Legal Horse Betting In Illinois
Legal Horse Betting In Illinois
Watching horse races is popular, but betting on the outcome is another common way to engage with the sport. Thoroughbred, quarter horse, and harness racing are all hosted in Illinois.
In Illinois, it is legal to bet on horses. This can be done at two tracks, several off-track betting (OTB) sites or via legitimate horse betting applications.
How to Wager on Horse Racing in Illinois
In the Prairie State, numerous opportunities exist for betting on horse races. While not all Illinoisans have the luxury of nearby horse racetracks, they still have an array of convenient horse betting options. The available options for placing a bet are:
- On the Track: The state of Illinois houses two live racetracks, Hawthorne Racecourse and FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. Both of these venues provide on-site betting windows.
- Several legal online racebooks such as TVG, Club Hawthorne, NYRA Bets, TwinSpires and XpressBet gladly take bets from Illinois-based bettors.
- OTBs, which stands for off-track betting, refers to betting parlors that can be found in multiple cities in Illinois.
Bet on Horses Online in Illinois
Betting online can be a convenient option if you don’t reside near a live racetrack or an OTB betting parlor, eliminating the need for travel. Even with a horse racetrack in proximity, choosing to place horse wagers online is a feasible alternative. In Illinois, online horse racing is thriving with numerous mobile racebooks in operation, enabling you to compare and choose the best horse betting bonuses and odds.
Illinois horse wagering rules
The main points of the horse betting rules, as outlined by the Illinois Racing Board, can be accessed online. Here they are:
- Wagering is only lawful with a racebook that has been licensed by the Illinois Racing Board (IRB).
- Placing a bet on horses requires you to be at least 18 years old.
- In Illinois, a minimum bet of $2 is generally required for horse racing, though some exotic bets could be placed for as low as $1.
- Each racetrack in the state has a minimum payout of $2.10 on every $2 winning bet.
Additionally, if there are any rules you are uncertain about, you have the option to send an inquiry to the IRB at the following email address: [email protected]
Before you can place a bet, all legally operating online racebooks in IL mandate that you register for a horse betting account online. You must provide proof that you are of legal age and not on any self-exclusion gambling lists. This is crucial not only for legal compliance but also to prevent money laundering and other types of organized crime.
You’ll need to give the following information to the racebook when you register your betting account:
- Legal name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Date of birth
- For verification, please provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You’ll also need to activate location services on your device to confirm your physical presence within Illinois when placing your bets. There may be instances where new software needs to be downloaded as IL racebooks adhere to laws and rules unique to each state. Plus, federal laws prohibit gambling outside of states where horse betting is legal.
Bet on Horses Online with the TVG App
Certain Illinois racebooks, such as TVG, provide mobile applications. These horse betting apps allow you to carry out all your transactions with the book, from registration to claiming your winnings.
For several reasons, TVG ranks among the elite online racebooks. Through the TVG app or website, users can place bets on and stream live races from over 150 global tracks. The TVG app further assists your handicapping by providing daily picks and expert insight from industry veterans such as Britney Eurton and Christina Blacker.
TVG also provides a loyalty program and regular promotions for bettors. Furthermore, those using the app can access exclusive TVG content which will augment their understanding of horses, jockeys, and trainers.
In Illinois, other licensed racebooks for horse racing include:
- Club Hawthorne
- NYRA Bets
- TwinSpires
- XpressBet
Popular Types of Horse Race Betting
Many bettors fantasize about making a fortune by betting on an unexpected winner. However, the chances of winning a huge sum on a straight bet are quite slim. Luckily, straight bets aren’t the only ways to wager on horse races in Illinois. The array of horse betting options in Illinois encompasses:
- Exacta: This type of wager requires you to accurately select the first two horses to finish a race in the correct sequence.
- In a Place horse wager, you stake on one horse. You win if it finishes either first or second.
- Demonstrate: This functions akin to a “place” wager, but additionally, you also triumph if the horse you select finishes in third place.
