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Horse racing, which is closely associated with New York, remains an important form of gambling in the state, even as sports betting gains prominence in daily life.
Horse racing has been a prominent feature in New York for a longer period compared to any other state. As early as 1665, soon after the English triumphed over the Dutch at New Amsterdam, a race was organized in NY.
Over time, the Empire State has established itself as a top-notch hub for horse racing in the United States. With a greater number of tracks than many other states, it presents numerous prominent races including the Belmont Stakes, the Travers Stakes, and the Whitney Handicap.
If staying at home is your preference, you have the option to access multiple horse betting sites on your computer or mobile device. Additionally, bettors can conveniently place wagers from off-track betting locations across the state.
Following the triumph at the Kentucky Derby, Mage is set to pursue a consecutive win and conquer the second stage of the Triple Crown at the Preakness Stakes, taking place on May 20 in Maryland. Subsequently, all attention will shift to the Belmont Stakes.
In New York, horse betting has a rich history, offering numerous opportunities to place bets on prestigious events like the Triple Crown, the Dubai World Cup, and the Grand National. This comprehensive resource is your go-to for all things related to horse betting in New York. Stay updated with the latest news, updates, and valuable information on wagering on these majestic animals in the Empire State.
Best sites for horse betting in NY
Is online horse betting legal in New York?
For numerous years, horse betting has been authorized in the state of New York. As per the regulations set by the New York State Gaming Commission, individuals who hold an account are allowed to place wagers either in person, through telephone, internet, or other electronic methods. To put it simply, if you possess a legal account with a horse betting website in New York, you are free to conveniently place your bets in any preferred manner.
Additionally, influential lawmakers in New York are advocating for the inclusion of online horse betting alongside online sports betting in the state. Senator Joseph Addabbo has publicly expressed his desire for each of the nine sportsbook apps to incorporate a horse betting feature for New Yorkers. This proposition is not far-fetched, considering that physical sportsbooks and racebooks often coexist in casinos. The rich horseracing legacy of New York further supports the idea of a similar arrangement for online companies.
One of the sportsbook apps that will be available in New York is bound to fulfill Addabbo’s desires, albeit unintentionally. In May 2021, BetMGM revealed its partnership with NYRA Bets, ensuring that BetMGM’s horse betting and parimutuel wagering will be included in MGM Resorts’ offerings in New York, regardless of the presence of other eight sportsbooks.
FanDuel Racing is undoubtedly the ultimate choice for horse betting in New York, surpassing other prominent sites like NYRA Bets. While many sites excel in managing your simulcast wagers with ease and professionalism, FanDuel Racing stands out as the largest and superior platform for your betting needs.
FanDuel Racing has gained significant popularity, providing you with ample opportunities to place bets on horse races in New York as well as nationwide. With an extensive selection of over 200 tracks across the country and beyond, FanDuel Racing offers a wide range of races for you to wager on.
How to bet on horse racing online in New York
If you’re interested, you have the opportunity to begin using FanDuel Racing immediately. You can access the horse betting feature of FanDuel Racing either through the app or by visiting their optimized browser site.
To begin, simply register for FanDuel Racing without requiring a promo code. Whether you use an Apple or Android device, you can opt to either download the app or play directly on the website.
After reaching the registration screen on the website, you will be required to complete the form with your personal details in order to create your new account.
If you use the FanDuel Racing code when signing up, you will receive a sign-up bonus of a $20 No Sweat Bet in case your single-horse win wager is unsuccessful. FanDuel Racing, along with other horse betting sites, provides multiple options for depositing money into your account. Some common deposit methods include:
- Visa and Mastercard are types of debit and credit cards.
- Check
- E-check
- The prepaid card for FanDuel is exclusively for making deposits.
- PayNearMe (deposit only)
- PayPal
- Wire transfer
Please note that certain options may have associated fees, but there is typically at least one free method of deposit available. These options can also be used for withdrawals from your account. Please be aware that there are usually limits for both deposits and withdrawals, so it is important to check for these restrictions.
After completing your deposit, you will have no trouble navigating the site. You will find various tabs dedicated to races, including the highlighted “Race Of The Day.” Additionally, there are informative tabs explaining horse betting odds and helping you choose the most suitable bet types.
Types of online horse bets
If you’re just beginning with online horse betting, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with all the aspects you’ll encounter. While online horse race betting is largely similar to its real-life counterparts (especially Off-Track Betting), it’s advisable to go through each type of wager to ensure we’re all on the same page.
