Delaware Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in DE

Learn about Delaware's race tracks and legal horse race betting options

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You’ll be pleased to know that betting on horse races is completely legal in Delaware. You can place your wagers in person at any of the three operating racetracks, all of which also offer simulcasting. If you prefer betting from the comfort of your home, online Delaware horse racing betting is also permitted and provided by several major operators.

Most Popular Delaware Race Tracks

Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots

Address: 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804
Phone: 302-994-2521

Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots is a historic venue that’s been serving up horse racing since 1937. As you step onto the grounds, you’re immersed in the atmosphere of the 1-mile racetrack, surrounded by 18,000 seats filled with spectators.

Delaware Park

You can enjoy live Delaware horse racing and simulcast betting seven days a week, with no entrance fee. The track hosts both thoroughbred and regular Arabian races, offering a diverse betting experience. You can try your luck with a variety of bets, including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and more.

The racing season runs from May to November, featuring 85 days of races. When you’re not watching the horses, you can explore the casino, featuring 1,900 slots, table games, and poker. With a poker bar, sports bar, and several dining options, there’s something for everyone.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort

Address: 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 800-711-5882

Step onto the 1-mile oval racetrack, home to thrilling harness, thoroughbred, and standardbred racing. With no entrance fee and 85,000 seats, plus an on-site casino.

You can place your bets on live racing events from November to March, or enjoy simulcast betting all year round. With options like Place, Show, Win, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, and Pick 3, you’re spoiled for choice.

Ballys Dover

Beyond the racetrack, explore the casino’s 2,000 slots, table games, and a 250-seat sportsbook. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, there’s something for everyone. After an exciting day, retreat to one of the 500 hotel rooms and suites for a restful night.

Harrington Raceway & Casino

Address: 15 West Rider Road, Harrington, DE 19952
Phone: 888-887-5687

At Harrington Raceway & Casino you can enjoy both live and simulcast betting on thrilling thoroughbred and harness racing events. With no entrance fee, you’re welcomed onto a 2640 ft long racetrack with 3,600 seats and 50 screens, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.

Choose from a variety of betting options including Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Super Hi-Five, and Multi-Race. Whether you’re a fan of Single-race or Double bets, or fancy trying your hand at Exotic betting wagers, there’s something for every betting enthusiast.

Harrington Raceway

When you’re ready for a change of pace, head over to the casino and try your luck at one of the 1,300 slots or table games. For sports fans, there’s a sportsbook to keep you entertained.

Choose from a variety of dining options including Grab and Go, Murphy’s Sports Bar, or the Clubhouse. As the day winds down, enjoy live stage shows, local bands, and more.

List of All Horse Race Tracks in Delaware

Check out our comprehensive list of all the Delaware race tracks.

RacetrackAddressPhone NumberBetting Allowed?
Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804302-994-2521Yes
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901302-674-4600Yes
Harrington Raceway & Casino15 West Rider Road, Harrington, DE 19952888-887-5687Yes

Simulcast Wagering in Delaware

While there are no facilities in the state that exclusively offer off-track betting, simulcast wagering is perfectly legal in Delaware. Rest assured, all of the Delaware race tracks come equipped with full simulcasting capabilities.

Betting LocationAddress
Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Harrington Raceway & Casino15 West Rider Road, Harrington, DE 19952

Popular Horse Races in Delaware with Dates

The Delaware horse racing calendar is packed with action, especially at Delaware Park, which hosts two major events each year. This list will guide you through these popular horse races, providing you with the dates they are held.

Horse RacesRacing DatesWhere to Bet
Delaware HandicapJulyDelaware Park
Delaware OaksJulyDelaware Park

Types of Horse Betting in Delaware

In Delaware, you’ll find a diverse range of horse betting options to indulge in. Whether you’re backing a horse to Win, Place, or Show, or going for more complex bets like Quinella, Trifecta, Daily Double, or Pick 3, the choice is yours. Pari mutuel betting is also widely available throughout the state.

There is also an exciting array of options with quarter horse racing, standardbred, harness, Arabian, and thoroughbred betting all available. So, whether you’re a seasoned punter or a novice, Delaware’s horse betting scene offers a mix of races and bet types to keep you engaged and entertained.

Other Types of Gambling in Delaware

Read all about Delaware gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

History of Delaware Horse Racing

It all started in 1933 with the formation of The Delaware Racing Commission. By 1935, Delaware was granting licenses for selling pools through pari mutuel wagering machines, and betting was allowed for horse races.

The Delaware Steeplechase and Race Association (DSRA), formed in 1936, dedicated itself to the breeding and promotion of thoroughbred racehorses. Their advocacy, along with the Racing Commission, led to the Delaware House and Senate passing a bill in 1937 to allow 30 horse racing days a year, marking the start of live horse racing at Delaware Park.

In 1946, Harrington Raceway began hosting race meets annually, earning the distinction of being America’s oldest continuously operating harness racing facility.

Fast forward to 2017, lawmakers introduced HB251, aiming to legalize and regulate advance deposit wagering providers. Although the bill didn’t make it out of committee, the overturning of PASPA in 2018 allowed futures betting and single-game bets to be introduced, adding another exciting chapter to the Delaware horse racing history.

Delaware Gambling FAQ

Is Delaware horse racing legal?

As US gambling laws differ by state, it is important to know the rules in your specific location. In Delaware, horse racing is legal, and you can enjoy live horse racing at a few venues.

Can I bet on horse races in other states?

Absolutely, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through the three simulcast betting facilities in Delaware. These facilities broadcast races from across the country, allowing you to place bets on races happening outside of Delaware. It’s a great way to get involved in the wider world of horse racing.

What’s the largest race track in Delaware?

The largest of Delaware race tracks is Delaware Park. You’ll find it in Stanton, where it’s been a fixture since 1937. It’s not just the largest, but also one of the most prominent horse racing venues in the state, hosting numerous high-profile races throughout the year. Its expansive size and rich history make it a must-visit for any horse racing enthusiast.

Can I bet on horse races online in Delaware?

Yes, you can certainly bet on horse races online in Delaware. It’s completely legal, and some of the largest operators cater specifically to Delaware residents. These platforms allow you to place bets from the comfort of your own home or on the go, making it a convenient option for horse racing enthusiasts. Just make sure to place bets responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the races.

How can I bet on Delaware horse racing events?

Betting on Delaware horse racing events can be done in several ways. You can place your bets in person at racetracks during live events. Alternatively, you can go to simulcast and off-track betting facilities where you can bet on races happening elsewhere. Additionally, online betting is a convenient option, with several platforms offering services specifically for Delaware residents.

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

You must be at least 21 years old to bet on horse races at Delaware race tracks. This applies whether you’re betting at a racetrack, off-track betting facility, or through an online platform. Please ensure you meet the minimum age requirement for gambling before participating in any betting activities.

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