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Legal Horse Betting In Illinois
In Illinois, watching horse races is a popular pastime, but another common way to engage with the sport is by betting on the outcome. Thoroughbred, quarter horse, and harness racing events are all hosted in the state.
In Illinois, horse betting is legal and can be done at two tracks, numerous off-track betting (OTB) locations, or through authorized horse betting apps.
How to Wager on Horse Racing in Illinois
In Illinois, there are plenty of opportunities for horse race betting in the Prairie State. Even if not everyone has easy access to a local racetrack, there are still plenty of convenient options for placing bets on horse races. Some available options include:
- Illinois is home to two live racetracks, Hawthorne Racecourse and FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, where patrons can place bets at on-site betting windows.
- Illinois-based bettors can place bets on various legal online racebooks like TVG, Club Hawthorne, NYRA Bets, TwinSpires, and XpressBet.
- Off-track betting parlors, known as OTBs, are located in various cities throughout Illinois.
Bet on Horses Online in Illinois
Online betting is a convenient choice for those who don’t live near a racetrack or betting parlor, saving them the hassle of traveling. Even if there is a racetrack nearby, betting on horses online is still a viable option. In Illinois, the online horse racing industry is booming with several mobile racebooks available, allowing users to compare and select the best horse betting bonuses and odds.
Illinois horse wagering rules
You can find the key horse betting rules set by the Illinois Racing Board online. Here is a summary of the main points.
- Betting is legal only at a licensed racebook approved by the Illinois Racing Board (IRB).
- To place a bet on horses, you must be a minimum of 18 years old.
- In Illinois, horse racing typically requires a minimum bet of $2, although some exotic bets may be placed for as little as $1.
- Every racetrack in the state guarantees a minimum payout of $2.10 for every $2 winning bet.
Furthermore, if you have any questions about specific rules, feel free to reach out to the IRB at the email address provided: [email protected]
In order to place a bet with any legally operating online racebooks in IL, you are required to register for a horse betting account online. You must verify that you are of legal age and not listed on any self-exclusion gambling lists. This process is essential for both legal adherence and the prevention of activities such as money laundering and organized crime.
When registering your betting account, you must provide the following information to the racebook:
- Legal name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Date of birth
- To verify, kindly provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
In order to place bets in Illinois, you must activate location services on your device to verify your physical location. It is possible that you may need to download new software, as Illinois racebooks must comply with state-specific laws and regulations. Additionally, federal laws restrict gambling to states where horse betting is permitted.
Bet on Horses Online with the TVG App
Some Illinois racebooks, like TVG, offer mobile apps that enable users to complete all transactions with the book, including registration and claiming winnings.
TVG is considered one of the top online racebooks for various reasons. With the TVG app or website, users can bet on and watch live races from more than 150 tracks worldwide. In addition, the app offers daily picks and expert analysis from industry veterans like Britney Eurton and Christina Blacker to help improve your handicapping skills.
TVG offers a loyalty program and frequent promotions for bettors. Additionally, users of the app can access exclusive TVG content that will enhance their knowledge of horses, jockeys, and trainers.
Illinois also has other licensed racebooks for horse racing, such as:
- Club Hawthorne
- NYRA Bets
- TwinSpires
- XpressBet
Popular Types of Horse Race Betting
A lot of bettors dream of striking it rich by betting on an underdog to win, but the odds of winning a large amount with a straight bet are very low. Fortunately, there are more ways to bet on horse races in Illinois than just straight bets. The range of horse betting options in Illinois includes:
- Exacta betting involves choosing the first two horses to cross the finish line in the correct order.
- When placing a Place horse wager, you bet on a single horse to finish either first or second in the race in order to win.
- Show: This operates like a “place” bet, but you also win if the horse you choose finishes in third place.
- Superfecta: Ideal for the daring bettor who can correctly predict the top four horses in the race with the goal of winning.
- Trifecta is a type of bet where you must correctly predict the top three horses in the exact order in order to win.
- Victory: This type of horse bet requires predicting the horse that will finish in first place in the race, as the name implies.
What is a horse box bet?
Additionally, you can choose to “box” your bet, meaning you place money on all potential outcomes in a bet that involves the top two, three, or four horses in a race. Boxing bets provide a way to protect your bet and increase your chances of winning some money. However, this lower risk comes with a higher cost for the initial stake.
What is a horse wheel bet?
One way to add some thrill is by placing a “wheel” bet. This involves choosing a horse to finish in a specific position and then selecting another horse to come in second. For example, you could pick a horse to win first place and then “wheel” the second place with the rest of the horses in the race. If your chosen horse wins, you are guaranteed a win with another horse coming in second.
If you have strong confidence in one horse in a particular race but are unsure about the other horses, these types of bets can offer a higher payout. However, you will need to invest more in order to take advantage of the increased chances of winning.
What is a long shot in horse race betting?
