As an enthusiast, you may already know that pari-mutuel wagering on live Kansas horse racing and simulcast wagering are both legal in the state. However, it might surprise you to learn that currently, there are no live horse race tracks or simulcast betting facilities operating in the state. In this article, we’ll delve into the legal gambling situation and the history of Kansas horse racing in the state, exploring why the tracks are missing and what the future may hold.
There are currently no live Kansas race tracks in the state. But the neighboring state of Nebraska is ready to cater to your racing desires, boasting five live horse race tracks. So, let’s dive into our list of reviews for some of these popular Nebraska tracks.
Address: Agricultural Park 822, 15th St, Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: 402-562-8009
Columbus Exposition & Racing offers a top-notch horse racing experience, with live races and a convenient mobile betting app. You’ll have a variety of bet types at your fingertips, including Win, Place, Show, and Exotic bets like Superfecta, Trifecta, and Exacta.
The racing season is short but sweet, spanning September and October with 11 thrilling race days. With 4,000 seats available, you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the 5/8 mile track that hosts thoroughbred betting.
Admission is free, leaving you more to spend on their state-of-the-art casino. This impressive 40,000-square-foot facility features 400 slots and 20 table games, ensuring an exciting experience beyond the racetrack.
Address: 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801
Phone: 308-382-4515
At Fonner Park, you’re in for an exhilarating horse racing experience. With live racing and simulcast betting, you have a wide array of bet types including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Superfecta, and Trifecta.
The 5/8 mile racetrack, hosting thoroughbred races from February to May, is a sight to behold from any of the 5,800 seats. You can watch the live action on 170 screens.
Beyond racing, Fonner Park hosts hundreds of events including the Nebraska State Fair. If you fancy a spin at the casino, there are 650 slots, 20 table games, and a sportsbook to keep you entertained.
Address: 6303 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117
Phone: 402-731-2900
Live racing, simulcast betting, and a mobile betting app provide diverse betting options including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Superfecta, Trifecta, and Daily Double. The 5/8 mile oval racetrack, hosting thoroughbred races, can be viewed from any of the 700 screens.
For just $5, you can enjoy the action up close. The park also features three bars for your enjoyment and offers venue hire for public events. The excitement doesn’t stop as simulcast wagering is open seven days a week, all year round. Just remember, you must be at least 19 to wager on horses.
As there are currently no open live Kansas race tracks, let’s turn our attention to the horse racing in neighboring Nebraska.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Columbus Exposition & Racing | Agricultural Park 822, 15th St, Columbus, NE 68601 | 402-562-8009 | Yes |
| Horsemen’s Park | 6303 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117 | 402-731-2900 | Yes |
| Lincoln Race Course | 7055 S. 1st Street, Lincoln, NE 68512 | 402-474-5371 | Yes |
| Fonner Park | 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801 | 308-382-4515 | Yes |
| Fairplay Park | 947 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE 68901 | 402-463-2331 | Yes |
Despite the absence of live Kansas race tracks, you’re not left out of the thrilling world of horse race betting. Kansas offers a multitude of opportunities to place your bets on some of the most popular horse races. This list provides you with key dates and races that you can wager on.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Preakness Stakes | May | Online |
| Kentucky Derby | May | Online |
| Belmont Stakes | June | Online |
| Breeders Cup | November | Online |
| Santa Anita Handicap | March | Online |
| Santa Anita Derby | April | Online |
You can legally place a variety of bets on Kansas horse racing, even though there are currently no open live race tracks or simulcast betting facilities in the state. From the traditional Win, Place, and Show bets to more complex Exotic bets like Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, and more, there’s something for everyone.
You’re not limited to just one type of horse either. You can bet on quarter horse racing, thoroughbred, and standardbred. Although only racetracks are permitted to offer simulcast wagering in Kansas, don’t let that deter you. The neighboring states with open live horse tracks offer a great alternative for your betting needs.
Take a closer look at Kansas gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
Kansas horse racing history is a complex one. Back in 1986, Kansas voters amended Article 15 of the Kansas Constitution, allowing pari mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing. Following this, in 1987, the state legislature passed the Kansas Pari Mutuel Racing Act, leading to the creation of the Kansas Racing Commission to regulate the racing industry.
By 1992, pari mutuel wagering on simulcast races was authorized, marking a significant development in the industry. However, in 2008, despite slots at racetracks being authorized, no racetracks could negotiate a contract with the Kansas Lottery due to the excessively high tax. This led to the closure of both horse racing tracks in the state that same year.
In 2018, the PASPA: Sports Protection Act was overturned by the Supreme Court. However, this had no effect on the horse racing industry in Kansas as horse racing betting remained legal.
In 2015, a state Senate committee approved a bill to reduce the tax from 40% to 22%, hinting at a possible revival of the industry. Yet, as of now, Kansas lacks an established horse racing industry.
Pari mutuel betting on horses is legal, but there are no open horse race tracks or simulcast betting facilities, and all licenses for horse racing betting have either lapsed or been revoked. The law only permits licensed racetracks to operate off-track betting facilities, and with the closure of all Kansas race tracks, there are currently no such facilities in the state.
US gambling laws by state are all different, so it’s important to look into the rules in your area. Kansas horse racing is legal and you can engage in pari mutuel wagering on horse races. However, it’s important to note that while the activity is permitted, there are currently no open horse race tracks in the state. This means that while you can legally bet on horse races, there are no facilities within Kansas where such races are held.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states even if you are in Kansas. Despite the lack of physical facilities for simulcast betting in the state, you can still participate in wagering through online betting sites. These platforms allow you to place bets on horse races happening across the country, and even internationally, from the comfort of your own home.
Currently, there are no open horse race tracks in Kansas for you to visit. Over the years, the state has seen a decline in this industry, leading to the closure of all its horse race tracks. While the activity is legal, there are unfortunately no operational facilities at the moment where you can watch or bet on live horse races.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Kansas. Even though there are no operational horse race tracks in the state, you can still enjoy this activity through online betting platforms. These sites allow you to place bets on races happening all over the country and even internationally.
Even though there are no active horse racing events in Kansas due to the closure of all horse race tracks, you can still bet on horse races online. You can use online betting platforms to place bets on races happening in other states or even internationally. Alternatively, you could also visit nearby states where horse racing is active to place your bets. Always remember to gamble responsibly.
In Kansas, the minimum gambling age for horse racing betting, whether online or in person, is 21 years old. It’s important to adhere to this age restriction to ensure legal and responsible gambling. Always remember to check and follow the gambling laws in your state.
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