Horse racing has been a popular form of gambling for centuries. It’s no surprise, then, that many people in the United States, including those in New Hampshire, are interested in betting on horses. But can you bet on horses in New Hampshire? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and examine all the details of horse betting in the state.
History of Horse Betting in New Hampshire
Horse racing and wagering have a long history in New Hampshire, dating back to the late 19th century. The state’s first legal pari-mutuel racetrack, Rockingham Park, opened in 1906 and hosted its first official race in 1909. The track flourished through the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1950s, it was one of the most successful racetracks in the United States.
Legality of Horse Betting in New Hampshire
The legality of horse betting in New Hampshire depends on where you want to place your bets. In general, pari-mutuel betting on horse races is legal in the state, but there are some restrictions. Off-track betting is allowed, but only at licensed racetracks. Online horse betting is currently illegal in New Hampshire, though there have been some recent attempts to legalize it.
Types of Horse Bets Offered in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers a variety of different types of horse bets. The most common types of bets include:
- Win: This is a bet on a single horse to win the race.
- Place: This is a bet on a single horse to place in the top two spots in the race.
- Show: This is a bet on a single horse to place in the top three spots in the race.
- Exacta: This is a bet on two horses to finish in the top two spots in the race in the exact order.
- Quinella: This is a bet on two horses to finish in the top two spots in the race in any order.
- Trifecta: This is a bet on three horses to finish in the top three spots in the race in the exact order.
- Superfecta: This is a bet on four horses to finish in the top four spots in the race in the exact order.
Where to Bet on Horses in New Hampshire
If you want to bet on horses in New Hampshire, you can do so at one of the state’s two licensed racetracks: Rockingham Park in Salem and Seabrook Greyhound Park in Seabrook. Both tracks offer pari-mutuel betting, as well as simulcast wagering on other tracks.
Taxes on Horse Betting Winnings in New Hampshire
Any winnings from horse betting in New Hampshire are subject to federal and state taxes. At the federal level, horse betting winnings are taxed as ordinary income. The state of New Hampshire does not have a separate tax on gambling winnings, so all winnings are subject to the state’s income tax rate.
Off-Track Horse Betting in New Hampshire
Off-track betting is allowed in New Hampshire, but only at licensed racetracks. This means that you can place bets on horse races at Rockingham Park or Seabrook Greyhound Park, but not at any other locations. Off-track betting is available on simulcast races and on some major horse racing events.
Online Horse Betting in New Hampshire
Online horse betting is currently illegal in New Hampshire. There have been some recent attempts to legalize it, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can bet on horses in New Hampshire, though there are some restrictions. Pari-mutuel betting is allowed at licensed racetracks, such as Rockingham Park and Seabrook Greyhound Park, and off-track betting is allowed at these locations as well. Online horse betting is currently illegal in the state, though there have been some recent attempts to legalize it.