You’ll find that Maryland boasts several top-notch race tracks and off-track betting facilities, providing ample opportunities for enthusiasts and bettors alike. You’ll be pleased to know that pari mutuel horse racing betting is completely legal here, making the state a haven for those who enjoy the thrill of the bet.
Address: 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: 410-542-9400
Pimlico Race Course is a renowned venue hosting both harness and thoroughbred betting. You can place a variety of bets such as Win, Place, Show, Exacta, and even Superfecta, with live racing and simulcast betting options available.
The 9.5-furlong racetrack, with a seating capacity of 15,000, comes alive each May, hosting races on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Notably, Pimlico is home to the prestigious Preakness Stakes.
You can enjoy trackside views from the Clubhouse’s indoor and outdoor seating, or opt for a private suite with chef-curated menus and views of the home stretch and finish line. The Turfside Terrace offers finish line views, while Preakness Live provides entertainment, unlimited drinks, and excellent racetrack views. Other popular races hosted here include the Pimlico Special Stakes and Maryland Sprint Stakes.
Address: 3600 Ft Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20725
Phone: 301-725-0400
Laurel Park hosts both harness and thoroughbred racing, offering a wide array of bet types such as Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Quinella, Double, and more. You’ll be thrilled by the live racing hosted year-round and the simulcast betting available throughout the week.
The 1-mile and 600-foot oval racetrack has 500 seats, and admission is free. You’ll appreciate the convenience of free and valet parking. When it’s time for a break, you can enjoy an array of dining options, from hot dogs and burgers to gourmet meals. Don’t miss out on popular races like the Barbara Fritchie Stakes.
Address: 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: 410-641-0600
At Ocean Downs, you’re in for an exciting Maryland horse racing experience. Harness racing is the star here, with live racing and simulcast betting on a 1/2-mile racetrack. You can place bets like Win, Place, Show, Across the Board, Exacta, Trifecta, and more, right from the convenience of a mobile betting app.
The grandstand offers 4,650 seats, while the clubhouse provides an additional 350 seats. A free shuttle bus service from partnering hotels is available on weekends. The horse racing season runs from June to September, offering a mix of qualifying, training, and racing days.
Beyond racing, there’s a casino with 850 slots, table games, and video poker across 70,000 square feet of gaming space. And when hunger strikes, various dining options are at your disposal.
Address: 6336 Rosecroft Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Phone: 301-567-4500
Offering live and simulcast betting, this 5/8 mile track is the perfect place for harness racing enthusiasts. You can place bets such as Win, Place, Show, Across the Board, Daily Double, Exacta, Trifecta, and more.
With no entrance fee, you can enjoy the races from the comfort of the 6,000-seat Clubhouse or the 2,500-seat Grandstand. The racing season kicks off in September with qualifier entries, and races are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday through December.
Address: 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093
Phone: 410-252-0200
For just a $4 entrance fee, you can take in the excitement of live and simulcast thoroughbred racing from the Grandstand. The 5/8 mile track offers a variety of betting options including Win, Place, Show, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, and more.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the racetrack. You can also explore the casino, exhibitions, motorcycle racing, sack races, competitions, fairs, and other attractions. Running from August through September, with 7 race days, your admission to the fair includes access to the racetrack, ensuring a full day of entertainment.
Explore all the premier Maryland race tracks that are available.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Pimlico Race Course | 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 | 410-542-9400 | Yes |
| Laurel Park | 3600 Ft Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20725 | 301-725-0400 | Yes |
| Ocean Downs | 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811 | 410-641-0600 | Yes |
| Fair Hill Races | 402 Fair Hill Dr, Elkton, MD 21922 | 410-398-2578 | Yes |
| Rosecroft Raceway | 6336 Rosecroft Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | 301-567-4500 | Yes |
| Timonium Race Course | 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093 | 410-252-0200 | Yes |
Here are the top simulcast betting locations in Maryland.
