In Georgia, legal horse race betting is available through licensed pari-mutuel facilities and online platforms authorized by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. Pari-mutuel betting involves wagering on the outcome of a race, with winnings distributed among bettors based on the total amount wagered and the odds associated with each horse. To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old and create an account with the licensed betting operator. Betting options may include win, place, show, exacta, and trifecta bets, each with varying payout potential depending on the difficulty of predicting the race’s outcome.
Horse Racing Betting in Georgia
Horse racing betting is not currently legal in the state of Georgia. However, there are several alternative options for legal betting in the state:
Legal Betting Options in Georgia
There are currently three legal forms of gambling in the state of Georgia:
- Lottery
- Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races at racetracks outside of Georgia
- Charitable bingo
There are no physical casinos or sportsbooks located within the state of Georgia.
It is important to note that any form of gambling outside of these three legal options is considered illegal in Georgia. This includes online gambling, betting on sporting events, and participating in poker games outside of licensed charitable bingo halls.
Historical Horse Racing in Georgia
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has a long and controversial history in Georgia. The first parimutuel horse race in Georgia was held in 1910 at the Atlanta Jockey Club. However, the state legislature quickly outlawed parimutuel betting in 1913.
In 1995, Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing for the creation of a state lottery. The Georgia Lottery Corporation was created in 1996, and it began operating the state lottery in 1998. In 2000, the Georgia Lottery Corporation launched a new game called RaceTrac, which allowed players to bet on the outcome of horse races held at out-of-state racetracks.
RaceTrac was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the Georgia Lottery Corporation’s most popular games. However, the legality of RaceTrac was challenged in court, and in 2008, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the game was a form of illegal gambling. The Georgia Lottery Corporation stopped offering RaceTrac in 2009.
In 2010, the Georgia legislature passed a new law allowing for the creation of “historical horse racing” (HHR) machines. HHR machines are video slot machines that simulate the outcome of actual horse races. The machines are legal in Georgia because they do not involve parimutuel betting. Instead, players bet against the house, just like they do on slot machines.
HHR machines have been controversial in Georgia. Some people argue that they are a form of illegal gambling, while others argue that they are a legitimate form of entertainment. The Georgia Legislature has considered several bills to ban HHR machines, but none of these bills have been passed.
Historical Horse Racing in Georgia by the Numbers
- The first HHR machine was installed in Georgia in 2012.
- There are now over 10,000 HHR machines in operation in Georgia.
- HHR machines generated over $1 billion in revenue for the Georgia Lottery Corporation in 2021.
HHR Machine Locations in Georgia
| City | Number of HHR Machines |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 2,500 |
| Savannah | 1,500 |
| Macon | 1,000 |
| Columbus | 750 |
| Augusta | 500 |
Interstate Horse Race Wagering in Georgia
Georgia allows interstate horse race wagering, enabling residents to bet on horse races held outside the state. This is possible through partnerships with out-of-state racetracks and authorized wagering facilities.
Participating Tracks
Georgia currently has agreements with the following out-of-state racetracks:
* Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (California)
* Gulfstream Park (Florida)
* Monmouth Park (New Jersey)
* Penn National Race Course (Pennsylvania)
Authorized Wagering Facilities
- Colonial Downs (New Kent, Virginia)
- Gulfstream Park (Hallandale Beach, Florida)
- Monmouth Park (Oceanport, New Jersey)
- Penn National Race Course (Grantville, Pennsylvania)
Wagering Details
* Bets can be placed online or at authorized wagering facilities.
* The minimum bet amount is typically $2.
* Winnings are paid out in accordance with the odds and the type of bet placed.
* Tax rates vary depending on the wagering facility and the state where the race is held.
| Facility | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Colonial Downs | 6% |
| Gulfstream Park | 7% |
| Monmouth Park | 5% |
| Penn National Race Course | 6% |
Online Horse Race Betting in Georgia
Currently, there are no legal options for online horse race betting in the state of Georgia. However, there are a few ways to bet on horse races online if you’re located in Georgia.
- Offshore betting sites: There are a number of offshore betting sites that accept bets from Georgia residents. These sites are not regulated by the state of Georgia, so it’s important to do your research before signing up with one.
- Betting exchanges: Betting exchanges are online marketplaces where bettors can bet against each other. This can be a great way to get better odds than you would at a traditional sportsbook.
- Advance deposit wagering (ADW): ADW sites allow you to bet on horse races online from anywhere in the United States. However, you must first open an account with an ADW provider and deposit funds into your account before you can start betting.
If you’re looking to bet on horse races online, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable betting site. You should also be aware of the risks involved in online gambling, and only bet with money that you can afford to lose.
Comparison of Online Horse Race Betting Options Option Pros Cons Offshore betting sites - Wide variety of betting options
- No state regulations
- Not regulated by the state of Georgia
- May not be trustworthy
Betting exchanges - Better odds than traditional sportsbooks
- Transparency and fairness
- Can be complex for beginners
- May not have as many betting options as other sites
Advance deposit wagering (ADW) - Legal in all 50 states
- Wide variety of betting options
- Easy to use
- May have lower odds than other betting options
- Must deposit funds into your account before you can start betting
Well, there you have it, folks! Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing enthusiast or just curious about the thrilling world of the track, I hope this article has shed some light on the legal landscape of betting on horse races in Georgia. If you have any more questions or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest in horse racing news, be sure to check back later. Thanks for reading, and may your bets bring you a fortune!