Ohio is known for its diverse and vibrant equestrian scene, with a range of horse racing options available throughout the state. From harness racing to flat racing, and even quarter horse racing, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. But is betting on horse racing in Ohio legal? The answer is yes – and in this article, we’ll explain how you can place bets on horse racing in the Buckeye State.
History of Horse Racing in Ohio
The history of horse racing in Ohio goes all the way back to the 1700s, when the first thoroughbred horses were imported from England and raced on the state’s tracks. In the 1800s, horse racing became increasingly popular and widespread, and the first racetrack – the Scioto Driving Park – opened in 1854.
Throughout the 1900s, horse racing in Ohio continued to flourish. In 1971, the state legislature passed the Ohio Pari-Mutuel Racing Act, which made it legal for Ohioans to bet on horse racing. This opened the door for the establishment of several racetracks throughout the state, such as Beulah Park and Thistledown.
Legal Status of Horse Racing Betting
Betting on horse racing is legal in Ohio, as long as it’s done through a licensed pari-mutuel facility. Pari-mutuel betting is a type of wagering system in which all bets are pooled together and the winners take the total pool, minus the house’s take. This type of betting is regulated by the Ohio State Racing Commission, which is responsible for ensuring that all licensed racetracks and other pari-mutuel facilities comply with Ohio state gambling laws.
Types of Horse Racing Betting Available
When it comes to betting on horse racing in Ohio, there are several different types of bets available. These include:
Win/Place/Show Bets: These are the most basic types of bets in which you guess which horse will win, place (finish second), or show (finish third).
Exacta/Quinella Bets: These are more complicated bets in which you must correctly select the horses that will finish first and second, in either order.
Trifecta/Superfecta Bets: These are even more challenging bets in which you must correctly select the horses that will finish first, second, and third in order.
Daily Double/Pick 3/Pick 4 Bets: These bets involve correctly selecting the winners of two, three, or four consecutive races.
Where to Bet on Horse Racing in Ohio
If you’re looking to place bets on horse racing in Ohio, there are several racetracks and other pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state. The two main racetracks are Beulah Park in Grove City and Thistledown in North Randall. Both Beulah Park and Thistledown offer a range of live and simulcast horse racing events throughout the year.
In addition, there are several other pari-mutuel facilities in Ohio where you can bet on horse racing. These include the Ohio State Racing Commission in Columbus, the Scioto Downs Racino in Columbus, and the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield.
How to Place Bets on Horse Racing
If you’re new to horse racing betting, you may be wondering how to place bets. The process is actually quite simple. All you have to do is visit one of the racetracks or pari-mutuel facilities in Ohio and purchase a betting voucher. Once you have the voucher, you can go to the betting window and place your bet on the horse or horses you think will win.
Conclusion
Betting on horse racing in Ohio is a fun and exciting way to get in on the action. With a range of racetracks and pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state, there are plenty of opportunities to place bets on the horses you think will win. And with the wide range of bets available, from win/place/show to daily double/pick 3/pick 4, you can find a bet that suits your needs. So if you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your Ohio horse racing experience, why not give betting on horse racing a try?