PennsylvaniaGambling

Pennsylvania Horse Racing Betting

Pennsylvania permits both on-track and online horse race betting. Horse race betting is regulated by the Pennsylvania State Horse and State Harness Racing Commissions, both of which are part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Best Pennsylvania Online Horse Betting Sites

If you want to legally bet on the horses in PA, there are several online and mobile operators you can wager with. The best PA horse betting sites are:

  1. TVG Racebook/PA Bets
  2. TwinSpires
  3. FanDuel Racing
  4. AmWager

Pennsylvania residents have numerous options to watch and bet on live races. There are six horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania, consisting of a mix of three tracks that host thoroughbred racing and three that focus on harness racing.

In recent years, horse racing in Pennsylvania has grown in popularity thanks to the Pennsylvania Derby and Cotillion Stakes, both held at Parx Racing and Casino. These events are held in mid-September and have become essential preparation races for the horses as they gear up for the Breeder’s Cup in November. The Pennsylvania horse racing commission was created to grow the industry, and it has been successful so far, with the racing industry continuing to grow in the state.

Live Racetracks in PA

Pennsylvania is home to six race tracks; three are dedicated to thoroughbred racing and three are dedicated to standardbred harness racing. All six tracks host live races and book horse racing bets in addition to offering other forms of gambling.

Thoroughbred RacetracksStandardbred Racetracks
  
Parx Racing
3001 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020		Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack
777 Harrah’s Blvd
Chester, PA 19013
Hollywood Casino at Penn National
777 Hollywood Blvd
Grantville, PA 17028		Hollywood Meadows Racetrack
210 Racetrack Rd
Washington, PA 15301
Presque Isle Downs
8199 Perry Highway
Erie, PA 16509		Pocono Downs Racetrack
1280 Highway 315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Off-Track Wagering in Pennsylvania

Some Pennsylvania race tracks also operate satellite facilities where off-track wagering (OTW) is offered. Each OTW location accepts wagers on local and national races alike. Most also offer a full restaurant menu, bar, and seating to provide customers with a comfortable experience.

South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook

This is located right next to Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. It is in a prime spot next to the city’s major sports arenas.
Operated by: Parx Racing

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sat: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM

700 Packer Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Valley Forge Race & Sportsbook

Hours:

  • Mon-Fri:12 PM – 11 PM
  • Sat: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM

600 Cresson Ave
Oaks Corporate Center
Oaks, PA 19456

The Downs at Lehigh Valley

Hours:

  • Mon-Thurs: 12 PM – final race
  • Fri-Sun: 11:30 AM – final race

1780 Airport Rd
Allentown, PA 18109

Meadows Harmar Township

1 Anchor Dr
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Biggest Horse Races in Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania Derby
  • Cotillion Stakes
  • Penn Mile
  • Presque Isle Downs Mile

The Keystone State is home to some significant racing events such as the Pennsylvania Derby. This is a $1million meeting and runs 3-year-old colts and geldings on their way to claim year-end division honors. The race began life in 1979 and was granted graded-stakes status in 1981. It is held at the Parx Casino and Racing facility, which used to be known as Philadelphia Park.

The female counterpart of the Pennsylvania Derby, the Cotillion Stake, has also become a key race. It is also a Grade 1, $1 million event.