This project documents a layer of social culture surrounding horse racing in Iran, a space where sporting competition, social interaction, and a form of informal economy intersect. Among these regions, Golestan Province is recognized as one of the most important centers of equestrian culture in the country. Horse racing has long held a rooted place in the local way of life and cultural traditions. Despite this significance, many races are held without a consistent organizational structure or a stable professional system, and therefore remain outside common international standards.

Nevertheless, horse racing events take place throughout much of the year, attracting a wide range of participants, from local enthusiasts to both casual and experienced bettors, who gather to watch and engage with the races.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, what is referred to as “legal betting,” sometimes described as “halal betting,” is permitted only within the context of horse racing competitions. However, due to the absence of an integrated and well-organized system for managing both races and betting, official methods are not widely embraced. Although official betting tickets are occasionally sold, many participants still prefer to place wagers in traditional and informal ways, often within small circles of friends or local groups. Beyond its financial aspect, this informal practice has developed into a social interaction and an unwritten ritual among participants.

Within this context, betting is not merely a game of chance but also reflects broader economic and social realities. Economic uncertainty and unstable livelihoods influence how people make decisions and shape their expectations. For many participants, predicting the outcome of a race and placing a wager, even a small one, becomes a way to momentarily assert agency and experience a sense of control within conditions that often feel unpredictable.