US Horse Racing Guide

Betting on horse races is legal in most places in the United States. With the advancements in technology, mobile devices, and the internet, that includes online horse betting.

However, as online sports betting is still a relatively new concept in the US, you may not know how to place horse bets online or which states legally permit horse racing betting. Whether you are a fan of thoroughbred flat races or jumps, there are plenty of sites with American racing tips available.

This article will cover the most famous races in the country, the key information around legal online horse betting, types of bets in horse racing, and more. Horse gambling has a rich history in the country, with people flocking to the track and hoping their luck is in. But, first, let’s look at how US horse racing betting can now be done online in this US horse racing guide, including all the big meetings.

Horse Betting Websites

If you are a horse race enthusiast who loves watching classic races such as the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes, you can now try and win some money on these by wagering online. We have listed the best online horse betting sites below:

• TVG
• AmWager

Both of the above are top horse racing betting sites offering users the chance to bet on the most famous races via a mobile app or desktop site. But, first, let’s look at why these horse racing gambling sites are excellent options for punters.

TVG Overview

TVG horse race betting is renowned as the go-to for horse race viewing on television. However, some people may not be aware that it also offers horse betting online.

Registration: First, you will need to create an account. This is a straightforward process and takes just a few minutes. You must provide some personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and birthdate. Additionally, you will need to give the last four digits of your Social Security number.

How to bet online: When your account has been verified, you can now bet on any horse race online via the website, and download their horse racing betting app from the App Store. Unfortunately, there is currently no app available for Android users; however, the website is fully optimized for mobile. The usual range of straight and exotic bets is available for bettors. TVG also acts as a hub of information for almost all races, providing critical info on the form of a horse and conditions for a race. As it is TVG, you can watch lots of races online via the TVG website.

Depositing: The site offers several options for funding your account, including PayPal, TVG BetCash (directly depositing from your bank account), PayNearMe, check, wire transfer, TVG prepaid card, and credit or debit cards.

Withdrawing: When you have made your first deposit, the method you used will automatically be chosen as the method to withdraw your cash.

Bonus: TVG offers a generous bonus code when you first sign up. New users can claim a Risk-Free Bet on their opening wager.

Rewards Program: All customers receive points for each bet, which can later be used for wager credits.

Site: tvg.com

AmWager

AmWager is one of the best new online horse betting operators going.

Registration: You must provide your name, phone number, birth date, and Social Security number. Additionally, you must create a username, password, and a PIN for using at tracks.

Hot to bet online: You can only place bets via a mobile browser; there is no app. In addition to that, AmWager offers plenty of straight and exotic bets that a seasoned bettor would expect to find.

Depositing: Banking options include Express Funding to link your bank account, wire transfer, at the tracks, PayNearMe, and credit card.

Withdrawing: The same options for withdrawing your winnings are available once they have been used to deposit.

Rewards Program: The same as TVG, users get points for each bet which can be redeemed later for wager credits.

Site: amwager.com

How To Wager On Horse Racing?

Once you have completed the sign-up process and have made your first deposit, you are ready to make your bet and hopefully pick a winner. Therefore, it is vital to know the horse racing betting basics before you start betting. First, you need to locate your selection and your chosen bet type. Next, you need to add this to your bet slip and submit the amount you wish to wager.

You can navigate your way to your race via the track listings or the timeline of races at all three significant racing sites. You will notice the runners for each race, with the odds for win and show and a toggle for more options. Adding a bet to your bet slip is simple and takes seconds.

Most sites place the bet slip to the right, or you will see it pop up on the screen. For single bets, you can add your stake, then confirm to place this. You must first add all the selections to your slip for multiples bets (trifecta, exacta, and superfecta). Once that is done, you can relax and watch the race via a live stream and hope your horses give you some joy.

If you want to bet on a different kind of horse race, virtual horse racing has become extremely popular in the US. The great thing about virtual horse racing is that races will never be called off due to a thunderstorm or bad weather.

