Horse racing has been a popular sport in Missouri for many years, and has been a part of the state’s culture for generations. The state’s horse racing industry is regulated by the Missouri Horse Racing Commission, which is responsible for ensuring the integrity and safety of the sport. The Commission also oversees the licensing of horse owners, trainers, and jockeys, and the regulation of pari-mutuel wagering. In addition, the Commission regulates the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Types of Horse Racing Events in Missouri
There are several different types of horse racing events held in Missouri, including:
- Thoroughbred Racing – Thoroughbreds are the most popular horses used in racing, and Missouri is home to several major thoroughbred racetracks, including Churchill Downs and Ellis Park. Thoroughbred racing meets are held throughout the year, and feature a variety of races, including stakes, handicaps, and allowance races.
- Quarter Horse Racing – Quarter Horse racing is a type of short-distance sprinting race, typically run over a quarter of a mile. This type of racing is popular in Missouri, and there are several tracks that host quarter horse racing events, including the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia.
- Harness Racing – Harness racing events feature horses pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, and are typically run on a half-mile or mile track. Missouri is home to several harness racing tracks, including the St. Louis County Fairgrounds in Florissant.
Missouri Horse Racing Betting Rules
In order to bet on horse racing in Missouri, bettors must be 21 years of age or older. Additionally, all bets must be placed at a licensed pari-mutuel wagering facility. It is important to note that in Missouri, all wagers must be placed in person, as there is no legal online horse racing betting in the state.
Where Can You Bet on Horse Racing in Missouri?
There are several licensed pari-mutuel wagering facilities in Missouri where bettors can legally place wagers on horse races. These facilities include:
- Ameristar Casino, St. Charles
- Argosy Casino, Riverside
- Harrah’s Casino, North Kansas City
- Mountaineer Casino, New Cumberland
- River City Casino, Lemay
- St. Jo Frontier Casino, St. Joseph
- St. Louis Off-Track Betting, St. Louis
Types of Horse Racing Bets
Once you have located a licensed pari-mutuel wagering facility, you can begin placing wagers on horse races. There are several different types of horse racing bets available, including:
- Win Bets – Win bets are the simplest type of horse racing bet, and involve picking the horse that will finish first in the race. If you successfully pick the winning horse, you will collect the winnings.
- Place Bets – Place bets involve picking the horse that will finish first or second in the race. If your horse finishes in either position, you will collect the winnings.
- Show Bets – Show bets involve picking the horse that will finish first, second, or third in the race. If your horse finishes in any of these positions, you will collect the winnings.
- Exacta Bets – Exacta bets involve picking the first and second place finishers in the race in the correct order. If you successfully pick both horses, you will collect the winnings.
- Trifecta Bets – Trifecta bets involve picking the first, second, and third place finishers in the race in the correct order. If you successfully pick all three horses, you will collect the winnings.
Missouri Horse Racing Odds
Horse racing odds are set by the pari-mutuel wagering facility, and are based on the probability of a particular horse winning the race. The odds are typically displayed as fractions or decimals, and the higher the odds, the less likely it is that the horse will win the race.
Advantages of Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing betting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, and there are several advantages to betting on horse races. These include:
- Excitement – Betting on horse races provides an exciting and thrilling form of entertainment, as you never know which horse will win the race.
- Potential Earnings – There is potential to make a significant profit from horse racing betting, as long as you are able to pick the winning horses.
- Flexibility – You can bet on horse races from the comfort of your own home, as there is no need to visit the racetrack in order to place wagers.
- Variety – There are numerous types of horse racing bets available, and you can choose the type of bet that best suits you.
Disadvantages of Horse Racing Betting
While there are several advantages to betting on horse races, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered. These include:
- Risk of Loss – As with any form of gambling, there is a risk of losing money when betting on horse races. It is important to only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Time Commitment – Betting on horse races can be time-consuming, as you will need to research the horses and races before placing a bet.
- Emotional Investment – Betting on horse races can be emotionally draining, as you will likely become attached to the horses you bet on, and experience disappointment if your horse does not win.
Conclusion
Betting on horse races in Missouri can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. It is also important to ensure that you are only betting with a licensed pari-mutuel wagering facility, and that you are aware of the various types of bets available. With the right approach, betting on horse races can be a fun and profitable activity.