Within the vibrant coastal city of Atlantic City, where casinos and entertainment converge, the thrilling world of horse racing unfolds. Eager bettors flock to off-track betting (OTB) facilities, located within or adjacent to the city’s iconic gaming establishments. These OTBs offer a captivating experience, allowing patrons to wager on races taking place at tracks across the country and even internationally. With live simulcast broadcasts, bettors can witness the action unfold in real-time and immerse themselves in the exhilarating atmosphere of the sport.
Off-Track Betting in Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is home to several off-track betting (OTB) facilities. These venues allow bettors to wager on horse races from tracks around the country as well as internationally.
OTB parlors offer a variety of betting options, including:
- Win
- Place
- Show
- Exacta
- Trifecta
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Pick 5
In addition to live race betting, OTBs also offer simulcasting of races from other tracks. This allows bettors to wager on races that are taking place anywhere in the world.
OTB Locations in Atlantic City
| Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Borgata OTB | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | (609) 317-1000 |
| Harrah’s OTB | 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | (609) 441-5000 |
| Resorts OTB | 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | (609) 340-6300 |
| Tropicana OTB | 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | (609) 340-4400 |
For more information on off-track betting in Atlantic City, visit the New Jersey Racing Commission website.
Racetracks Near Atlantic City
If you’re looking to bet on horse racing in Atlantic City, you’ve got a couple of options nearby.
The closest racetrack is just a short drive from the city.
Meadowlands Racetrack
- Location: East Rutherford, NJ
- Distance from Atlantic City: 60 miles
- Types of racing: Thoroughbred and harness racing
The Meadowlands is one of the most popular racetracks in the country, and it hosts some of the biggest races in the sport, including the Hambletonian Stakes and the Meadowlands Pace.
Monmouth Park Racetrack
- Location: Oceanport, NJ
- Distance from Atlantic City: 50 miles
- Types of racing: Thoroughbred racing
Monmouth Park is another popular racetrack in the area, and it’s known for its beautiful setting and its challenging course.
| Racetrack | Distance from Atlantic City | Types of racing |
|---|---|---|
| Meadowlands Racetrack | 60 miles | Thoroughbred and harness racing |
| Monmouth Park Racetrack | 50 miles | Thoroughbred racing |
Legal Status of Horse Race Betting in New Jersey
Horse race betting has been legal in New Jersey since the passage of the “Pari-Mutuel Betting Act” in 1939. This law established the New Jersey Racing Commission, which is responsible for regulating all forms of horse racing and betting in the state.
There are two types of horse race betting in New Jersey:
1. Pari-Mutuel Betting:
This is the most common type of betting, where bettors wager against each other rather than against the racetrack. The racetrack takes a percentage of the total pool of bets, known as the “takeout,” and the rest is distributed among the winning bettors.
2. Account Wagering:
Also known as “ADW,” this type of betting allows bettors to place wagers online or by phone. Account wagering is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
There are currently two racetracks in New Jersey that offer live thoroughbred racing:
1. Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport
2. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford
In addition to live racing, there are several off-track betting (OTB) facilities located throughout the state, where bettors can wager on races from racetracks around the country.
Horse race betting is a popular pastime in New Jersey, and it generates significant revenue for the state. In 2021, the total handle for horse race betting in New Jersey was over $1 billion.
History of Horse Race Betting in Atlantic City
Before the glitzy casinos and towering hotels, horse race betting was a popular pastime in Atlantic City. Its roots can be traced back to the late 1800s, when the city was a popular destination for tourists seeking entertainment.
In 1893, the first horse racing track in Atlantic City was opened, known as the Atlantic City Race Track. Located on the beach near what is now Bader Field, the track quickly became a hub for gambling and excitement.
Over the years, several other horse racing tracks emerged in Atlantic City, including:
- The Seaside Park Speedway (1902 – 1953)
- The Haddonfield Jockey Club (1908 – 1916)
- The Atlantic City Airport Racetrack (1912 – 1916)
The popularity of horse race betting in Atlantic City reached its peak in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era. As gambling was illegal in many parts of the country, Atlantic City became a haven for those seeking to place bets on horse races.
However, with the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931, the horse race betting industry in Atlantic City began to decline. By the 1950s, all of the tracks in the city had closed down.
Today, horse race betting is still available in Atlantic City, but it is no longer the major attraction it once was. Off-track betting is available at various locations throughout the city, and simulcast races can be viewed at several casinos.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1893 | Atlantic City Race Track opens |
| 1902 | Seaside Park Speedway opens |
| 1908 | Haddonfield Jockey Club opens |
| 1912 | Atlantic City Airport Racetrack opens |
| 1920s | Horse race betting reaches peak popularity |
| 1931 | Gambling legalized in Nevada, leading to decline of Atlantic City horse tracks |
| 1950s | All horse tracks in Atlantic City close |
| Present | Off-track betting and simulcast races available |
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