However, the initial point of discussion should be the distinction between straight wagers and exotic bets. These terms might seem unfamiliar, but their meanings are actually quite straightforward. A straight wager refers to a horse bet that solely involves one horse in a single race. On the other hand, when multiple horses, races, or both are included in the bet, it transitions into an exotic bet.
Another important point to note is that exotic bets consistently offer higher payouts and are generally harder to win compared to straight wagers. To simplify, you can consider straight wagers as straightforward bets, while exotic wagers are characterized by their complexity.
There exist various types of straight bets.
- In order to succeed, your selected horse must emerge as the victor in the race.
- In order to win or place, your selected horse must either come in first or second position in the race.
- Your selected horse needs to either win the race, come in second place, or come in third place.
- Combining bets allows you to earn payouts for any of the three options your horse achieves. These combined straight bets consist of win/place, place/show, and win/place/show.
The following are some common types of exotic bets:
- In the Exacta bet, you select two horses that you believe will finish first and second in the race. To receive a payout, you must accurately predict the order in which they will cross the finish line.
- A Quinella bet is similar to an exacta bet, except that the order in which the two horses finish does not matter. This means that you select two horses to both win and place, regardless of their finishing positions.
- A trifecta bet requires you to choose the precise order of three horses that will win, place, and show in the race.
- In the Superfecta, you are required to select four horses in the exact order of their finishing positions: first, second, third, and fourth.
- In the Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 6 bets, you are required to select the victorious horse in various races. The only distinction among these bet types lies in the number of races you need to make predictions for.
Aside from the aforementioned wager types, there exist numerous exotic bet modifiers that can be employed in both online and live horse betting. Utilizing these components will raise the cost of placing a bet but can also enhance your likelihood of winning. These modifiers include:
- A box bet provides the opportunity to cover all possible combinations of horses with a single wager. For instance, in a trifecta box, the order in which your three chosen horses finish the race does not matter, as long as they secure the first, second, and third positions. It is worth noting that a quinella is essentially an exacta box bet. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay for each potential combination when placing this type of bet. To illustrate, a trifecta box bet costs six times more than a regular trifecta due to the presence of six possible horse combinations.
- A key bet entails selecting one horse as the winner in your exotic bet and choosing multiple options for the remaining positions. This type of bet is suitable when there is a clear favorite to win the race, but you wish to wager on multiple horses. However, the drawback is that if the key horse fails to win, the entire bet loses its validity.
- A wheel in betting refers to selecting all possible options for a specific position in your exotic wager. For instance, when placing a trifecta bet, you may choose the win and place horses but use the wheel option for the show position. This means that as long as your first two selections are accurate, it doesn’t matter which horse finishes third – you still win the bet.
- A partial, also referred to as a partial wheel, is a combination of horses from the categories mentioned above. The main point is that you have the freedom to place bets in any way you prefer, even if it involves complexity and numerous components. For instance, you may choose two horses to win, three to place, and four to show in a partial trifecta. It’s important to note that these bets can become quite pricey and challenging to calculate. However, if you wish to select the horses in a specific and intricate manner, all online horse betting sites, OTB facilities, and racetracks will gladly accommodate your preference.
Odds for horse betting
Various methods are employed to articulate the probabilities in gambling scenarios. Across Europe, bookmakers rely on decimal odds to convey the overall payout for a wager of one currency unit. In contrast, American odds illustrate the payout proportions for both the favored and the unfavored outcomes. Nevertheless, when it comes to horse racing wagers in the United States, fractional odds continue to be the favored format. Each horse participating in a race will have fractional odds listed alongside their names.
The rule for fractional odds states that the smaller the fraction, the higher the likelihood of a horse winning. For example, a horse with odds of 2/1 as an underdog is much more likely to succeed compared to a horse with odds of 20/1. In some cases, you may even come across fractional odds that are less than 1, although they are uncommon. A horse with odds of 1/2 or 1/3 would be considered a strong favorite. It is worth noting that these odds can be written both as a fraction (5/1) or with a colon (5:1), and both formats are accurate and can be used interchangeably.
The odds for each horse fluctuate and evolve as the race is about to begin. The betting site or racetrack modifies the probabilities they offer based on the number of bettors who place or withdraw their bets on different options.
