In Massachusetts, pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is legal and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. There are currently two racetracks in the state, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and Suffolk Downs in East Boston, where you can place bets on races held at tracks around the country and internationally. Additionally, simulcasting of races from other tracks is available at several locations throughout the state. All forms of horse racing betting must be conducted through licensed establishments and are subject to state taxes.
Massachusetts Horse Racing History
Massachusetts has a rich history of horse racing, dating back to the early days of the United States. The first horse race in Massachusetts was held in 1665, and the state has been home to numerous racecourses over the years. However, horse racing in Massachusetts has declined in recent decades, and there are now only two active racetracks in the state.
Early History
- The first horse race in Massachusetts was held in 1665.
- Horse racing was a popular sport in Massachusetts in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The first organized racetrack in Massachusetts was opened in 1855.
Decline of Horse Racing
- Horse racing in Massachusetts began to decline in the early 20th century.
- The Great Depression and World War II had a negative impact on the racing industry.
- The legalization of off-track betting in the 1970s further hurt the racing industry.
Current State of Horse Racing
There are currently only two active racetracks in Massachusetts: Suffolk Downs and Plainridge Park Casino.
| Racetrack | Location | Type of Racing |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk Downs | Revere, MA | Thoroughbred racing |
| Plainridge Park Casino | Plainville, MA | Harness racing |
Legalized Horse Race Betting in Massachusetts
Horse race betting has been legal in Massachusetts since 2013, when the state passed a law allowing for the operation of simulcasting facilities.
Simulcasting Facilities
Simulcasting facilities are locations where bettors can watch and wager on horse races that are taking place at other tracks around the country.
- There are currently two simulcasting facilities in Massachusetts:
- Raynham Park in Raynham
- Suffolk Downs in East Boston
These facilities offer a variety of amenities, including:
- Live simulcasts of races from around the country
- Comfortable seating and dining options
- Betting terminals and self-service kiosks
Online Betting
In addition to simulcasting facilities, Massachusetts also allows for online horse race betting.
There are currently two licensed online horse race betting platforms in Massachusetts:
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
These platforms offer a variety of features, including:
- Access to live and historical race data
- Easy-to-use betting interface
- Mobile betting options
When betting on horse races in Massachusetts, it is important to be aware of the following:
| Bet Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Win | Betting on a horse to finish first |
| Place | Betting on a horse to finish first or second |
| Show | Betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third |
| Exacta | Betting on the first two horses to finish in the exact order |
| Trifecta | Betting on the first three horses to finish in the exact order |
| Superfecta | Betting on the first four horses to finish in the exact order |
Types of Horse Race Betting Available in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a variety of horse race betting options at its two racetracks:
Plainridge Park Casino
- Win: Bet on the horse to finish first
- Place: Bet on the horse to finish first or second
- Show: Bet on the horse to finish in the top three
- Exacta: Bet on the horses to finish in first and second place in the exact order
- Trifecta: Bet on the horses to finish in first, second, and third place in the exact order
- Superfecta: Bet on the horses to finish in first, second, third, and fourth place in the exact order
Suffolk Downs
- Win: Same as above
- Place: Same as above
- Show: Same as above
- Exacta: Same as above
- Trifecta: Same as above
- Pick 3: Bet on the horses to win three consecutive races
- Pick 4: Bet on the horses to win four consecutive races
- Pick 5: Bet on the horses to win five consecutive races
- Pick 6: Bet on the horses to win six consecutive races
Bet Type Plainridge Park Suffolk Downs Win Yes Yes Place Yes Yes Show Yes Yes Exacta Yes Yes Trifecta Yes Yes Superfecta Yes No Pick 3 No Yes Pick 4 No Yes Pick 5 No Yes Pick 6 No Yes Responsible Gaming Resources for Massachusetts Horse Racing
Massachusetts offers several responsible gaming resources for horse racing bettors. These resources can help you stay in control of your gambling and avoid potential problems.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Phone: 1-800-522-4700
- Chat: https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat/
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling (MCCG)
- Website: https://www.masscompulsivegambling.org/
- Phone: 1-800-327-5050
- Text: (413) 334-8935
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
- Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- Local meeting information: https://ga2020.org/find-a-meeting/
Bettor’s Helpline
- Website: https://www.bettorshelpline.org/
- Phone: 1-800-522-4700
- Chat: https://www.bettorshelpline.org/chat/
Self-Exclusion Program
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) offers a self-exclusion program for individuals who wish to ban themselves from all Massachusetts gaming facilities. You can apply for the program by visiting the MGC website or calling 1-877-646-6763.
Resource Website Phone Chat National Council on Problem Gambling https://www.ncpgambling.org/ 1-800-522-4700 Yes Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling https://www.masscompulsivegambling.org/ 1-800-327-5050 Yes Gamblers Anonymous https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ N/A N/A Bettor’s Helpline https://www.bettorshelpline.org/ 1-800-522-4700 Yes Self-Exclusion Program https://www.massgaming.com/ 1-877-646-6763 N/A Alright folks, that’s all we have for you today on the topic of horse racing betting in Massachusetts. Thanks for sticking with us! If you’re still itching for more info or have any burning questions, don’t hesitate to drop by again soon. We’ll be here, ready to dish out the latest scoop and get you all geared up for the next big race. Until then, keep your eyes on the prize and good luck with your bets!