The thrill of betting on horses has been around for centuries, and the allure of winning big on the ponies is still a popular pastime throughout the United States. Horse racing is available in many states and Washington is one of them. But, can you bet on horses in Washington State? The answer is yes, but certain regulations apply.
Overview of Horse Racing in Washington State
Horse racing in Washington State has been around since the 1800s, with the first meet taking place at the old Tacoma Race Track in 1891. Over the years, the sport has seen its ups and downs, but it is alive and well in the Evergreen State. The state currently has four active race tracks and two off-track betting (OTB) facilities. The tracks are Emerald Downs (Auburn), Sun Downs (Yakima), Playfair Race Course (Spokane) and Quinault Beach Resort & Casino (Ocean Shores). There are also two OTBs located in Seattle and Spokane.
What Types of Horse Races Take Place in Washington State?
Washington State offers a variety of horse races, including thoroughbred, quarter horse, and Arabian racing. Thoroughbred racing is the most popular type of horse racing in the state and is held at all four active tracks. Quarter horse and Arabian races are offered at varying times throughout the year and can be found at Emerald Downs and Sun Downs.
Legal Age to Bet on Horses in Washington State
In Washington State, you must be 18 years old to place a bet on horse races. This is the same legal age for all other forms of gambling in the state, such as playing the lottery or visiting a casino. It is important to note that even if you are of legal age, you must still adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Washington Horse Racing Commission.
Where Can You Place Bets on Horse Races?
You can place bets on horses in Washington State at any of the four tracks or two OTB locations. You can also place your bets online or through a mobile app. Online betting is offered through approved third-party providers who are registered with the Washington Horse Racing Commission.
Types of Bets You Can Place in Washington State
When betting on horses in Washington State, you can place a variety of wagers. The most common types of bets are win, place and show. A win bet is when you select the horse that finishes first in the race. A place bet is when you select the horse that finishes first or second in the race. A show bet is when you select the horse that finishes first, second or third in the race. Other types of bets include exacta, trifecta, superfecta, quinella and pick 3-6.
Is Online Betting Available in Washington State?
Yes, online betting is available in Washington State. You can place bets online through approved third-party providers who are registered with the Washington Horse Racing Commission. Betting online is convenient and allows you to track your bets, view past races, and watch live races from anywhere in the state.
Taxes on Winnings From Horse Racing
If you win money from betting on horses in Washington State, you will be required to pay taxes on your winnings. The state requires you to report all winnings on your federal income tax return. Additionally, the state assesses a 10% tax on all winnings from horse racing pari-mutuel pools.
Responsible Gambling Practices
It is important to remember to gamble responsibly when betting on horses in Washington State. The state has enacted responsible gambling regulations to ensure that gambling is conducted in a safe and legal manner. These regulations include limits on how much you can bet, limits on how many races you can bet on in a certain period of time, and mandatory breaks between races.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can bet on horses in Washington State. The state offers a variety of horse racing options and online betting is available through approved third-party providers. It is important to remember to gamble responsibly and adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Washington Horse Racing Commission.