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Arizona horse race betting

This guide gives you a comprehensive look into Arizona online horse race betting and places you can visit in order to wager on horses in Grand Canyon State.

Mikhael Aram By: Mikhael Aram
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Best Arizona online horse betting sites

Explore our top picks for the best Arizona online horse betting sites, offering secure, legal, and thrilling wagering experiences.

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Yes, horse race betting is legal in Arizona. The activity is governed by the Racing Division under the Department of Gaming. Arizona residents can place bets online through licensed advance deposit wagering operators (ADWs) or in person at authorized racetracks and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).

Different types of horse race bets you can place in AZ

Racebooks in Arizona offer the typical horse race bets, such as Straight and Exotic wagers. Furthermore, these are broken down into various bets.

Straight wagers

It is a wager on the win, place, or show. Straight wagers involve positions one, two, and three. A straight wager is easy to understand. The following are examples of straight wagers:

  • Win bet - This is the most common and straightforward wager in horse betting in Arizona. With it, you receive a payout if your chosen horse finishes first place. If your horse wins, you win. And if your horse loses, you lose.
  • Place bet - It gives you a bit of freedom from the win bet since you receive your payout if your horse is first or second in the race. As a result, the payout is sadly smaller because it is easier to cash.
  • Show bet - This is the simplest of the three wagers. You only get your win if your horse becomes first, second or third in the race. It has a higher winning probability compared to the win and place bets.

Exotic wagers

These bet types allow bettors to spread their risks because they involve betting more than one horse. Here, bettors require skills and planning before placing their wagers. Amazingly, the bigger the risk, the bigger the potential reward.

  • Single race - It is among the simple bet types. A single-race bet involves placing wagers on one selection, including an upcoming race or festival. Here, you bet on a specific horse to win the race.
  • Exacta - Exacta requires a bettor to choose the first and second-place predictions for a horse race. The minimum bet one can put in is a dollar. Your runners should be in first and second positions in the correct order.
  • Quinella - A quinella allows the bettor to choose the first and second-place finishers. The good thing with quinella is you don't have to specify the order of the finishers. As a result, this increases your chances of winning the bet.
  • Trifecta - It includes choosing the first, second, and third place winners in the race, just as the name of the bet suggests. Here, the runners must follow the exact order of your prediction.
  • Superfecta - This is about predicting the first four winners who finish the horse races in the order predicted. It is a tough bet to win but has higher odds, therefore, a higher payout if you win.

What is “pari-mutuel betting” in horse betting in AZ?

The term “Pari-mutuel” originated in France, meaning wagering among yourselves. Pari-mutuel, legalized in Arizona in 1935. This was before horse racing was available in 1943. It is a betting type whereby those who have participated in a wager share the amount of payout earned from the winners.

Here, the bettors’ money is in a pool, and they share winnings evenly. The odds in pari-mutuel betting are flexible, unlike other kinds of betting. In this type of bet, bettors place their wagers against each other instead of placing bets against the racetrack.

Horse race tracks in Arizona

Arizona horse race tracks are distinguished by three major venues: Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Rillito Park in Tucson, and Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley.

  • Arizona Downs - Formerly known as Prescott Downs. It is located in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Arizona Downs is sixty-three years old since its inception in 1956. Offers a flat course and thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing.
  • Turf Paradise - Turf Paradise is located in Phoenix and is one of the longest meets in the country. The meet begins in late October, running through the first week of May.
  • Rillito Park Race Track - Opened in 1922 and is located in Tucson, Arizona. It is nationally recognized as the cradle for quarter-horse racing. It runs a boutique meet in February and March, with the University of Arizona students under the Race Track Industry Program assisting.

Off-track betting in Arizona

Off-track betting in Arizona offers a widespread network of about 60 venues, allowing fans to wager on horse races both locally and nationally. Predominantly located in bars and restaurants, these OTB sites provide a social setting for betting, accessible across the state from Phoenix to Yuma and Flagstaff.


FAQ

Is horse race betting popular in AZ?

Yes, horse race betting is popular in AZ. Horse racing has long been popular in Arizona, and tracks such as Turf Paradise and Rillito Park Race Track are mainstays. Bettors spend millions of dollars in horse betting every year.

How old do I need to be to bet on horse races in Arizona?

In Arizona, you must be at least 21 years old to legally bet on horse races. This age requirement applies to both online and in-person betting at racetracks and OTBs.

Can visitors from other states bet on horse races while in Arizona?

Yes, visitors from other states can bet on horse races while in Arizona, provided they meet the legal betting age of 21. They can place bets at racetracks, OTBs, or use Arizona-licensed online betting sites.

Author Details

Mikhael Aram

Mikhael Aram

Mikhael Aram is a researcher and editor at Betting AZ. He covers many different topics within the landscape of legal sports betting in Arizona. Mikhael is known for his insightful analysis and in-depth knowledge of sports betting legislation and trends.