While most individuals have a fair understanding of fractional odds, it is unnecessary to dwell on explaining them extensively. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that fractional odds are consistently presented as (event won’t happen)/(event will happen). In simpler terms, if we conducted the same race three times and a particular horse had odds of 2/1, we would anticipate that the horse wins once and loses twice.
What is pari-mutuel betting?
If you engage in horse racing wagers, you might come across the term “pari-mutuel betting” occasionally. Pari-mutuel betting refers to a betting system where all the bets placed on an event are pooled together, the taxes and house share are deducted, and the remaining amount is divided among the winners. Although this system is commonly used in horse racing, it is sometimes mistakenly used to exclusively describe horse racing. It is worth noting that this type of system can also be found in other gambling activities.
What are the main types of horse races?
In New York, you may come across three distinct types of horse racing when placing bets. While it is possible for these races to coexist at the same track, they usually do not coincide. It is uncommon for all three types to take place on the same day.
The initial category is known as quarter horse racing, where quarter horses dominate as the fastest sprinters in the equine realm. These remarkable horses were aptly named after the typical distance they cover during their races, precisely one quarter of a mile.
Thoroughbred racing primarily showcases the prowess of horses adept at covering long distances. The renowned Triple Crown, consisting of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes held in New York, determines the ultimate champion. These races typically span a mile or more, demanding horses with a taller and leaner build. It is no surprise that most globally celebrated horses belong to the thoroughbred breed.
In conclusion, harness racing consists of horses pulling a compact, two-wheeled cart with a driver positioned behind them. Unlike the other two races, these events do not entail high-speed intensity. Instead, horses maintain a brisk trot throughout the race, never reaching a galloping pace.
Tips for betting on horse races
If you are a beginner in horse betting, your initial encounter may appear quite daunting. It is crucial not to hastily place your bets without any knowledge of their potential outcomes. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to enhance your horse betting experience and, ideally, increase your chances of making a profit.
- Utilize the provided resources. Horse betting platforms such as FanDuel Racing, off-track betting (OTB) locations, and racetracks offer programs and other helpful aids that can provide valuable insights into the races of the evening. While these resources may require a small fee, they are likely to be worth the investment. By accessing these tools, you can access the recent history of the horses, the jockeys’ performance, relevant information about the track conditions, and how the horses have fared in similar situations. In order to succeed, it is essential to dedicate time and effort to research and preparation, just like studying for a test.
- Stick to the basics and keep it simple. Exotic bets can be intriguing with their multiple components and bigger payouts, but if you’re new to handicapping, it’s best to focus on win, place, show, or combination bets. Predicting the performance of just one horse is challenging enough, let alone trying to predict several of them.
- Be cautious with your finances. Ensure that you only gamble with money that you can afford to lose and don’t rely on the outcome of a horse race for anything other than a small monetary gain or loss. Avoid placing numerous bets in quick succession, especially if they are unconventional, as the expenses can accumulate rapidly. It is crucial not to get carried away and spend beyond your means.
- Avoid falling in love with long shots. The distinction between favorites and long shots exists for a reason. Professionals who set the odds have extensive knowledge and experience, making the favorites more likely to be contenders. While long shots may occasionally win, consistently placing your bets on the top horse(s) will yield better and more reliable outcomes.
- In order to identify weaknesses in the favorite’s defense, one should search for vulnerabilities. However, accurately predicting the outcome of a horse race can be quite challenging. The favorite does not guarantee a victory every time. Factors worthy of analysis may include their recent performances, prior races with the same jockey, or past performances at the same track under similar conditions and race length.
These tips should not be considered as the ultimate solution for mastering horse betting. Likewise, they do not ensure your victory in future pony bets. Nevertheless, they can provide a starting point for your progress. Best of luck!
Other horse races and horse betting options in New York
For over a century, horse racing and placing bets on races has been a legal activity in New York. With the exception of a short period in the early 1900s, this popular pastime has been accessible to residents throughout the majority of the state’s history.
New York currently houses some of the most esteemed racetracks in the nation, and its racing industry is one of the largest in the country. Among these racetracks, Belmont Park stands out as the venue for the prestigious Belmont Stakes, the thrilling conclusion of the Triple Crown. Saratoga Race Course, on the other hand, annually hosts the renowned Travers Stakes. Remarkably, Aqueduct Racetrack has been operational since 1894 and holds the distinction of being the sole racetrack within the city limits of New York City.