- Superfecta: This is for the bold bettor who can accurately rank the top four horses in the race and aims to win.
- Trifecta: This is an exacta bet with an additional requirement; to win, you need to correctly predict the top three horses in their precise order.
- Win: As the name suggests, this horse bet involves predicting which horse will come first in the race.
What is a horse box bet?
Moreover, you have the option to “box” your bet, implying that you wager money on all possible outcomes in a bet that includes the top two, three or even four horses in a race. Box bets offer a method of safeguarding your bet and enhancing your chances of making some returns. Nonetheless, this reduced risk comes at the cost of a pricier stake.
What is a horse wheel bet?
Another method to introduce some excitement is a “wheel” bet. This type of wager requires selecting a horse to finish in a specific position. Then, you select any other horse to come in second place. For instance, you could choose a horse to come in first, then “wheel” the second place with the remaining horses in the race. Provided that your chosen horse wins, you’re guaranteed that another horse will come in second, thus giving you a win.
If you’re confident about one horse in one place but uncertain about the rest of the field, these kinds of bets can provide a better return. However, you will have to pay for the improved odds of winning.
What is a long shot in horse race betting?
The term “long shot” is simply used to refer to a horse that is not expected to rank high in a race. A variety of information is utilized by oddsmakers to determine their favorites, including:
- The horse’s recent performances
- Performances on similar tracks
- The jockey’s reputation
- The trainer’s reputation
- Weather conditions
Better payouts are offered by long shots if they manage to cause upsets, however, as mentioned before, the available data suggests that this is unlikely to happen.
How do Horse Racing Odds Work?
Most betting platforms utilize a pari-mutuel wagering system as opposed to fixed odds. These two methods vary in several aspects. Firstly, in horse betting, your competition is not the betting platform; the platform has no interest in your bet. Its role is merely to facilitate the betting process and take a percentage for the service. Rather, you are your own competition in the betting.
The funds for payouts on winning bets are sourced from the total pool of all bets made on a particular race. Thus, if you win a bet, your payout comprises not only your original stake but also a portion of the money lost by other bettors. Therefore, the odds are determined by the total value of the bets in the pool, the number of bets placed, and the horse(s) favored by the majority of bettors.
In fixed-odds betting, the racebook not only has an interest in your bet, but also establishes the odds pre-race, depending on its prediction of the winning horse.
How to decipher fractional odds?
The majority of racebooks display their odds in a fractional format, such as 5/1. In American odds, this translates to +500. A simple guideline is that the larger the first number in comparison to the second number (from left to right), the longer the odds of the horse in question winning. However, the process of calculating your potential winnings in a pari-mutuel system is the same as with fixed odds. In this example, if you placed a $100 bet and the horse won, you would receive a total payout of $600, which includes your original $100 stake and a $500 profit.
Triple Crown Betting in Illinois
Despite Illinois not hosting any of the Triple Crown races, these annual events remain the highlight of the sport for horse bettors and enthusiasts alike. As such, most of the live tracks and Off-Track Betting (OTB) sites in Illinois organize special events surrounding them. Moreover, online racebooks often offer their best bonuses during these events. There is also an abundance of information available about the horses participating in these races.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, the initial race in the Triple Crown, traditionally occurs annually on the first Saturday in May. This event is held in Louisville on a 10 furlong (1.25 miles) dirt track, named after the Derby itself. Typically, the race includes a field of 20, mainly 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Due to its location in Kentucky, not Illinois, IL bettors may notice some subtle differences in their betting activity compared to local races. Mainly, the disparity lies in the tax rates on winnings, which vary between Illinois and Kentucky.
Betting on the Preakness Stakes
The second leg of the Triple Crown, typically held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, takes place at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Known as the Preakness Stakes, this race is slightly shorter than the Derby, measuring 9 furlongs (about 1 3/16 miles) and has a smaller field of just 14 horses. It’s customary for 3-year-old thoroughbreds to participate in this race. If the Kentucky Derby winner is also running in the Preakness, it’s common for that horse to be the favorite, particularly if it won the Derby with ease. However, the favorite can change as the field of contenders may vary significantly from the Derby to the Preakness.
