In the United States, horse racing is one of the most popular sports. It is also one of the oldest, having been around since the days of colonial America. But does Arizona have horse racing? The answer is yes, though not in the traditional sense like other states.
History of Horse Racing in Arizona
Arizona has had a long and vibrant history with horse racing. In the late 19th century, the state hosted a variety of horse races, most notably the Arizona Derby, which was an annual race that took place in Phoenix. The race was the most prestigious in the state and gained national attention.
The Arizona Derby was held from 1895 to 1915 and was a major event in the state. It was a 1 ½ mile race that attracted some of the best horses from across the country. The race was eventually discontinued due to the outbreak of World War I.
Modern Horse Racing in Arizona
Today, horse racing in Arizona is a bit different than what it used to be. While the state does not host any traditional horse races, it does have a few other forms of horse racing. Arizona has two racetracks that offer pari-mutuel wagering, which is a type of betting where the winnings are determined by the amount of wagers placed on a specific horse.
Turf Paradise is the main racetrack in Arizona and is located in Phoenix. It is a one-mile dirt track that hosts live racing for most of the year. The other racetrack in the state is Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson. This track is a 1/4 mile dirt track that hosts live racing for part of the year.
Off-track Betting
In addition to the two racetracks, Arizona also offers off-track betting. This is where you can place bets on horse races from other tracks around the country. There are a variety of OTB locations throughout the state, including several in Phoenix, Tucson, and other cities.
Arizona Horse Racing Laws
The laws surrounding horse racing in Arizona are relatively simple. The state allows pari-mutuel wagering on both live and off-track betting. You must be 18 or older to place a bet, and the minimum bet is usually $2. However, some tracks may have different minimum bets.
Conclusion
So, does Arizona have horse racing?Yes, it does. While the state does not host any traditional horse races, it does have two racetracks that offer pari-mutuel wagering and off-track betting. There are also a variety of OTB locations throughout the state. As long as you are 18 or older, you can legally place bets on horse races in Arizona.