Oddsmakers use a variety of information to determine their favorites in a race, with the term “long shot” typically referring to a horse not expected to rank high.
- The horse’s recent performances
- Performances on similar tracks
- The jockey’s reputation
- The trainer’s reputation
- Weather conditions
Long shots have the potential for higher payouts if they are able to pull off upsets, but the data indicates that this scenario is unlikely to occur.
How do Horse Racing Odds Work?
Many betting platforms use a pari-mutuel wagering system instead of fixed odds, which differ in several ways. In horse betting, the platform is not your competition; it simply facilitates the betting process and takes a cut for its service. Your main competition in betting is yourself.
Payouts for winning bets come from the combined pool of all bets placed on a specific race. This means that when you win a bet, your payout includes not just your initial wager but also a share of the funds lost by other bettors. The odds are influenced by the total amount of money bet on the race, the number of bets made, and the horses favored by most bettors.
In fixed-odds betting, the racebook both takes your bet and sets the odds before the race based on its prediction of the winning horse.
How to decipher fractional odds?
Most racebooks show odds in a fractional format, like 5/1, which is equivalent to +500 in American odds. The higher the first number compared to the second number, the lower the chances of the horse winning. Calculating potential winnings in a pari-mutuel system is similar to fixed odds. For instance, a $100 bet on a winning horse would result in a $600 payout, including the original $100 stake and a $500 profit.
Triple Crown Betting in Illinois
Although Illinois does not host any of the Triple Crown races, these annual events are still considered the pinnacle of the sport for horse bettors and enthusiasts. As a result, many live tracks and Off-Track Betting (OTB) sites in Illinois hold special events in conjunction with the races. Additionally, online racebooks frequently offer their top bonuses during this time. There is also a wealth of information accessible about the horses competing in these races.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, the first race of the Triple Crown, is usually held on the first Saturday of May each year in Louisville. The race takes place on a 10 furlong dirt track named after the event itself and features a field of 20 mostly 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Bettors from Illinois may notice differences in their betting experience compared to local races due to varying tax rates on winnings between Illinois and Kentucky.
Betting on the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is typically held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. This race is slightly shorter than the Derby, measuring 9 furlongs (about 1 3/16 miles) and features a smaller field of just 14 horses. It is traditional for 3-year-old thoroughbreds to compete in the Preakness. The Kentucky Derby winner often enters the Preakness as the favorite, especially if it won the Derby easily. However, the favorite can change as the field of contenders may differ significantly between the two races.
Betting on the Belmont Stakes
The final event of the Triple Crown is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, typically three weeks after the Preakness on a Saturday. The Belmont Stakes track is the longest of the three races, spanning 12 furlongs or 1.5 miles. Like the other races, the field is usually made up of 3-year-old thoroughbreds, with the possibility of up to 12 horses competing, although smaller fields are common. Horses that have won the Derby and the Preakness are often top contenders in the Belmont Stakes.
What Types of Horse Races are in Illinois?
Illinois offers three unique types of horse races, each with their own characteristics in terms of horses, tracks, and regulations. Various tracks in Illinois cater to these different types of racing based on their facilities and audience preferences.
- Harness racing, also referred to as standardbred racing, is a sport in which horses pull a driver in a cart called a sulky, typically at a trot or pace. These races are commonly run over a one-mile distance. The name “harness racing” originated from the harness attached to the sulky that the horses use to pull the driver.
- The name Quarter Horse Racing comes from the length of the track, which is a quarter of a mile. The horses in these races are known for their speed and quick starts, able to sprint short distances at high speeds but may lack endurance. Jockeys ride on the horses’ backs during these races.
- Thoroughbred Racing is the most popular form of horse racing, known for its longer tracks and jockeys riding the horses. The term ‘Thoroughbred’ comes from the meticulous breeding process used to produce these horses, a tradition that still thrives in the sport today.
Where Can I Watch Live Horse Racing in Illinois?
During their seasons, both Illinois racetracks warmly welcome bettors and fans, providing amenities such as food and beverage service, VIP seating, and simulcasting for races from different locations.
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing
In 2019, FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing acquired the property formerly known as Fairmount Park in order to obtain a sports betting license in Illinois. Since then, live racing options have been consistently offered, catering to horse racing enthusiasts in the greater St. Louis area.
- Collinsville Road, 9301, Collinsville
- Please contact us at 618-345-4300 for reservations for dining and ticket purchases, which can also be made online.
- FanDuel typically holds live races on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from late April through late September. Races start at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Type of Racing: Live thoroughbred flat racing is offered on site. In addition, simulcast racing under FanDuel’s license is available at the property.
Hawthorne Race Course
Hawthorne Race Course, situated in the outskirts of Chicago, offers a busy calendar of Thoroughbred and Standardbred races all year round. It is the perfect destination for enthusiasts and bettors who enjoy a wide range of live events.
- 3501 South Laramie, Cicero, is where the address is located.
