As a fan, you’ll be glad to know that betting on horse races is perfectly legal in Illinois. The state is home to a robust horse racing industry, boasting three impressive Illinois race tracks and numerous off-track betting facilities. So, whether you’re a seasoned punter or a newcomer to the scene, Illinois’ vibrant horse racing industry has something to offer you.
Address: 3501 S. Laramie, Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804
Phone: 708-880-3700
Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois offers an exciting horse racing betting experience. You can participate in popular races like the Hawthorne Gold Cup and Illinois Derby. The types of bets available are diverse, including Win, Show, Place, Across the Board, Daily Double, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta.
With seating for 5,000 people in the grandstand, you’re assured of a fantastic view. The venue also offers a mobile betting app for convenience, and both live racing events and simulcast betting are available. You can watch all the action on 50 screens, focusing solely on Thoroughbred betting. The racetrack is 1,320 feet, and the entrance fee is a modest $3.
Address: 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
Phone: 618-345-4300
Since its opening in 1925, it has hosted popular racing events like the St. Louis Derby. You can wager on live races or off-track events for just a $2 entrance fee. Bet types include Win, Place, Show, Exacta, and Trifecta.
Beyond horse racing, you can enjoy major sporting events 7 days a week at the sportsbook. For your convenience, there’s an official hotel partner, Drury Inn & Suites, offering free perks like breakfast and wifi. You can also enjoy a meal at the Top of the Turf restaurant while overlooking the racetrack.
Address: 655 Executive Dr, Du Quoin, IL 62832
Phone: 618-542-1515
At the Duquoin State Fair, you’ll be treated to an exciting harness racing experience. With 2,000 seats at the racetrack, you can comfortably place bets on live horse racing events. You can try your luck with various bet types like Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta. The thrill peaks every August when harness racing takes center stage for two days.
But that’s not all. The fair offers a plethora of entertainment options. You can enjoy funfair rides, live performances, an Open Air Horse Show, bull riding, rodeos, and a demolition derby. There’s also a variety of free shows including talent shows and more, ensuring a fun-filled experience.
Let’s take a look at a comprehensive list of all Illinois race tracks on offer.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S. Laramie, Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804 | 708-880-3700 | Yes |
| FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing | 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234 | 618-345-4300 | Yes |
| Duquoin State Fair | 655 Executive Dr, Du Quoin, IL 62832 | 618-542-1515 | Yes |
In Illinois, simulcast and off-track betting is not only legal, but it’s also widely available. This means you can place your bets on live races happening elsewhere, right from the comfort of multiple off-track betting facilities in the state. In the following list, we’ll introduce you to these locations.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Route 3 OTB | 2400 Mississippi Ave, Springfield, IL 62704 |
| Salerno’s Pizzeria and R Bar | 621 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050 |
| Club Hawthorne Evergreen Park | 2517 W 95th St, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 |
| Black Eyed Susan | 17030 Torrence Ave, Unit G, Lansing, IL 60438 |
| Trackside at Don Carter Lanes | 4007 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61108 |
| Mac’s Downtown: Time Out OTB | 315 Belle Street, Alton, IL 62002 |
| Club Hawthorne Lansing | 17030 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438 |
| Stoney Point Grill | 19031 Old LaGrange Road, Mokena, IL 60448 |
| Club Hawthorne Oakbrook Terrace OTB | 17W648 22nd Street, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 060181 |
| BloNo Pizza Co | 1304 Cross Creek Drive, Normal, IL 61761 |
| Capital Teletrack | 1766 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62704 |
| Club Hawthorne Crestwood | 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood, IL 60445 |
| Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill | 3225 N Dries Lane, Peoria, IL 61604 |
| Post Time Sports Bar & Grill OTB | 13860 Rockland Road, Green Oaks, IL 60048 |
| Trackside at Crazy Pour | 105 E North Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181 |
| Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights | 1250 S River Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 |
| Club Hawthorne Joliet | 2200 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60435 |
| The Saddle Room OTB | 2559 Pratum Ave, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 |
| Club Hawthorne Corliss | 11203 S Corliss, Chicago, IL 60628 |
| The Piazza OTB | 85 Executive Drive, Aurora, IL 60504 |
In Illinois, you’re in for a treat as the state hosts over 300 thoroughbred and standardbred race days each year. We’ve compiled a list of Illinois’s most popular horse races, complete with their dates.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| St. Louis Derby | August | FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing |
| Hawthorne Gold Cup | November | Hawthorne Race Course |
| Illinois Derby | April | Hawthorne Race Course |
There’s a whole range of betting types to choose from in Illinois. If you’re feeling confident, you might opt for a ‘Win’ bet, where you bet on a horse to finish first. ‘Place’ and ‘Show’ bets are for those who believe their chosen horse will finish in the top two or three respectively.
If you’re up for a challenge, ‘Exacta’, ‘Trifecta’, and ‘Superfecta’ bets require predicting the top two, three, or four finishers in exact order.
With a variety of races including thoroughbred, standardbred, and quarter horse racing, there’s a wealth of opportunities to place your bets in Illinois.
Read all about the Illinois gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
You might be interested to know that Illinois has a long-standing tradition in horse racing. The Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, which legalized horse racing betting, was a pivotal moment in this history. Since then, the Illinois Racing Board has been responsible for overseeing live racing and pari mutuel wagering.
In 2009, lawmakers took another significant step by passing SB 1298, which formally legalized advance deposit wagering (online betting). Although online Illinois horse racing betting was already available, this law allowed the state to tax it, providing a boost to the local horse racing industry.
It’s also important to remember the impact of the PASPA: Sports Protection Act on the sports betting landscape in Illinois and across the US.
As US gambling laws by state vary, it’s important to understand the regulations in your home state. Illinois horse racing is perfectly legal, and the Illinois Racing Board oversees all live racing and pari mutuel betting. Furthermore, online betting on horse racing is also legal in Illinois, thanks to the passing of SB 1298 in 2009.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is possible through the range of simulcast wagering locations available in many states, including Illinois. These locations allow you to place bets on races happening in other states, providing a broader range of betting opportunities.
The largest horse race track in Illinois is Hawthorne Race Track. Spanning over a vast area of 119 acres, it offers you an unparalleled horse racing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual spectator, this iconic track provides an exciting atmosphere for everyone.
Yes, you certainly can bet on horse races online in Illinois. The state allows for Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), which is a form of online betting. With ADW, you can fund an account and use those funds to place bets on horse races.
There are several ways you can bet on Illinois horse racing events. Firstly, you can place your bet in person at Illinois race tracks. Secondly, you can visit off-track betting facilities which allow you to wager on races without being at the actual racecourse. Lastly, you can use advance deposit wagering, which is a form of online betting where you fund an account and use those funds to place bets online.
The legal minimum gambling age by state varies, and in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old to bet on horse races. This applies whether you’re betting in person at a race track, at an off-track betting facility, or online through advance deposit wagering. Always remember to practice responsible gambling and play within legal guidelines.
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