In Florida, pari mutuel horse racing wagering is not only legal but also widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. You’ll find two prominent thoroughbred betting tracks in the state, both hosting notable events annually, along with several simulcast betting locations. So, let’s take a look at land-based Florida race tracks.
Address: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Phone: +1 954-454-7000
At Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, you are presented with an exciting mix of Florida horse racing, gaming, and dining experiences. This premier destination features a thoroughbred racetrack, hosting over 200 races throughout the year. Major races like the Florida Derby, Pegasus World Cup, Pegasus World Cup Turf, and Mac Diarmida Stakes take center stage, offering you numerous betting options. You can place your bets directly at the track or via the simulcast wagering center.
The races usually run from Friday to Sunday during July and August, then extend from Thursday to Sunday between September to June. In between races, you can try your luck at the casino, which boasts a range of slots and electronic table games.
To top off your day, Gulfstream Park offers a variety of dining options. From fine dining and casual eateries to quick bites and trackside dining, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your palate. And for those looking to unwind, the bars and lounges provide the perfect setting.
Address: 11225 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626
Phone: +1 813-855-4401
At Tampa Bay Downs, you’ll be treated to an exhilarating Florida horse racing experience. With live thoroughbred racing from November to May, you’ll have around 90 race days to choose from. Major races like the Tampa Bay Derby and Hillsborough Stakes are sure to provide thrilling moments. And it’s not just about watching – you can also place your bets directly at the track or via the simulcast wagering center, making the races even more exciting.
But there’s more to Tampa Bay Downs than just horse racing. Practice your swing at the golf driving range, or test your poker face in The Silks Poker Room, where you can participate in various poker tournaments and cash games.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you prefer the casual ambiance of Silks Bar and Grille, the elegance of Skye Terrace Reservations, the sporty vibe of the Sports Gallery Dining Room, or the unique experience of trackside dining, there’s something for every taste.
In this section, we guide you through an exhaustive list of all the horse race tracks that Florida has to offer.
| Name | Address | Phone Number | Betting allowed? |
| Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino | 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 | +1 954-454-7000 | Yes |
| Tampa Bay Downs | 11225 Race Track Rd, Tampa, FL 33626 | +1 813-855-4401 | Yes |
Not only is simulcast wagering legal in Florida, but it’s also widely available. Across the state, you’ll find several locations that not only offer this form of betting but also a variety of other gaming options including slots and poker tables.
Let’s explore the best simulcast wagering locations Florida has to offer:
| Betting Location | Address |
| Bestbet Jacksonville | 201 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 |
| Big Easy Casino | 831 North Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 |
| Bonita Springs Poker Room | 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 |
| Casino Miami | 3500 Northwest 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33142 |
| Club 52 | 1100 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935 |
| Creek Entertainment Gretna | 501 Racetrack Dr, Gretna, FL 32332 |
| Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club | 960 S Williamson Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 |
| Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room | 6558 Dog Track Rd, Ebro, FL 32437 |
| Harrah’s Pompano Beach | 1800 Southwest 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 |
| Magic City Casino | 450 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33125 |
| Ocala Gainesville Poker | 4601 West Highway 318, Citra, FL 32113 |
| Palm Beach Kennel Club | 1111 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 |
| Pensacola Greyhound Track & Poker Room | 951 Dog Track Rd, Pensacola, FL 32506 |
| Sanford Orlando Racebook and Sportsbar | 301 Dog Track Rd, Longwood, FL 32750 |
| The Casino @ Dania Beach | 301 E Dania Beach Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004 |
| Win! Derby | 10490 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 |
| Orange City Racing & Card Club | 822 Saxon Blvd Suite 4, Orange City, FL 32763 |
| Hialeah Park Casino | 100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL 33013 |
Florida’s calendar is packed with popular horse races. Coming up, we’ll provide you with a list of these must-see events, complete with when you can participate.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Davona Dale Stakes | March | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Mac Diarmida Stakes | February | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Florida Derby | April | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Pan American Stakes | March | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Fountain of Youth Stakes | February | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Pegasus World Cup | January | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Fort Lauderdale Stakes | December | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Pegasus World Cup Turf | February | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes | March | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Princess Rooney Stakes | July | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Gulfstream Park Oaks | March | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Tampa Bay Derby | March | Tampa Bay Downs, Florida |
| Hillsborough Stakes | March | Tampa Bay Downs, Florida |
| Holy Bull Stakes | January | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
| Inside Information Stakes | January | Gulfstream Park, Florida |
Florida offers a myriad of betting opportunities. As a bettor, you can indulge in various types of horse betting, each with its own unique thrill and strategy.
