Horse racing is legal in Idaho and regulated by the Idaho State Racing Commission. Two cities in the state currently have horse racing tracks: Pocatello and Rexburg. There are also several simulcast and off-track betting locations throughout the state. Betting on horse races is allowed both in person at the tracks and through licensed off-track betting establishments. The legal betting age for horse racing in Idaho is 18 years old, which is the same as the legal gambling age for other forms of gambling in the state.
Governing Regulations of Horse Racing in Idaho
Horse racing in Idaho is regulated by the Idaho Horse Racing Commission (IHRC), a state agency created by the Idaho Legislature. The IHRC is responsible for licensing and overseeing all aspects of horse racing in the state, including:
- Issuing licenses to horse owners, trainers, and jockeys
- Approving race schedules and rules
- Enforcing safety regulations
- Investigating and adjudicating rule violations
- Promoting the growth and development of the horse racing industry in Idaho
The IHRC also works closely with the Idaho State Racing Commission (ISRC), a separate state agency that regulates other forms of gambling in the state, such as pari-mutuel betting.
| License Type | Requirements |
| Owner’s License | Must be at least 18 years old Must be a resident of Idaho or have a business in Idaho |
| Trainer’s License | Must be at least 18 years old Must have at least 2 years of experience training horses Must be certified by the National Horsemen’s Association |
| Jockey’s License | Must be at least 16 years old Must have at least 1 year of experience riding horses Must be licensed by the Jockeys’ Guild |
Licensed Tracks and Betting Options in Idaho
Horse racing enthusiasts in Idaho can rejoice as the sport is indeed legal within the state. The Idaho State Racing Commission oversees and regulates horse racing activities, ensuring fair play and the well-being of both horses and jockeys. Currently, there are two licensed tracks in Idaho where you can experience the thrill of live horse racing and place your wagers.
Licensed Tracks
- Les Bois Park, Caldwell
- Pocatello Downs, Pocatello
Betting Options
At licensed tracks, you’ll have a range of betting options to choose from, including:
- Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.
- Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Bet on the horses that will finish first and second in exact order.
- Trifecta: Bet on the horses that will finish first, second, and third in exact order.
Table of Tracks
| Track | Address | Phone Number | Website |
|—|—|—|—|
| Les Bois Park | 1910 S Indiana Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605 | (208) 459-6323 | [Website](https://www.lesboispark.com/) |
| Pocatello Downs | 12755 Yellowstone Hwy, Pocatello, ID 83204 | (208) 232-4180 | [Website](https://www.pocatellodowns.com/) |
Historical Background of Horse Racing in Idaho
Horse racing has a long and storied history in the state of Idaho. The first recorded horse race in the state was held in 1863 in the town of Boise. By the early 1900s, horse racing was a popular sport throughout the state, with tracks operating in many cities and towns.
In 1933, pari-mutuel betting was legalized in Idaho, which led to a boom in the horse racing industry. The state’s first pari-mutuel track, Les Bois Park, opened in 1934 and quickly became one of the most popular tracks in the country.
In the 1960s and 1970s, horse racing in Idaho continued to grow in popularity. New tracks opened throughout the state, and purses for races increased significantly. In 1983, the Idaho Horse Racing Commission was created to regulate the industry.
Today, horse racing remains a popular sport in Idaho. There are currently four operating tracks in the state: Les Bois Park, Pocatello Downs, Idaho Downs, and Clearwater Downs.
- Les Bois Park is the state’s oldest and most prestigious track. It hosts the Idaho Derby, the state’s most important race.
- Pocatello Downs is a mid-sized track that offers a variety of racing options.
- Idaho Downs is a new track that opened in 2009. It features a state-of-the-art facility and offers a wide range of racing options.
- Clearwater Downs is a small track that offers live racing during the summer months.
| Type of Bet | Minimum Bet |
|---|---|
| Win | $2 |
| Place | $2 |
| Show | $2 |
| Exacta | $1 |
| Trifecta | $1 |
| Superfecta | $1 |
Idaho Horse Racing Commission Responsibilities
The Idaho Horse Racing Commission regulates all aspects of horse racing in the state, including:
- Issuing licenses to horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and other racing participants
- Setting racing rules and regulations
- Ensuring the integrity of racing by conducting drug testing and other investigative measures
- Distributing racing prize money and purses
- Promoting the horse racing industry in Idaho
The Commission is also responsible for issuing licenses to pari-mutuel wagering facilities, such as off-track betting parlors. Pari-mutuel betting is a form of gambling in which bettors wager on the outcome of horse races.
The Idaho Horse Racing Commission is committed to ensuring that horse racing in the state is conducted fairly and safely, and that the interests of the public are protected.
Idaho Horse Racing Venues
There are currently three licensed horse racing tracks in Idaho:
- Les Bois Park in Caldwell
- Pocatello Downs in Pocatello
- Southgate Park in Spokane, Washington (just across the border from Idaho)
These tracks offer live racing during the summer months, and simulcast racing from other tracks around the country throughout the year.
Horse Racing Betting in Idaho
Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Idaho at licensed horse racing tracks and off-track betting parlors. Bettors can wager on the outcome of horse races in a variety of ways, including:
- Win: Betting on a horse to win the race
- 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 exact order of the top two finishers
- Trifecta: Betting on the exact order of the top three finishers
The minimum bet amount at Idaho horse racing tracks is $2.00.
Horse Racing Revenue in Idaho
Horse racing generates significant revenue for the state of Idaho. In 2020, horse racing tracks and off-track betting parlors in Idaho generated over $20 million in wagering revenue.
This revenue is used to support a variety of state programs, including:
- Education
- Health care
- Public safety
Horse racing is an important part of Idaho’s economy, and it provides a valuable source of revenue for the state.
Well, there you have it, folks! Horse racing is indeed legal in the great state of Idaho, giving you the chance to bet on the ponies and experience the thrill of the track. I hope this article has been informative and helped satisfy your curiosity. Thanks for taking the time to read, and be sure to check back for more exciting content in the future. Until then, may all your horse racing bets be successful!