If you’re a horse racing enthusiast, you might find the Peach State less than accommodating. Here, you won’t find any racetracks, off-track betting facilities, or even the option to place a bet on a horse race. This is due to the Georgia Constitution’s firm prohibition against most forms of gambling, including all forms of horse racing betting. In this article, we’ll highlight how you can still enjoy placing bets on horse races.
Despite its rich history and love for sports, the Peach State currently hosts no such facilities due to its stringent gambling laws. If you’re a fan of horse racing betting, your best bet would be to take a trip to a neighboring state like Kentucky, renowned for its multitude of race tracks and major horse racing events.
Address: 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: 270-586-7778
Kentucky Downs is one of the most exclusive thoroughbred horse racing meets in North America. With no entrance fee, you’re free to explore the grounds which boast both a racetrack and gaming area, offering a blend of live racing, simulcast, and off-track betting.
The racetrack, unique in its kidney shape with a right-hand bend, is one of the longest in the nation, stretching one mile and five-sixteenths in length. It’s also home to America’s only all-turf racetrack, which hosts thoroughbred racing including Grade I, II, and III. The types of bets available range from Win, Place, Show, to Pick 5, providing a diverse betting experience.
Despite only hosting races seven days in the year, Kentucky Downs features major horse races each season, including the famed Kentucky Derby. But the fun doesn’t stop at the track. The resort also features several bars where you can unwind with a drink or enjoy a meal, adding to the overall experience. The combination of thrilling horse racing and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes Kentucky Downs an unforgettable destination for both novice and seasoned horse racing enthusiasts.
Address: 3300 Highway 41 N, Henderson, KY 42420
Phone: 812-4251456
This renowned sportsbook in Kentucky is a hub for thoroughbred horse racing, hosting Grade I, II, and III races. With 30 screens dedicated to the racetrack, you won’t miss a moment of the action.
The racetrack itself is impressive, featuring 1.125 miles of dirt and a 1-mile turf, catering to different racing styles. With a seating capacity of 6,000, the atmosphere is electric. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a novice, the variety of bets available, including Win, Place, Show, and Pick 3, offers something for everyone.
Beyond the racetrack, Ellis Park also houses a gaming area for casino games, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Since its establishment in 1992, Ellis Park has been offering an unparalleled racing and betting experience.
Address: 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510
Phone: 859-254-3412
This iconic venue offers live and simulcast betting on Grade I, II, and III thoroughbred races, held on a 1.05-mile dirt and 0.875-mile turf track. With a 20,000-seat capacity, the atmosphere is thrilling.
For just $7 general admission or a $40 season pass, you can be part of the action. Take a punt on a Win, Place, Trifecta, or Exacta bet. Experience the excitement of their April and October meets, and enjoy the traditions of racing all year round.
As a resident or visitor in Georgia, it’s important to note that betting on horse races is not legal in the state. This prohibition extends to both simulcast and off-track betting. Consequently, you won’t find any simulcast betting facilities available in Georgia.
While there may not be any Georgia race tracks or simulcast wagering, don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm for Georgia horse racing. You can still enjoy this pastime by using offshore sites or visiting neighboring states where betting is legal.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of major horse races that you can place your bets on.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Kentucky Derby | May | Kentucky Downs |
| Preakness Stakes | May | Online |
| Belmont Stakes | June | Online |
| Grand National | April | Online |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | March | Online |
| Melbourne Cup | November | Online |
| Breeders Cup | November | Online |
Despite the lack of Georgia race tracks, due to horse racing betting not being legal, you still have options. By visiting offshore betting sites or neighboring states where betting is legal, you can partake in the excitement.
You can place a variety of bets such as Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, and even engage in Pari Mutuel wagering. Not only that, but you also have the opportunity to bet on a wide range of horse races including thoroughbred, standardbred, and quarter horse racing.
Read more about Georgia gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
PASPA: Sports Protection Act was a significant federal law in the United States that effectively outlawed sports betting nationwide, excluding a few states. However, this law was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018, paving the way for individual states to legalize sports betting if they choose to do so.
Despite the repeal of PASPA, Georgia has remained steadfast in its anti-gambling stance. This includes not only sports betting but also horse racing betting.
Georgia horse racing has a complex history. The Interstate Horse Racing Act legalized accepting horse wagers in the U.S., leaving the decision to individual states. This means that US gambling laws by state vary. Georgia has historically opted not to offer horse racing betting due to its anti-gambling sentiments.
Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to pass regulated horse racing betting. In 2019, State Senator Brandon Beach introduced a bill authorizing horse racing and pari mutuel betting. Despite its potential, the bill failed to gain the necessary support and died in committee.
In 2022, two bills were introduced that aimed to legalize horse racing betting, authorize up to five Georgia race tracks, and allocate tax revenues to education and healthcare. These were Senate Resolution 131 and Senate Bill 212. The former proposed an amendment to the Georgia Constitution, allowing voters to decide on the legalization of horse racing betting. The latter aimed to establish the Georgia Horse Racing Commission to regulate the activity if approved by voters.
In 2023, another bill, SB57, was introduced. While it primarily focused on sports betting, it included fixed odds horse wagering. Unfortunately, it did not pass into legislation.
Despite these setbacks, the fight for legal Georgia racing continues. The Georgia Horse Racing Coalition persistently advocates for thoroughbred betting in the state. While there is considerable support for legal horse racing betting, it also faces substantial opposition. Therefore, it remains to be seen when or if Georgia will legalize horse betting.
As of now, horse racing is not legal in Georgia. Despite several attempts to legalize it, none have garnered the necessary support to change the current laws. This includes the bills introduced in 2019 and 2022.
Yes, you have options if you want to bet on horse races while residing in Georgia. One option is to use offshore betting sites that are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Alternatively, you can visit nearby states where horse racing betting is legal and place your bets there. Always ensure to follow all legal guidelines and restrictions when participating in such activities.
Currently, there are no legal horse racing tracks in Georgia due to the state’s prohibition of horse racing. Therefore, you won’t find any large Georgia race tracks within the state. If you’re interested in horse racing, you might need to visit neighboring states that allow such activities. Always ensure to check the local laws and regulations before participating.
Yes, even though there are no state-licensed betting sites in Georgia, you still have options. Offshore betting sites are a viable alternative for placing bets on horse races online. These sites are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, allowing you to bet from Georgia. Always ensure to follow all legal guidelines and restrictions when participating in such activities.
While horse racing betting isn’t offered in Georgia, you have a couple of options. You can visit nearby states where betting on horse racing is legal and participate there. Alternatively, you can use offshore betting sites that are not under U.S. jurisdiction, allowing you to place bets on horse races. Always remember to abide by all legal guidelines and restrictions when betting and practice responsible gambling.
The minimum gambling age by state varies and in Georgia, the minimum age to bet on horse races is 18 years old. This means you must be at least 18 years old to participate in any form of horse racing betting, whether it’s in person or through offshore betting sites. Always ensure you meet the age requirement before participating in such activities.
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