HomeArizona Horse BettingOff-Track Betting in Arizona

Off-track betting in Arizona

Off-track betting (OTB) in Arizona provides horse racing fans with a convenient way to bet on races without needing to be at the racetrack. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn all the key aspects that go into OTB betting in AZ.

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Available at a variety of licensed venues throughout the state, OTB allows patrons to bet on both local and national horse races. This system not only brings the excitement of horse racing to more people but also operates within a regulated framework, ensuring a secure and enjoyable betting experience for all participants.

Off-track betting locations in Arizona

Off-track betting in Arizona is a popular option for enthusiasts of Arizona horse betting. The state hosts around 60 OTB locations, offering a convenient way for residents and visitors to engage in horse race wagering without the need to travel to the racetracks.

These OTB sites are typically found in bars and restaurants, providing an exciting social environment for betting on both local and national horse races. The widespread availability of these venues across Arizona, including over 35 in the Phoenix area and others scattered from Yuma to Flagstaff, makes it easy for anyone interested in horse race betting to participate.

Below, you’ll find some of the more popular options among AZ residents.

OTB

Address

Max's Sports Bar

6727 N. 47th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301

Gallagher's Sports Grill

6727 N 47th Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301

Arena Sports Grill

6245 E. Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85254

The Reef

393 W. Warner Road
Chandler, AZ 85225

Jeff's Pub and Sports Bar

112 South Camino Seco
Tucson, AZ

Golden Pin Lanes

1010 W Miracle Mile
Tucson, AZ 85705

Gallagher's Dining & Pub

3524 McCulloch Boulevard
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406

What is off-track betting and how does it work?

Off-track betting is a form of wagering on horse races that occurs away from racetracks. It enables bettors to place bets at designated locations, such as bars, casinos, or special OTB facilities, without needing to be present at the race itself.

These locations are linked to the racetracks via secure telecommunications networks, allowing for real-time betting and race viewing. OTB sites offer the same types of bets and pay the same odds as the racetracks, ensuring a consistent betting experience. This system expands access to horse race betting, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

How do I place a wager at OTB locations in Arizona?

Placing a wager at off-track betting locations in Arizona is a straightforward process, designed to be accessible for both seasoned bettors and newcomers.

  1. Choose an OTB Location: First, select an OTB venue. Arizona has around 60 OTB locations, often in bars or restaurants. Each offers a unique atmosphere, but all provide the necessary facilities for placing bets. Find the one that suits you best, whether it's close to home or offers a particularly enjoyable atmosphere.
  2. Understand the Races and Bets: Once at the OTB location, take some time to understand the races available for betting. Information about the races, including the horses, jockeys, track conditions, and odds, will be displayed. Familiarize yourself with the types of bets you can make, such as win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and more. Beginners may start with simpler bets like win (betting on a horse to win) or place (betting on a horse to finish first or second).
  3. Decide on Your Bet: After reviewing the race information and understanding the bet types, decide on the race you want to bet on and the type of bet you wish to place. Consider factors like the horse's performance history, the jockey's experience, and the track conditions when making your decision.
  4. Place Your Bet: Approach the betting window and communicate your bet clearly to the staff. You'll need to mention the race number, the horse number, and the type of bet you're placing. For instance, "Race 3, Horse 5, to Win." You'll then pay the amount you wish to wager.
  5. Get Your Betting Slip: After placing your bet and paying, you'll receive a betting slip. This slip is important as it's required to collect any winnings. Keep it safe.
  6. Watch the Race and Collect Winnings: Finally, watch the race, either live on screens at the OTB location or through other available means. If your bet is successful, return to the betting window with your slip to collect your winnings.

Expert tips when off-track betting in Arizona

Engaging in off-track betting can be a worthwhile experience, but it's important to approach it with knowledge and caution. Here are some tips and pitfalls to keep in mind:

  • Avoid Betting on Every Race: It's not advisable to bet on every race. Be selective and bet on races where you have done sufficient research and feel confident about your choices.
  • Don't Ignore Track Conditions: Track conditions can significantly impact the outcome of a race. Avoid disregarding this factor as different horses perform differently under various conditions.
  • Stay Away from Betting Systems: Betting systems that promise guaranteed success are generally unreliable. Horse racing is unpredictable, and no system can guarantee wins. It's better to rely on research and informed judgment.
  • Avoid Emotional Betting: Don't let emotions guide your betting decisions. Avoid betting on a horse just because you like its name or color. Similarly, don't let a losing streak provoke you into making rash bets to recover losses.

FAQ

What types of horse races can I bet on in Arizona through OTBs?

In Arizona, through OTBs, you can bet on various types of horse races, including Thoroughbred racing, Quarter Horse racing, and Harness racing.

Are there any age restrictions for participating in off-track betting in Arizona?

Yes, in Arizona, participants must be at least 21 years old to engage in off-track betting. This age restriction aligns with the state's legal gambling age.

Can I bet on races from tracks outside of Arizona through OTB?

Yes, you can bet on horse races from tracks outside of Arizona through OTB. These OTB venues typically offer betting options on both national and international horse races, expanding the range of betting opportunities for enthusiasts.

Is there a minimum bet amount for off-track Betting?

Typically, minimum bets at OTB locations start at low amounts, such as $1 or $2, especially for basic types of wagers.

Can I watch the races live at an OTB location in Arizona?

Yes, you can watch live races at off-track betting locations in Arizona. These venues typically provide televisions or screens that broadcast live horse races from various tracks, such as Arizona Downs.