| Betting Location | Address |
| MGM National Harbor Casino | 7100 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 |
| Hollywood Casino Perryville | 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903 |
| Long Shot’s | 5400 Holiday Dr, Frederick, MD 21703 |
| Timonium Fairgrounds | 2200 York Road, Lutherville, MD 21093 |
| Jockey Bar and Grill | 7700 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 |
| Greenmount Station | 1631 N Main St, Hampstead, MD 21074 |
| Riverboard on the Potomac | 301 Beach Terrace, Colonial Beach, 22443 |
| Horseshoe Baltimore Casino | 1525 Russell St, Baltimore, MD 21230 |
| Pimlico Race Course | Hayward Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 |
Each year, Maryland horse racing brings a host of world-class races. This includes the renowned Preakness Stakes, a highlight on the annual racing calendar. As we guide you through this list of popular horse races, you’ll discover not just the events, but their respective dates as well.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Barbara Fritchie Stakes | February | Laurel Park |
| General George Stakes | February | Laurel Park |
| Maryland Sprint Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Dinner Party Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Allaire duPont Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Chick Lang Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Gallorette Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Pimlico Special Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Preakness Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| George E Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Miss Preakness Stakes | May | Pimlico Race Course |
| Baltimore International Turf Cup Stakes | September | Pimlico Race Course |
In Maryland, a variety of legal horse betting options await you. You can place a ‘Win’ bet on the horse you think will come first, a ‘Place’ bet for a horse to finish either first or second, or a ‘Show’ bet for a horse to finish in the top three. ‘Exacta’, ‘Trifecta’, and ‘Superfecta’ bets allow you to predict the top two, three, or four finishers in exact order.
For a more extended challenge, ‘Daily Double’ and ‘Pick 3/4/5/6’ bets require you to select the winners of consecutive races. You can wager on a variety of horse types, including thoroughbreds, standardbreds, and quarter horse racing, ensuring a diverse and exciting betting experience.
Take a closer look at the Maryland gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
Maryland horse racing has a rich history that dates back to 1920 when the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) was established. This body was tasked with overseeing all racing and pari mutuel betting in the state, including simulcast betting. As a participant in the horse racing industry, whether you’re a trainer, jockey, or even a concessionaire, you need to be licensed by the MRC.
In 2008, Maryland made a significant move by passing legislation to allow slots at various racetracks. As a breeder, you stood to benefit from this, as 7% of all gaming revenue was directed to breeders. This was followed by the opening of the first racino at Ocean Downs in 2011.
Your ability to bet on horse racing in Maryland was further influenced by the PASPA: Sports Protection Act. This federal law, which was repealed in 2018, had previously restricted sports betting, including horse racing, to certain states.
In 2009, SB119 extended the Maryland Horse Racing Act, ensuring its continuation until July 2014. After a two-year hiatus, harness racing returned to Ocean Downs in June 2011. Just a few months later, in August, Rosecroft Raceway reopened its racetrack after a year of closure.
In January 2011, HB1039 was introduced, which gave the state the right of refusal on the sale of Bowie Racetrack and directed the thoroughbred and standardbred industries to negotiate over sharing crossbreed simulcasting revenue. This legislation shaped the landscape of horse racing in Maryland, ensuring a thriving industry for you to enjoy today.
All US gambling laws by state vary, so it’s important to take note of the rules in your area. Horse racing is legal in Maryland, and the state offers a variety of horse racing betting opportunities, including physical Maryland race tracks, simulcast and off-track betting facilities, and advance deposit wagering online.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states. Simulcast betting allows you to place bets on live races happening in different locations, even if they’re in another state. You can enjoy the excitement of horse racing and betting, regardless of where the race is physically taking place. Remember to follow all rules and regulations and practice responsible gambling.
The largest race track in Maryland is the Pimlico Race Course. Located in Baltimore, Pimlico is home to the Preakness Stakes, which is the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing. The track itself is a one-mile oval, and the facility has a seating capacity of approximately 14,000. It’s a historic venue that’s been hosting races since 1870, making it a must-visit for any horse racing enthusiast.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Maryland. Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) providers offer pari mutuel wagering on races not only within the state but also across the world. These platforms allow you to fund an account and place bets directly from your computer or mobile device. It’s a convenient way to participate in the excitement of horse racing, no matter where the race is taking place.
There are several ways you can bet on Maryland horse racing events. You can visit the Maryland race tracks in person and place your bets directly. Alternatively, you can participate in simulcast wagering, which allows you to bet on live races from other locations. Lastly, you can also place bets online through licensed Advance Deposit Wagering platforms, which provide the convenience of betting from your own home or on the go.
In Maryland, the minimum gambling age to bet on horse races is 18 years old. This means you must be at least 18 years of age to place a bet on a horse racing event, whether you’re doing so in person at a racetrack, through simulcast wagering, or online via an Advance Deposit Wagering platform.
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