Betting on the Belmont Stakes
The Triple Crown’s final event takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. This event is typically scheduled three weeks after the Preakness, also on a Saturday. The Belmont Stakes track, stretching over 12 furlongs or 1.5 miles, is the longest among the three events. Like the other races, the field usually features 3-year-old thoroughbreds. The field could change from the Preakness, with the potential to hold up to 12 horses, however, it’s common for the field to be smaller. If a horse has previously won the Derby and the Preakness, it will likely be a top contender in the Belmont Stakes.
What Types of Horse Races are in Illinois?
Three distinct types of horse races exist in Illinois, each varying in horse attributes, track details, and race rules. Based on their facilities and interests, tracks throughout Illinois provide these diverse types of racing.
- Also known as standardbred racing, harness racing is a sport where horses, typically at a trot or pace, pull a driver in a cart, known as a sulky. These races are usually held over a distance of one mile. The term ‘harness racing’ came into use because of the harness attached to the sulky that the horses pull.
- Quarter Horse Racing was named as such due to the quarter-of-a-mile length of the track. The horses participating in these races are typically quick off the mark, excelling at short distance sprints at high speed, though they may lack stamina. In these races, the jockeys ride on the backs of the horses.
- Thoroughbred Racing is the most prevalent kind of horse racing, characterized by its longer tracks and the presence of mounted jockeys on the horses. The term ‘Thoroughbred’ originated from the exceptional attention dedicated to breeding the horses, a practice that continues in the sport today.
Where Can I Watch Live Horse Racing in Illinois?
Throughout their seasons, the two Illinois racetracks extend a warm welcome to bettors and fans. They offer several amenities like food and beverage service, VIP seating, and simulcasting for races happening at other locations.
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing purchased the property previously known as Fairmount Park in 2019 to acquire a sports betting license in Illinois. Since then, the action has remained consistent, providing horse racing enthusiasts in the greater St. Louis area with live race options.
- Collinsville Road, 9301, Collinsville
- You can reach us at 618-345-4300. Reservations for dining and ticket purchases can be made online.
- FanDuel usually hosts live races on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from the end of April to the end of September. The races begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, and at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Racing Type: Live thoroughbred flat racing is available. Under FanDuel’s license, simulcast racing can also be accessed on the property.
Hawthorne Race Course
Hawthorne Race Course, located in the suburbs of Chicago, provides a bustling schedule of both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing throughout the year. This venue is excellent for bettors and fans who appreciate a focus on the diversity and abundance of live events.
- Address: 3501 South Laramie, Cicero
- You can reach us at 708-780-7050 for contact information. Online reservations for group outings and tickets can be made.
- Schedule: Hawthorne typically hosts live races on weekends throughout the year, sometimes even on Fridays. The first race usually begins at 6:30 p.m. on these days. The weekends are always busy.
- Racing Category: The track provides both harness and thoroughbred racing. On weekdays, simulcast racing is accessible. Betting can be done through the in-house Club Hawthorne and XpressBet brands.
Arlington International Racecourse (closed)
Churchill Downs, situated in the suburbs of Chicago, has been the long-standing operator of this property. The facility is particularly renowned for its plentiful on-site dining options, presenting a diverse assortment of aesthetics and menus.
- Location: 2200 W Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
- Contact Info: 847-385-7500
- Racing Category: Flat Thoroughbred Racing
OTBs Near You in Illinois
Illinois is home to more than 20 off-track betting (OTB) parlors, despite the law permitting over 40 such establishments. Each of these parlors is linked with one of the state’s live tracks, providing pari-mutuel betting on the track’s races and simulcast betting. Although the live tracks are primarily located in two major metropolitan areas in the state, OTB parlors are more widely distributed. This means that individuals residing in rural regions of Illinois have easier access to OTB parlors compared to tracks. It is hoped that you will find a parlor near your location among these.
