Off Track Betting
Learn what off-track betting is, where you can find OTB locations near you, and which advance deposit wagering sites to use.
Live horse racing betting possesses an irresistible allure, captivating avid enthusiasts and casual bettors alike. Feeling the adrenaline rush as you stand at the edge of the grandstand, watching your chosen horse gallop toward victory, is a feeling only bettors understand.
But, you don’t have to be physically at the track to bet on horses thanks to OTB betting.
What Is OTB?
OTB stands for Off-Track Betting, a form of sanctioned horse racing betting conducted outside the actual race tracks.
How Off-Track Betting Works
Here are two ways horse bettors can participate in off-track betting:
- Simulcast Betting: Simulcast off-track betting involves real-time broadcasts of horse races to remote locations, allowing bettors not physically present at the racetrack to place wagers.
- Advance Deposit Wagering: The other form, gaining rapid popularity among younger generations of horse racing enthusiasts, is placing wagers through a licensed online betting site or “ADW”. To place a wager on horse racing or greyhound racing through an online betting site, create an account, make your first deposit, and proceed by selecting the horse race, the type of wager you want to place, and the amount.
Off-Track Betting Legality
After being officially legalized in New York in 1970, off-track betting experienced remarkable growth. Today, there is a considerable number of licensed OTB locations all over the United States, where people of legal age can place bets on horse racing events at tracks all over the world.
Note: the legality of off-track betting can differ from one state to another, and regulations can change over time.
States That Allow OTB Locations
Here is a list of all the US states that allow off-track betting, simulcast, or advance deposit wagering:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Advance Deposit Wagering
Popular advance deposit wagering sites include:
- Twinspires
- AmWager
- FanDuel Racing
- DK Horse
Off-Track Betting FAQ
How does off-track betting work?
Off-track betting allows bettors to place wagers on horse racing and greyhound racing events without being physically present at the racetrack. OTB can be done through licensed OTB facilities or online betting sites.
Is off-track betting legit?
OTB is legit as long as you place your bets through a licensed OTB remote location or a licensed online sportsbook.