Colorado offers a unique experience with its singular, standalone horse race track. Despite having just one venue, the state’s legal framework fully supports and encourages betting on horse races, making it not just legal, but a celebrated part of Colorado’s culture.
Though the state boasts just one standalone race track, it’s a venue that has garnered much attention and acclaim. Check out the below review to give you a firsthand look at what to expect from the state’s singular Colorado horse racing venue.
Address: 26000 Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016
Phone: 303-690-2400
Arapahoe Park is Colorado’s only horse racing track. From May to August every year, the park buzzes with live horse racing, featuring a mix of thoroughbred, Arabian, and quarter horse racing. The schedule is convenient with races held on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The betting options are extensive, catering to both novice and experienced punters. You can place your bets on Win, Place, Show, Quinella, Daily Double, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Triple, Across the Board, and more. Not only does Arapahoe Park offer live racing, but it also hosts simulcast betting, adding an extra layer of excitement.
The racetrack, a full mile in length, first opened its gates in 1992 and is owned by Bally’s Corporation. The general admission is a mere $5, with free entry for those under 18. Free parking is also available, making your visit hassle-free.
When hunger strikes, you have dining options like the Concession Stand, Outside Grill, and Bar. Each year, the park hosts popular races such as the Mile High Derby, Gold Rush Futurity, Rocky Mountain Futurity, and Lucille Rowe Derby.
Colorado is home to just one operational horse racing track, and we’re about to provide all the details you need to know about it.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone number | Betting Allowed? |
| Arapahoe Park | 26000 Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016 | 303-690-2400 | Yes |
In Colorado, you’ll find that simulcast wagering is legal. This form of betting allows you to place wagers on horse races happening all over the country, right from the comfort of your local facility. The state is home to a plethora of off-track betting locations, giving you ample opportunities to get in on the action.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Arapahoe Park | 26000 Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016 |
| El Bandido Nightclub | 618 25th Street, Garden City, CO 80631 |
| Elevated Stakes OTB at Union Station | 2419 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 |
| Bally’s Black Hawk Casino | 300 Main St, Blackhawk, CO 80422 |
| Havana Park | 10750 E Iliff Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014 |
| Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon | 2716 E Mulberry Street Ft. Collins, CO 80524 |
| The Mirage | 8340 W. Coal Mine Ave, Littleton, CO 80123 |
| Bank 8 Billiards Hall | 2460 Patterson, Unit 3, Grand Junction, CO 81505 |
| Off to the Races OTB | 1227 S Prairie Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005 |
| Celtic on Market | 1400 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202 |
| Pick Six Lounge at Mirage Sports Bar & Grill | 9249 S Broadway 200-323, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 |
| Odds on OTB | 5390 Sheridan Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 |
| Ultimate Sports OTB @ In the Zone | 15600 W. 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403 |
If you’re a fan of Colorado horse racing, the state offers a host of popular races throughout the year that you won’t want to miss. Check out the most popular horse races below:
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Mile High Futurity | August | Arapahoe Park |
| Gold Rush Futurity | August | Arapahoe Park |
| Mile High Derby | August | Arapahoe Park |
| Arapahoe Park Classic | August | Arapahoe Park |
| Cherry Creek Futurity | June | Arapahoe Park |
| Rocky Mountain Futurity | June | Arapahoe Park |
| Lucille Rowe Derby | June | Arapahoe Park |
| Rocky Mountain Derby | June | Arapahoe Park |
In Colorado, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to horse betting. Whether you’re enjoying Arabian, quarter horse, or thoroughbred betting at the state’s standalone racetrack, a wide variety of betting types are available.
You can place a simple Win, Place, or Show bet, or try your luck with more complex bets like Exacta, Trifecta, or Superfecta. For those looking for even more excitement, there’s the Triple, Across the Board, and Daily Double bets. Each type of bet offers a unique way to engage with the races and potentially win big.
Check out all there is to know about Colorado gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
Your journey into the history of Colorado horse racing begins in 1948 when pari mutuel wagering was legalized through the Colorado Gambling on Horse and Animal Races amendment. Fast forward to 1950, and the first of Colorado race tracks opened its gates.
Harness racing was introduced in 1974, but it wasn’t very popular and lasted only three years. Today, there’s just one out of the three Colorado race tracks remaining. Over the years, two other tracks, Centennial Race Track and Pikes Peak Meadows, have come and gone.
PASPA: Sports Protection Act was lifted in 2018, marking another significant moment in Colorado horse racing history.
US gambling laws by state vary, but horse racing is legal in Colorado. In fact, pari mutuel wagering was legalized in the state way back in 1948. You can enjoy live racing at the state’s only remaining racetrack, Arapahoe Park. Additionally, off-track betting and online horse race betting are also permitted in Colorado.
Yes, you certainly can bet on horse races in other states while in Colorado. This is made possible through off-track betting (OTB) locations. These OTB locations allow you to place wagers on races happening across the country, not just in Colorado.
The largest race track in Colorado is Arapahoe Park. As there is only one racetrack in the state, Arapahoe Park holds this distinction. It is located in Aurora, Colorado, and hosts live horse racing events throughout the summer months.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Colorado. This is possible due to the allowance of advance deposit wagering in the state. However, please be aware that all providers of online horse racing betting apps must be approved by the Colorado Division of Racing Events, and they can only offer pari mutuel betting.
You have several options to bet on Colorado horse racing events. You can place your bets directly at the state’s racetrack, Arapahoe Park. If you can’t make it to the track, simulcast betting facilities are available where you can bet on races happening elsewhere. Lastly, you can use approved online betting apps within the state for a convenient and accessible betting experience.
The legal US gambling age by state will vary, but in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old to bet on horse races. This applies whether you’re betting at Colorado race tracks, a simulcast betting facility, or using an online betting app. Always remember to practice responsible gambling.
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