The online horse racing industry is booming in the United States. With more than 50 horse racing tracks across the country, it’s no surprise that online horse betting is becoming an increasingly popular way to place bets on your favorite horses. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which states allow you to bet on horses online. Here’s a closer look at the states where you can legally bet on horses online and how to get started.
Legality of Online Horse Betting in the USA
Before getting into the specifics of which states allow online horse betting, it’s important to understand the legal landscape of online betting in the United States. Unlike most countries, online betting is not regulated by the federal government in the United States. Instead, it is up to each individual state to determine if online betting is allowed within its borders.
Currently, the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, and West Virginia all allow online horse betting. Residents of these states can place bets on horses online with licensed and regulated horse racing wagering sites. All other states do not yet allow online horse betting.
How to Bet on Horses Online
Once you’ve determined that your state allows online horse betting, the next step is to find a reputable online horse betting site. Fortunately, these sites are easy to find and most of them offer a variety of betting options.
The first step is to create an account with the online betting site. This process is similar to creating an account on any other website. You will need to provide basic information such as your name, address, and payment information. Once you have created your account, you can start betting on horses.
The most common way to bet on horses online is through a pari-mutuel system. In this system, all of the bets are pooled together and the odds are determined by the amount of money wagered. This means that you can win more money if other bettors wager more money on the same horse. There are also straight wagers, which are more like traditional sports betting.
Once you’ve placed your bet, you can watch the race live or on replay. Most online betting sites also offer additional features such as race replays, tips and picks, and news about upcoming races.
Types of Horse Bets
Once you’ve chosen a betting site and created your account, it’s time to learn the different types of bets you can make. Here are some of the most common types of bets you can make on horses online:
Win Bets: A win bet is the simplest type of wager. You simply select the horse you think will finish in first place. If your horse wins, you win the bet.
Place Bets: A place bet is similar to a win bet, but you are betting on a horse to finish in either first or second place.
Show Bets: A show bet is similar to a place bet, but you are betting on a horse to finish in either first, second, or third place.
Exacta Bets: An exacta bet is a more complex wager where you must pick the horses that will finish in first and second place in the exact order.
Trifecta Bets: A trifecta bet is even more complex than an exacta bet. In this type of wager, you must pick the horses that will finish in first, second, and third place in the exact order.
Conclusion
Online horse betting is a great way to enjoy the excitement of horse racing from the comfort of your own home. With the right betting site, you can bet on horses in a variety of states and make some extra money while you’re at it. Just be sure to check the laws in your state before you start betting.