- For contact information, please call us at 708-780-7050. We also accept online reservations for group outings and ticket purchases.
- Hawthorne’s schedule includes live races on weekends, with occasional Friday races. Races usually start at 6:30 p.m. on these days, making the weekends a bustling time at the track.
- In the Racing Category, visitors can enjoy both harness and thoroughbred racing on the track. On weekdays, simulcast racing is available for betting through Club Hawthorne and XpressBet.
Arlington International Racecourse (closed)
Located in the outskirts of Chicago, Churchill Downs has been the longstanding manager of this property. The facility is well-known for its wide variety of on-site dining choices, offering a diverse range of aesthetics and menus.
- 2200 W Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights
- Contact Info: 847-385-7500
- Category of Racing: Flat Thoroughbred Racing
OTBs Near You in Illinois
Illinois has over 20 off-track betting (OTB) parlors, with the law allowing for more than 40. Each parlor is connected to a live track in the state, offering betting on races and simulcast betting. While the live tracks are mainly in two major cities, the OTB parlors are spread out more, making it easier for those in rural areas to access them. Hopefully, you can find a nearby parlor to enjoy some betting.
Arlington International Racecourse OTBs
- Don Carter Lanes in Rockford, The Post Time Sports Bar & Grille in Green Oaks, Joe’s Bar in Chicago, and Salerno’s in Hodgkins are no longer in operation.
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing OTBs
- The locations are as listed below:<br>1. Teletrack Capital – 1766 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62704.<br>2. Downtown OTB at Mac’s – 315 Belle St., Alton, IL 62002.<br>3. OTB Route 3 – 2400 Mississippi Ave., Sauget, IL 62201.
Hawthorne Race Course OTBs
- Magee’s Bookie is located at 2450 Jefferson Street in Joliet, Illinois 60435.
- Hawthorne Club at Bloomington-Normal: 1304 Cross Creek Drive, Bloomington-Normal, IL 61761
- Corliss OTB is situated at Club Hawthorne Chicago’s address of 11203 South Corliss in Chicago, Illinois 60628.
- Visit Crazy Pour located at Club Hawthorne: 105 E. North Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181.
- 13148 Rivercrest Dr, Crestwood, IL 60445 is the location of the OTB Club Hawthorne in Crestwood.
- You can find The Saddle Room at Club Hawthorne on 2559 Pratum Ave in Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192.
- The address for Hawthorne Club Lansing is 17030 Torrence Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.
- 621 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050 – McHenry Hawthorne Club
- Club Hawthorne Peoria is located at 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria, IL 61604.
- Club Hawthorne at Post Time Sports Bar & Grille, located at 13860 Rockland Road in Green Oaks, IL 60048, will be opening soon.
- Club Hawthorne can be found at 85 Executive Drive in Aurora, Illinois 60504.
- You can find The Turf Room at Club Hawthorne on 650 Randall Crossing Lane in North Aurora, Illinois, 60542.
- Hawthorne Oakbrook Off-Track Betting Club is located at 17W648 22nd Street in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
- The address for Evergreen Park is 2517 W 95th St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805.
- 1250 North River Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 is the location of Pub & Grill Players.
- The address for Grill Stoney Point is 19031 Old Lagrange Road, Mokena, IL 60448.
Who is the Illinois Racing Board?
The Illinois Racing Board (IRB) is responsible for regulating horse racing in Illinois to ensure that all license holders comply with rules and laws. Since its establishment in 1933, the IRB has been overseeing every race with a prize in the state, ensuring that races and betting markets operate fairly and with integrity.
The current board is comprised of the following individuals:
- Daniel Beiser, chair
- Leslie Breuer
- Marcus Davis
- Lydia Gray
- Alan Henry
- Charles MacKelvie
- Benjamin Reyes
- Leslye Sandberg
- John Stephan
Who is the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association?
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, a nonprofit trade association, primarily caters to horse owners and trainers in Illinois. This group is actively involved at Hawthorne racecourses, where it not only advocates for horsemen’s rights but also provides a range of additional benefits and services.
The association’s board of directors comprises:
- Michael B. Campbell, president
- Marty Nixon, vice president
- Chris Block
- Tom Fedro
- Mickey Goldfine
- Steve Holland
- Rick Johnson
- Michael Langdon
- George Mellon
- Manny Perez
- Tom Swearingen
History of Illinois Horse Racing
The state of Illinois officially legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse races in 1975, after it had been informally practiced for over a century. This legalization was supported by a comprehensive regulatory framework and the creation of the Illinois Racing Board.
Hawthorne Park, the first live racetrack in the state, began its racing activities shortly after obtaining its license in the 1880s. However, horse racing has a long history in Chicago, with live races in the metro area dating back to the 1830s. Historical records suggest that betting was likely unregulated during these early races.
Although many tracks in Illinois have closed down in the last fifty years, the ones that remain are flourishing and seem poised to support horse race betting in the state for many years to come.