Types of Bets

Before making your horse racing picks for the Breeders Cup or for an event at Belmont Park, you should have a grasp on the full range of bets you can place. Placing a horse racing bet on your horse racing betting site of choice is straightforward, but understanding the betting odds how the wager works is more complicated. Below is a snapshot of the different types of bets:

Win: Your selected horse must come in first place.

Place: Your horse must come in first or second place.

Show: Your horse must finish in the top three.

Trifecta: You bet on multiple horses, in this case three, and they must finish first, second and third in that exact order.

Exacta: Same as above but only two horses in exact order.

Superfecta: Your horses must finish in the exact order from first to fourth.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with horse racing terms, the more you bet in North America, the more familiar you will become. The sites we have listed on this page will also include horse racing tips for thoroughbred racing and will show consecutive races from different horse racing tracks around the country.

The best bets for newcomers might be a straight win or place wager, as you are not dealing with cumulative odds. Also, before claiming any bonus always check the bonus wagering requirements before submitting the wager.

Mobile Apps

Betting remotely via your mobile device is extremely easy. The best horse betting sites’ interface ensures their design is compatible with mobile use. The most straightforward way for bettors is to access their websites via their mobile devices. The display will automatically adjust to fit the smaller screen. All of the features, such as live streaming and results/stats, will work as usual.

Dedicated mobile apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store (for Apple devices). Sites including TwinSpires and TVG all offer dedicated mobile apps. Android users can download the app for TVG, but there isn’t one available for the others.

Horse Racing Odds

Everyone may develop their own horse race betting strategy in time, but it is essential to know what the odds mean before you can do that. In every race, the amount of money bet on the individual horses decides the odds. These are stated as positive or negatives.

For example, if you see 5:1, you’ll win $5 for every $1 you stake (plus your initial stake back). Alternatively, if you see 1:5, you will need to bet $5 to win each $1 of return. This is known as an “odds-on” selection, where a race has a firm favorite, which is widely expected to win. The odds for show and place selections are smaller than for win bets as you have multiple chances of being paid.

There is a degree of skill involved in horse racing, as it is challenging to find value from the field. Choosing a potential winner or finding horses whose price is better than their genuine winning chances will earn you excellent profits over time.

Online horse racing betting sites can assist you in making winning selections by providing statistics detailing the results of previous races. These include a list of results, a form guide, past performances, and information on the trainer. In addition, numerous databases are paid services, and racebooks offer them as a benefit for bettors who wager on a specific meeting.

How Are The Payouts Decided?

Every racing bet is pooled. The total bet around the country on an individual race is divided among the selections. For example, if $1 million is bet on win in a race, half of this is on a single horse. If the horse triumphs, the winners are paid 1:1. The rewards for show, trifecta, and place are determined in the same way.

To work out how much you could win based on the current odds, you need to multiply your stake by the odds shown and add that stake back in. For example, if you see odds at 8:1 and wager $10. Your payout would be 8 x $10 + $10 = $90.

Most Famous Horse Races In the US

There are historic and prestigious events for all types of horse racing, ranging from Albanian horses to harness. However, in terms of events that capture the public’s imagination, the Triple Crown takes some beating.

This race involves three races for thoroughbreds. Additionally, each has a qualifying stage meaning only the best horses and jockeys can participate. We have included the races involved in the Triple Crown below in date order.

Kentucky Derby

This is held at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, KY. The Kentucky Derby has a rich history, starting in 1875, and caps a two-weeklong festival featuring many races.

Preakness Stakes

The second leg of the Triple Crown takes place at the Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore, MA. It occurs only two weeks after the Kentucky Derby on the third Saturday in May. It is 1900 meters and on a dirt track.

Belmont Stakes

If a horse has been successful in the previous two races, the eyes of the world will be on the last leg of the Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes occurs in Elmont, NY, in June. This is a 1.5-mile race and has been going since 1867. If the Triple Crown is at stake, it attracts massive TV audiences.

Where Can I Legally Bet Online In The US?

We have listed the online horse betting legal states below. Bettors can wager online or via a mobile device, but it is not legal in every state.

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How you can bet differs by state, but some apps are legal in all of the above. In addition, websites and apps available in these states allow betting on races across the country and internationally.