Pennsylvania horse racing betting is a popular pastime for residents. Spending a day at the races and wagering on your favorite horses is a great way to pass a day. If you’re interested in learning a little more about horse racing betting in Pennsylvania, or just want to brush up on the state laws, this is the page for you. Consider it a guide to Pennsylvania horse racing betting. Here, we’ll break down state pari-mutuel wagering laws, go over wager types, and recommend both land-based and online horse betting locations. Everything you need to know about Pennsylvania horse racing betting will be right here on this page.
According to Title 18, Section 5513 of Pennsylvania State Code, horse racing betting is a legal form of gambling in the state. Land-based Pennsylvania horse racing betting must be conducted at a licensed pari-mutuel wagering facility, which means at a racetrack or off-track betting location. Horse racing betting in Pennsylvania can also be legally done online, as there are no laws on the books restricting the use of an online racebook for legal Pennsylvania gambling.
The Triple Crown is one of the hardest series of races to win in American horse racing. Not only because it’s run on three of the toughest tracks in the US – Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course, and Belmont Park – But because there’s such a limited window to do it. Thoroughbred horses may only compete for the Triple Crown when they are three years old, meaning they only get one shot at the title.
With stakes that high, it’s no wonder why betting on the Triple Crown is so popular. There are a number of different ways in which you can wager on the famed series, and for Pennsylvania residents, a number of locations as well. There are a number of racetracks located in the state which will simulcast all three races that make up the title.
For the most wagering options on the Triple Crown, though, Pennsylvania residents should look to online horse racing betting sites. These websites allow you a much more in-depth version of what land-based facilities can offer, and they do it right from the comfort of your own home. You can even use your smartphone to place your wagers, so you’re not tied down to any one location.
These are just a few of the more common wager types available when you participate in horse racing betting in Pennsylvania. Here, we have a mix of straight and exotic wagers. Straight bets are much easier to win, but their payouts correspond to their level of difficulty. Exotic wagers are tougher. There are also ways to bet on multiple races or sort of combine exotic and straight bets.
Win – You choose the outright winner of a race.
Place – Your horse must come in second or third in order for you to win a place bet.
Show – You pick a horse, and if it comes in first, second, or third, your ticket is a winner.
Across The Board – Betting across the board means you pick one horse to win, place, or show. You put an equal amount of money on each finishing position. If your horse wins, you collect on all three. If it places, you collect your place and show wager. If it comes in third, you collect the show bet.
Boxed Bets – Boxing a bet means that you will be choosing a number of horses to finish the race in the top three or four positions, without having to name their exact order. This wager is useful if you can’t determine which horse will be able to do what. So long as the horses in your “box” win, place, and show – and in some cases, finish fourth – it is considered a successful wager, regardless of which horse came in which place.
Trifectas – To win a trifecta, you must name the horses that will win the race, come in second, and come in third.
Superfectas – Superfectas involve naming the exact finishing order of the first, second, third, and fourth place horses in a race.
Pick 3/Pick 4 – with this bet, you are choosing the winner in three or four consecutive races. Depending on the track, you can go all the way up to six consecutive races. Each prediction must be right for your ticket to be considered a winner.
Pennsylvania horse racing betting can take place at any of the seven racetracks listed here. These venues each host any number of races, and are also equipped to simulcast certain races taking place in other states. The majority of these tracks are located in the eastern part of the state.
Penn National Race Course
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Philadelphia Park Race Track
Harrah’s Philadelphia
The Downs at Carbondale
Parx Casino
Penn National Off-track Wagering
While these locations are able to take your wagers and do broadcast other racing events, what they offer doesn’t compare to what an online horse racing betting site provides. There are so many different races to wager on in the United States, so why limit yourself to just the ones that your local track is allowed to show?
Online horse racing betting in Pennsylvania can be done through a computer, tablet, laptop, or even a smartphone. There’s no reason to have to travel halfway across the state just to place a wager when you could easily do that from your living room while you watch the race on TV. Online horse racing betting sites are great for everyone, whether you just don’t feel like traveling, have a busy life that doesn’t give you time to head down to the track, or any other reason. These sites are quick, reliable, and easy to use. What’s not to love?
5Dimes racebook is one of the premiere online horse racing betting sites available to US bettors. With over two decades of experience behind them, this site knows what it takes to keep players happy. Here, you’ll find a multitude of races to wager on all over the country. 5Dimes will even cover races that are being held overseas.
5Dimes offers its players a twist on the usual bonuses offered by other racebooks. Here, you have a choice between two different accounts. One matches 10% of every winning ticket you have. The other offers a daily rebate. All of these extra earnings are added directly to your account.
If you ever encounter a problem with 5Dimes, their incredible customer service team will be able to walk you through it and find a solution in no time. Their payouts are always speedy, and some withdrawal methods don’t require you to pay an additional fee, unlike other racebooks. With 5Dimes, online horse racing betting is easier than it’s ever been. So why not check out everything they have in store today?
One of the most popular online horse racing betting sites amongst American bettors is BetOnline. That’s because this racebook offers more than just wagering opportunities – of which there are plenty. BetOnline is like a horse racing encyclopedia, with sections dedicated to teaching newcomers and helping experts. Everything you’ll ever need can be found right at BetOnline’s racebook.
If you’re new to the world of online horse racing betting, head to their Racebook Info tab. It has everything from track limits to wager types. There, you will find everything to bring you up to speed on how to bet on the horses. Under the same tab, you’ll find horse racing tips. This section allows for you to learn strategies that will inform your wagers and raise them to their ultimate potential.
Done with the how to section? Head over to the free horse picks. BetOnline’s team of experts have collaborated to bring you their choice for several of that day’s races, giving you the upper hand when it comes to betting. Why would you ever turn down the chance for basically free money? At BetOnline, you can do anything; the tools are handed to you as soon as you sign up.
| Racebook | Bonus | Pennsylvania Welcome? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5Dimes Racebook | 50% To $200 Then 20% To $500 | Yes | Visit |
| BetOnline Racebook | $1,000 On All Deposits - 25% | Yes | Visit |
| Bovada Racebook | 50% Up To $250 First Deposit | Yes | Visit |
| SportsBetting | 50% Match On First Deposit | Yes | Visit |