As an enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Massachusetts horse racing and pari mutuel wagering are not only legal but also well-regulated in this state. The Division of Racing under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the governing body ensuring fair play and integrity in this beloved sport. So, let’s explore the Massachusetts race tracks on offer.
Address: 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-576-4500
Plainridge Park Race Track is the only live racetrack in Massachusetts. Attached to the bustling Plainridge Park Casino, this 5/8 mile long track offers live harness racing during the racing season which is between April to November. Typically, races are hosted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with additional races on Sundays in late September and October.
Operated by Penn National Gaming, the track offers both live harness racing and simulcast wagering, seven days a week. The casino, which holds the state’s only slots license, features a variety of games including video blackjack, video poker, other electronic games, plus over 1,000 slot machines.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, you’ll find a variety of betting options including Win, Place, Show, Daily Double, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and more. Plus, a mobile betting app is available for your convenience.
After the races, enjoy a meal at one of the multiple restaurants, both trackside and inside the casino. Whether you prefer the Dark Horse Bar or the Home Stretch food truck, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the details for the only live race track in Massachusetts – Plainridge Park.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Plainridge Park Race Track | 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 | 508-576-4500 | Yes |
Take a look below at all the simulcast and off-track betting facilities that are available in Massachusetts.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Raynham Park | 1958 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767 |
| Suffolk Downs | 525 McClellan Highway, Boston, MA 02128 |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 |
Experience Massachusetts horse racing with this list of popular events. Each event is hosted in Massachusetts’ only horse race track and offers its own unique blend of speed and strategy.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Paul Revere Pace | April | Plainridge Park |
| Battle of Bunker Hill Trot | May | Plainridge Park |
| Spirit of Massachusetts Trot | July | Plainridge Park |
| Clara Barton Pace | July | Plainridge Park |
In Massachusetts, horse betting offers a thrilling array of options. You can place a variety of bets including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Daily Double. Each type of bet offers a unique challenge and potential for big winnings.
While live harness racing is the only type of live racing in the state, you’re not limited to just that. Through simulcast betting facilities, you can place bets on a range of races including thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Additionally, the state offers online betting in the form of advance deposit wagering, giving you even more ways to join in the excitement.
Read all about Massachusetts gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
Massachusetts horse racing has a rich history, dating back to 1934 when pari mutuel wagering was legalized. That same year, the State Racing Commission was established to ensure fairness in pari mutuel racing, enforce rules and regulations, and propose legislation to develop the racing industry.
In 2011, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission was established to oversee all gaming, including pari mutuel betting. Fast forward to 2021, and the MGC was officially given regulatory responsibility for the Massachusetts horse racing industry.
In 1935, Suffolk Downs opened and was the only thoroughbred betting track in the state until its closure in 2014. Suffolk Downs remains open today but only offers simulcast betting.
In 1999, the Plainridge Park Casino opened the Plainridge Park Race Track, which offers 100 live harness racing days between April and November, plus simulcasting all year round. Its first race occurred on April 19th, 1999.
The repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 has not directly impacted Massachusetts horse racing, as it was already legal. However, it has opened up discussions around sports betting in general, which could potentially impact the horse racing industry in the future.
When it comes to US state gambling laws, all state rules and regulations vary. But Massachusetts racing is legal, and you can enjoy live racing events and wager on them at licensed Massachusetts race tracks. Additionally, simulcast betting is also legal, allowing you to place bets on horse races taking place out of state.
Absolutely, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is possible through a system known as simulcast wagering. Simulcast wagering allows you to watch live races from across the country and place bets on them from the comfort of a local betting facility in your state. Just make sure to check the rules and regulations of your local simulcast wagering location.
Currently, the only operational racetrack in Massachusetts is Plainridge Park Race Track. Located in Plainville, it’s a harness racing track that also features a casino. While it may not be the largest in terms of physical size, it is the largest in operation within the state.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Massachusetts. The state has legalized and regulated Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), which allows you to place bets on horse races over the internet.
There are several ways you can bet on horse racing events in Massachusetts. You can experience live harness racing and place your bets at the state’s only in-person race track, Plainridge Park. Alternatively, you can participate in simulcast wagering, which allows you to bet on races happening at other locations. Lastly, thanks to the state’s legalized Advance Deposit Wagering, you can also place your bets online from the comfort of your own home.
In Massachusetts, the legal age to bet on horses is 18 years old. This applies whether you’re betting at a physical racetrack, participating in simulcast wagering, or placing bets online through Advance Deposit Wagering platforms. Please remember to gamble responsibly.
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