Arlington International Racecourse OTBs
- Don Carter Lanes in Rockford, The Post Time Sports Bar & Grille in Green Oaks, Joe’s Bar in Chicago, and Salerno’s in Hodgkins have all closed.
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing OTBs
- The addresses are as follows:<br><br>1. Teletrack Capital is located at 1766 Wabash Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62704.<br>2. Downtown OTB at Mac’s is located at 315 Belle St., Alton, IL 62002.<br>3. OTB Route 3 is located at 2400 Mississippi Ave., Sauget, IL 62201.
Hawthorne Race Course OTBs
- Magee’s Bookie, 2450 Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435.
- Bloomington Normal Club Hawthorne: 1304 Cross Creek Drive, Bloomington Normal, IL 61761
- Corliss OTB at Club Hawthorne Chicago is located at 11203 South Corliss, Chicago, IL 60628.
- Crazy Pour at Club Hawthorne: 105 E. North Ave., Villa Park, IL 60181
- OTB Club Hawthorne Crestwood: 13148 Rivercrest Dr, Crestwood, IL 60445
- The Saddle Room at Club Hawthorne is located at 2559 Pratum Ave., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192.
- Hawthorne Club Lansing is located at 17030 Torrence Ave., Lansing, IL 60438.
- McHenry Hawthorne Club: 621 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
- The address for Club Hawthorne Peoria is 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria, IL 61604.
- Coming Soon: Club Hawthorne at Post Time Sports Bar & Grille, located at 13860 Rockland Road, Green Oaks, IL 60048.
- The Piazza’s Club Hawthorne is located at 85 Executive Drive, Aurora, IL 60504.
- The Turf Room at Club Hawthorne is located at 650 Randall Crossing Lane, North Aurora, IL 60542.
- Hawthorne Oakbrook OTB Club: 17W648 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
- 2517 W 95th St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805 is the address for Evergreen Park.
- Pub & Grill Players: 1250 North River Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
- Grill Stoney Point is located at 19031 Old Lagrange Road, Mokena, IL 60448.
Who is the Illinois Racing Board?
The Illinois Racing Board (IRB) is the authority that oversees horse racing in Illinois. It ensures that all licensees adhere to the rules and laws. Established in 1933, the board supervises every race for any prize in Illinois. This supervision ensures the races and associated betting markets operate with fairness and integrity.
The board currently consists of the following members:
- Daniel Beiser, chair
- Leslie Breuer
- Marcus Davis
- Lydia Gray
- Alan Henry
- Charles MacKelvie
- Benjamin Reyes
- Leslye Sandberg
- John Stephan
Who is the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association?
The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association is a nonprofit trade association that primarily serves horse owners and trainers in the Land of Lincoln. This active group operates at Hawthorne racecourses and apart from defending horsemen’s rights, it also offers a variety of other benefits and services.
The board of directors of the association consists of:
- Michael B. Campbell, president
- Marty Nixon, vice president
- Chris Block
- Tom Fedro
- Mickey Goldfine
- Steve Holland
- Rick Johnson
- Michael Langdon
- George Mellon
- Manny Perez
- Tom Swearingen
History of Illinois Horse Racing
Pari-mutuel betting on horse races, though informally practiced for over a century, was officially legalized by the state of Illinois in 1975. This legalization was accompanied by a detailed regulatory framework and the establishment of the Illinois Racing Board.
Shortly after obtaining its license, Hawthorne Park became the first operational live racetrack in the state, maintaining its racing activities continuously since the 1880s. However, Chicago has a much longer history of horse racing. Historical records reveal that live races were held in the Chicago metro area as early as the 1830s. While it’s almost certain that betting took place during these 19th-century races, it was likely unregulated.
Despite numerous track closures in Illinois over the past fifty years, the remaining tracks are thriving and appear well-positioned to sustain horse race betting in the state for many more decades.