No, betting on horse races is not in line with Jainism.

In simple Jain terms:

1. It is a form of gambling (dyūta / juā)

- Gambling is clearly listed among the Sapta Vyasan (seven major vices) that a Jain śrāvaka (householder) must avoid. ( jainknowledge.com) - Whether it is cards, dice, casinos, sports betting, online betting or horse races – the basic nature is the same: trying to get money through uncertain chance, greed and excitement rather than honest effort.

1. It increases kashāyas (inner passions)

- Betting usually brings lobh (greed), krodh (anger), mān (ego), māyā (deceit). - These directly strengthen karmic bondage and go against the purpose of Jain life, which is self-purification and samyaktva (right attitude).

1. It causes himsā-inducing situations

- Heavy betting often leads to lying, cheating, quarrels, mental stress on family, even violence in extreme cases. - Even if you personally “just place a small bet”, you support and encourage an entire system built on addiction, deceit and suffering, which is against ahiṁsā in a broader sense.

1. View of both traditions

- Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions treat gambling as a clear vice to be avoided by lay followers. Wording of lists may differ slightly, but gambling is always included among the vices. ( jainknowledge.com)

So, from a Jain dharmic standpoint, a practicing Jain should not bet on horse races or any other form of gambling, even “for fun” or in small amounts.