In addition to the three mentioned locations and other racetracks within the state, there exists a vast selection of over 100 off-track betting venues for players to enjoy. These establishments, often small venues or bars, enable individuals to place horse bets and witness the races. While they may not provide the complete racetrack experience, they do present an opportunity to partake in betting on both local New York races and races taking place across the country.
The New York State Gaming Commission oversees horse racing in New York, just like all other forms of gambling in the state. If you have any concerns or disputes regarding a horse betting outlet in New York, it is recommended to address them with this regulatory agency.
When you come across a listing for the New York Racing Association, there is a chance of confusion. Despite its official title, the NYRA is actually a nonprofit organization that owns the Belmont, Saratoga, and Aqueduct racetracks. It is important to note that it does not serve as a regulatory agency in any manner.
Top New York racetracks
Some of the most famous racetracks in the world can be found in the Empire State of New York. With a history spanning over a century, a handful of these tracks possess a distinctive charm. These venues frequently host prestigious races that attract avid bettors and generate significant gambling activity.
Below is a compilation of the tracks located in New York:
- The location of Aqueduct Racetrack is at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.
- The address for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is located at 8315 Park Road in Batavia.
- The address for Belmont Park is 2150 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont.
- The location of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack is on 5857 State Route 96 in Farmington.
- The location of Monticello Casino & Raceway is 204 State Route 17B in Monticello.
- The location of Saratoga Race Course is 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs.
- The address for Tioga Downs Casino Resort is 2384 W. River Road, Nichols.
- The address for Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel is 4229 Stuhlman Road in Vernon.
- The address for Yonkers Raceway is 810 McClean Avenue in Yonkers.
Major annual horse races
Horse races vary in significance, with numerous lesser-known races and a selection of prominent races held annually. Below are some of the notable races, both within the United States and internationally:
- The Kentucky Derby, widely recognized as the premier American horse race and possibly the most prestigious globally, serves as the inaugural stage of the Triple Crown. Held annually at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, it traditionally takes place on the first Saturday of May. Victorious horses in the Derby often achieve everlasting fame and recognition.
- The Preakness Stakes, which is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, occurs on the third Saturday in May at Maryland’s Pimlico Race Course. Spanning just over one mile on dirt, this race is famously known as the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” and is renowned for its lively party ambiance in the track’s infield.
- The Belmont Stakes, held in Elmont, New York, is the ultimate and concluding phase of the Triple Crown. Throughout American history, every Triple Crown champion has been crowned at this prestigious event. Scheduled on the first or second Saturday of June, the Belmont Stakes follows the Preakness Stakes by a three-week gap.
- The Breeders’ Cup is an annual tournament series held in the first part of November, showcasing Grade I and Grade II horse races. With purses ranging from $1 million to $6 million, it becomes a highly anticipated event for elite racehorses. What sets this cup apart from the Triple Crown races and other prestigious events is its unique feature of rotating to a different track every year.
- The Grand National, a renowned horse race in the UK, is widely recognized as one of the most popular races worldwide, excluding the US. Held annually in April at the Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, it distinguishes itself as a unique handicap steeplechase where horses and riders are required to overcome 30 obstacles throughout the challenging four-plus-mile course. The current prize money for the race stands at an impressive £1 million, with the victorious participant claiming over half of this generous amount.
- The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, held at Gulfstream Park in Florida, is a prestigious Grade I horse race that occurs in January. Despite being a relatively new event, starting in 2017, it has garnered significant interest thanks to its impressive prize money. Surpassing the Dubai World Cup, the 2017 and 2018 races boasted purses of $12 million and $16 million, respectively, making them the most lucrative races in the world.
- The Dubai World Cup is known for being one of the wealthiest horse races in the world annually. Held at the Meydan Racecourse, this prestigious event takes place on the final Saturday of March. While other races may occasionally surpass the Dubai World Cup in terms of prize money, its impressive purse of $12 million ensures that it consistently attracts top-notch competitors from all corners of the world.
- The Saudi Cup, a recent addition to the horse racing calendar, made its debut in 2020 and instantly became the most lucrative race of all time. Held at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in late February, this extraordinary event boasted a jaw-dropping prize money of $20 million. The first-ever Saudi Cup was triumphantly claimed by the American steed, Maximum Security, earning a whopping $10 million in winnings.