Horse Racing Betting in the US February 2025

Gone are the days when betting on horses meant a trip to your local racetrack. Now, you can place bets on horse races across the US and internationally using your desktop or mobile device. Online horse racing betting is available in many US states, and you can start wagering in just a few minutes after signing up.

Explore our comprehensive guide to learn everything about online horse racing betting in the US, including where it’s legal, the top horse racing betting platforms, available bet types, and the bonuses you can unlock by joining.

Introduction to Horse Racing in America

Unlike traditional sports betting in the US, horse racing uses a pari-mutuel wagering system instead of fixed odds. This means your payout is calculated by dividing the betting pool among winning bets after the operator takes a small commission. Horse racing bets are legal in over 40 states, even in areas where sports betting might not be permitted.

The History of Horse Racing Betting in the US

Horse racing has deep roots in US history, with the first recorded race held in 1665 in Salisbury, New York (now Hempstead Plains, Long Island). Although immensely popular for years, anti-gambling laws in the 19th century led to restrictions on betting, putting the sport at risk of disappearing entirely.

In 1908, lawmakers revived horse racing with the legalization of pari-mutuel betting, revitalizing the industry. This saw further growth in 1978 with the Interstate Horseracing Act, which allowed off-track betting (OTB). In 2000, Congress amended this law to permit wagers via telephones and electronic platforms, paving the way for online horse racing betting. The industry received another boost in 2006 when lawmakers excluded horse racing from the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA), ensuring its continued growth online.

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in the US?

Horse racing betting is legal in 43 states, with 42 allowing online horse racing wagers. Each state sets its own rules, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the laws where you live. To place a bet online, you must reside in a state that permits it. Unlike sports betting, where location matters most, horse racing requires proof of residence in a legal state via geolocation settings on your device.

Below is a list of states where horse racing betting is legal and information on how to place your wagers.

Legal Track Betting

Legal track betting is the oldest form of horse racing wagering in the US. You can visit a racecourse to bet on live races happening that day. Many tracks also offer historical horse racing machines, which let you bet on outcomes of past races. While track betting provides a lively social atmosphere and the thrill of live events, the drawback is the need to travel to your nearest racecourse.

Legal OTB (Off-Track Betting)

Since its legalization in 1978, off-track betting allows players to wager on current and historical horse races from licensed locations. OTB facilities are more widespread than racetracks and often broadcast races for added convenience. However, like track betting, you’ll need to visit an OTB location to place your wagers.

Legal Online/Mobile Horse Racing Betting

Online horse racing platforms allow you to wager on races nationwide and internationally from the comfort of your home. While historical betting options are unavailable online, you can enjoy benefits such as bonuses, live race streams, and quicker payouts on winnings.

Types of Horse Racing Bets

Top US horse racing betting platforms offer a wide variety of wagers, from simple bets predicting race winners to more complex wagers covering multiple races. Here’s an overview of the most common bet types:

Win

The simplest option: bet on a horse to win the race.

Place

This bet pays out if your horse finishes first or second.

Show

A show bet pays if your horse finishes first, second, or third, though odds are lower due to reduced risk.

Pick Bets

A pick bet, or parlay, allows you to wager on winners of multiple races. For example, a “pick 3” bet requires you to correctly predict the winner of three consecutive races. All predictions must be accurate to win, but higher odds make this a lucrative option for risk-takers.

Exacta

Pick the first and second-place horses in a specific order for an exacta bet.

Trifecta

Similar to an exacta, but you must predict the first three finishers in order.

Superfecta

This wager challenges you to predict the top four finishers in a race, offering high rewards for its difficulty.

Online Horse Racing Betting Offers

One of the major perks of online betting platforms is access to promotions. Bonuses allow you to place more wagers with less money, keeping your bankroll intact while maximizing your chances to win. Popular promotions include:

• Deposit Match: The platform matches a percentage of your deposit with bonus bets. For example, a 100% match up to $100 doubles your deposit for more wagering opportunities.
• Bet Insurance: Get bonus bets equal to your losing stake.
• Loyalty Programs: Earn rewards for frequent play or referring friends to the site.

Horse Racing Betting Mobile Apps

Many top platforms provide dedicated mobile apps, available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These apps often feature fast navigation, HD live race streams, exclusive payment options, and event notifications. You can perform tasks like depositing funds, placing bets, and claiming bonuses directly through your mobile device, making horse racing betting more convenient than ever.

FAQs

Q: Is online horse racing betting legal?

A: Yes, online horse racing betting is legal in most US states. Check out our recommended platforms to start placing wagers from home.

Q: Where can I bet online?

A: You can legally wager online in 42 states. Exceptions include Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington D.C.

Q: What types of bets can I place?

A: Bet types range from simple win bets to more complex options like trifectas and parlays.

Q: Can I bet using my phone?

A: Yes, mobile apps from leading platforms make it easy to bet on the go, stream races, and manage your account.