Firstly, there’s harness racing, where you can place bets on Standardbred horses as they race at a specific gait, pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. If speed is your preference, quarter horse racing is for you. These races are typically short sprints, and you can place bets on which horse will cross the finish line first.
Then there’s thoroughbred racing, the most popular type of Florida horse racing. Here, you can place various types of bets, from simple ones like ‘win’ (betting on a horse to finish first) or ‘place’ (betting on a horse to finish first or second), to more complex bets like ‘exacta’ (predicting the first two horses in exact order) or ‘trifecta’ (predicting the first three horses in exact order).
Regardless of the type of horse racing you choose, Florida offers a dynamic and exciting betting experience that caters to both novice and seasoned bettors. So, whether you’re betting for fun or strategizing for a big win, the Florida horse racing scene has something for everyone.
Uncover all you need to know about Florida gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
In 1932, during the Great Depression, you would have witnessed a significant change in the Florida horse racing scene when pari mutuel betting was legalized to generate more revenue.
Fast forward to 2022, you would have experienced the end of an era as the last Florida harness race was hosted in Pompano Park before its permanent closure. This came a year after lawmakers passed a decoupling law, allowing most casino facilities to stop hosting live races without jeopardizing their gaming licenses.
Before 2021, state law required all non-tribal casinos to feature a minimum number of live pari mutuel wagering events to maintain their gaming licenses. However, this requirement was ended via SB 8-A in 2021, leading to Pompano Park ending all harness racing the following year.
Going back to 2018, you would have seen a significant shift when the PASPA: Sports Protection Act, which made sports betting illegal in the US, was overturned.
Yes, horse racing is legal in Florida. You can enjoy a day at the races and even place bets on your favorite horses. However, it’s important to note that US gambling laws vary by state, and Florida laws have changed recently. As casinos no longer have to host live races to maintain their gaming license, the number of live racing events may have decreased.
Yes, you certainly can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through a practice known as simulcast wagering. With simulcast wagering, you can watch live horse races from various tracks around the country and place your bets accordingly. This allows you to participate in the excitement of horse racing, no matter where the race is taking place.
The largest race track in Florida is Gulfstream Park Racing. This track is not only the largest in the state, but it’s also one of the most important in the country for thoroughbred horse racing. It hosts prestigious events such as the Florida Derby and the Pegasus World Cup. So, if you’re looking for major Florida race tracks, Gulfstream Park Racing is a destination you should definitely consider.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Florida, but your options are somewhat limited. The state does not regulate online horse race betting, so you’ll need to use offshore betting sites that cater to Florida residents. It’s important to ensure that any site you use is reputable and reliable. Always remember to bet responsibly and within your means.
There are several ways you can bet on Florida horse racing events. You can visit prominent race tracks such as Gulfstream Park Racing and place your bets directly. Alternatively, there are numerous simulcast betting locations throughout the state where you can bet on races happening elsewhere. Another option is to use offshore betting sites that cater to Florida residents, giving you the flexibility to place bets from the comfort of your own home.
The gambling age by state differs, and in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old to bet on horse races. This applies whether you’re placing your bet at Florida race tracks, a simulcast betting location, or through an offshore online betting site. Always remember to practice responsible gambling and enjoy it within legal boundaries.
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