below.

Evens

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Evens are Grand National betting odds where your stake exactly equals your winnings, for example £25 at evens wins a further £25.

Each Way

An each way bet is where you bet on a horse to win and to finish in the top 4 or 5 (this is called a place bet). This means you effectively make 2 different wagers in the same bet. The win and the place.

For example:

• You bet £10 each way on Red Rum at odds of 10/1. This is a total wager of £20 because you are making 2 bets.
• If Red Rum wins you get £110 returned – £100 winnings plus your £10 stake.
• If Red Rum finishes 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th you get returned £30 for the place – £20 winnings plus your £10 stake. For place bets, bookmakers usually pay 1/5 or 20% of the winning odds. Red Rum was 10/1 to win, this is reduced to 2/1 to place.

Free Bets

How To Place A Bet On Grand National Online Betting

As mentioned before, the best Grand National betting sites offer free bets to punters opening new accounts, but generally not on the day of the Grand National. Free bets mean after you have made a deposit, you get to place a bet that will usually be refunded if you lose.

Non-Runner, No Bet

A few weeks before the National, many online sites will offer Non-Runner, No Bet markets. This means if you place a bet and, for whatever reason your horse does not run, you will be refunded your stake.

Faller Offers

You can even bet on a negative outcome. Some Grand National betting sites will offer you a set amount (typically capped at £25) whereby should your horse unseat, fall or be brought down, you’ll get a free bet up to a set amount.

Placed Finish Refunds

Similar to the above, place a bet to win and even if your horse does not win, but places, you’ll be refunded your stake according to the offer’s set limit.

Ante-Post

If you have a gut feeling about a certain horse, even if the runners for the Grand National haven’t been announced yet, you can bet on your dark horse in advance. This is called the Ante-Post market.

Boosters
Odds boosters can seriously enhance your Grand National betting odds. Online bookmakers offer many different offers during the race and just before it. Prices can be boosted by up to 20% and, although stake limits do apply, they offer great value.

The Benefits of Using Grand National Betting Sites

Since COVID-19, sports betting online is now not only the most convenient way to wager, it’s also the safest. For one, getting special offers from traditional high street bookmakers, or even those at the track, are very rare and Grand National betting odds are often extremely unfavourable. Betting online, from the comfort and security of your own home, is super-convenient and hassle-free.

Even more satisfying, you don’t have to wait in a queue for your bookmaker to cash in your winnings. When you bet online, winnings are automatically credited to your account.

How to Choose Your Horse for Grand National Betting

Picking a winning horse can be based on science, skill, intuition, luck or a combination of all four. We recommend making your own luck, by doing your homework beforehand.

Form Attention

Reading form is a great way to gauge how a horse is performing. Form is a series of numbers and letters next to each horse’s name. If you are seeing lots of 1s and 2s, you know you’re looking at a potential winner. Conversely, if 7s and 8s are more prevalent, you’re less likely to be looking at the next Red Rum. Also keep an eye out for C, indicating that a horse has won on that course before, or D, which means the horse has won over that distance before.

Talking Trainers

Only Ginger McCain has successfully defended a National title. In the last 30 years, only trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has more than one winner under his belt. By all means study the trainers, but remember, lightning doesn’t strike the same trainer twice in this event.

Stamina of a Warhorse

Stamina is vital for any horse to win the National. Twenty-four of the last 26 winners won a three-mile chase beforehand. Experience is also key. Young horses, with more speed than stamina, tend to struggle. Nine of the last 10 winners have been aged between nine and 11.

Fence Factor

A winning competitor must show confidence in jumping. Eighteen of the last 20 Aintree winners fell or unseated their riders at most just twice in their careers.

The History of the Aintree Grand National

Held in Liverpool since 1839, the Aintree Grand National is a hugely popular festival. The Grand National steeplechase itself, known as the ‘people’s race’ is where every single horse stands a chance of winning. This fairy-tale factor is why, for eight minutes, an estimated audience of up to 600 million tunes in.

National Treasures

In 1928, Tipperary Tim and amateur jockey William Dalton won everlasting fame by being the only horse and rider, out of 42 runners, to cross the finish line. In recent history, few will forget jockey Davy Russel winning both the 2018 and 2019 National on Tiger Roll. And when it comes to legends, trainer Ginger McCain and his 3-times winning horse Red Rum are household names.

Formidable Fences

Becher’s Brook stands at 5ft with the landing side typically 6-10 inches lower. The Chair is the highest (5ft 3ins) and widest Grand National fence. Only jumped once, it is preceded by a 6ft-wide ditch and has a landing side 6ins higher than the take-off side. Standing at 5ft tall, Canal Turn is considered the trickiest fence, as horse and rider have to turn 90-degrees left immediately on landing.

Grand National Fun Facts

• Valentine’s Brook is a fence named after a horse that jumped the fence backwards.
• In 1855 Sam Darling fell and was knocked out. A horse then knocked him in the head, reviving him.
• On average 250,000 pints are sold during the three-day festival.
• Aintree gets its name from a Viking settlement, after Danes cut down all the trees but one.
• Foinavon fence is named after the 1967 winner who won at odds of 100/1.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a multitude of Grand National betting sites. We’ve cherry-picked the very best sites for you above.

You can find the betting odds for the favourite as soon as they are published on any of our recommended sites.

Can You Place A Bet Online

Yes, the betting sites we suggest for you include great offers on other sports markets.

Many of the sites we propose offer free bets, just be sure to join up a month or more before the race.