Arizona Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in AZ

You’ll be delighted to know that horse racing betting and pari mutuel betting are not only legal but also well-regulated by the Division of Racing, under the Arizona Department of Gaming. In the heart of the Grand Canyon State, you can find three Arizona race tracks and two county fairs that host two days of races each year. Join us as we take a look at the gambling scene in Arizona.

Most Popular Arizona Race Tracks

Turf Paradise

Address: 1501 W. Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: 602-942-1101

Turf Paradise offers an exciting Arizona horse racing experience, hosting both quarter horse and thoroughbred races from November to May. With a modest general admission of $3 on weekends, you can soak up the thrill from grandstand levels or the family picnic area. For a more premium experience, the Clubhouse and Turf Club, both at $5, provide tiered seating, individual TVs, and casual dining.

You can place bets on various types, including Win, Place, Show, Each Way, Exotic, and The Pick, and even use a handy mobile betting app. The facility is massive, with 14 large flat-screen TVs in the Clubhouse and 700 throughout, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.

The complex houses four dining areas, all offering clear views of the races. The main oval track, one of three, is clay-based and one mile long, hosting popular races like the Turf Stakes and Turf Paradise Derby.

Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association

Address: 3142 AZ-83, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Phone: 520-455-5553

The two-day Arizona horse racing event in May is a must-see, featuring both thoroughbred and standardbred races. Whether you’re a betting novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a variety of options, including Win, Place, and Show. General admission is affordable, and if you’re looking for a more premium experience, Turf Club tickets are available.

The fair in September is a delight for all ages, with a minimal admission fee. The blend of rodeos, horse shows, and the fair creates a unique experience you won’t forget.

Rillito Park Racetrack

Address: 4502 North First Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85718
Phone: 520-745-5486

When you step into Rillito Park Racetrack, you’re stepping into a piece of history. This iconic racetrack, inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, offers a thrilling Arizona horse racing experience.

From February to April, enjoy live thoroughbred and quarter horse races every Saturday and Sunday. With a $6 general admission, you can cheer from indoor or outdoor bleachers. For a more luxurious experience, $12 gets you a paddock overview with food options.

If you’re 21 or older, you can place a variety of bets, from Win, Place, and Show, to Exotic and Parlays. The racetrack also offers simulcast wagering throughout the year, keeping the excitement alive.

With 100 screens around the establishment and 1,000 seats at the racetrack, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush as horses thunder down the 660-foot homestretch. Beyond racing, the venue also offers 11 soccer fields, making it a multifunctional establishment.

Cochise County Fair Association

Address: 3677 N Leslie Canyon Rd, Douglas, AZ 85607
Phone: 520-364-3819

This non-profit organization, with over 50 years of history, brings together the community and showcases the best of Cochise County, Arizona. If you’re a horse racing enthusiast, don’t miss their live racing held two days a year in April. You’ll witness the excitement of thoroughbred betting and standard racing.

For a small wager, you can join in the thrill of betting on your favorite horse. Beyond the racetrack, there’s the annual fair held in September. For just $5, you get to enjoy a college rodeo, auctions, open exhibits, livestock shows, live music, and carnival rides. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day or two, and with kids under 5 going free, it’s a great family outing.

Arizona Downs

Address: 10501 E, AZ-89A, Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
Phone: 928-227-1996

From May to September, every Monday and Saturday, you can immerse yourself in the thrill of thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Notable races such as the John Deere Juvenile Challenge and Adequan Derby Challenge are a must-see.

For just $5 on Saturdays and free entry on Mondays, you can enjoy two floors of grandstand seating, a variety of concessions, and a third-level restaurant. Don’t miss the simulcast room, where you can wager on nationwide horse races daily.

For the younger crowd, the Family Fun Zone offers a petting zoo, pony rides, and the Kids Stick Horse Stakes. At Arizona Downs, there’s something for everyone.

List of All Arizona Race Tracks

Here’s a list of Arizona’s five horse racetracks:

Simulcast Wagering in Arizona

Simulcast wagering is completely legal in the state, allowing you to place bets on live races from across the nation without leaving your local facility. With off-track betting licenses valid for three years and renewable, many establishments offer this exciting service. Let’s explore the numerous simulcast wagering locations throughout Arizona.

Popular Horse Races in Arizona with Dates

Coming up, we’ll guide you through a list of the most popular Arizona horse racing events, each with its unique competitive spirit.

Types of Legal Horse Betting in Arizona

The state offers a wide variety of betting types, each with its own thrill and strategy. You can place traditional Win, Place, and Show bets, predicting which horses will finish first, second, or third. For a higher challenge and potentially greater rewards, you can try Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, and Superfecta bets, where you predict the exact order of the top two, three, or four finishers.

For those interested in multi-race wagers, Daily Double and Pick 3 bets allow you to select the winners of two or three consecutive races. You can place these bets on a variety of races, including thoroughbred, harness, and quarter horse racing.

Arizona law permits both online wagering through licensed advance deposit wagering operators and in-person betting at Arizona race tracks. Authorized off-track betting locations are also available for your convenience.

Other Types of Gambling in Arizona

Check out all there is to know about Arizona gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

• Arizona Online Casinos
• Arizona Online Sportsbooks
• Arizona Online Poker
• Arizona No Deposit Bonuses
• Arizona Casinos
• Arizona Bingo

History of Arizona Horse Racing

The rich history of Arizona racing dates back to 1935 when pari mutuel wagering was legalized. You’ve seen the rise of iconic tracks like Rillito Park in 1943 and Turf Paradise in the 1950s.

The passage of the PASPA: Sports Protection Act in 1992 complicated things, but Arizona’s horse racing industry persevered. Then, in 2021, a new era began when Arizona legalized sports betting, including online racing betting. This gave a much-needed boost to the local horse racing industry, ensuring that you and fellow enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this exciting sport.

Arizona Gambling FAQ

Is Arizona horse racing legal?

US gambling laws by state vary according to individual state regulations, but horse racing is perfectly legal in Arizona. You can enjoy the thrill of the races at renowned tracks such as Rillito Park and Turf Paradise. Moreover, since 2021, you can also legally bet on horse races, including online. This has opened up new opportunities for you and other horse racing enthusiasts in the state.

Can I bet on horse races in other states?

Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through simulcast wagering locations. These venues broadcast races from around the country in real-time, allowing you to place bets on races happening outside of Arizona. It’s a great way for you to participate in the excitement of horse racing nationwide, just make sure you’re practicing responsible gambling.

What’s the largest race track in Arizona?

The largest race track in Arizona is Turf Paradise in Phoenix. This venue is well-known for its extensive racing season that runs from November to May. As a visitor, you can enjoy not only the thrill of live horse racing but also dining and other amenities.

Can I bet on horse races online in Arizona?

Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Arizona. This is made possible through authorized online racing sites. These platforms allow you to place bets on both local and international races from the comfort of your own home. It’s a convenient way to participate in the thrill of horse racing without having to physically be at the racetrack.

How can I bet on Arizona horse racing events?

You have plenty of options to bet on Arizona horse racing events. You can go to in-person Arizona race tracks and place your bets directly. Alternatively, you can use simulcast facilities which broadcast races from various locations. Another convenient option is to bet online through authorized racing sites, allowing you to participate in the action from the comfort of your own home.

What’s the minimum age to bet on horses in Arizona?

In Arizona, you must be at least 21 years old to bet on horse races. This applies whether you are betting at a physical racetrack, a simulcast facility, or online. It’s important to ensure you meet this minimum gambling age requirement before participating in any betting activities.