Mississippi Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in MS

Learn about Mississippi's race tracks and legal horse race betting options

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You might be surprised to learn that there is no Mississippi horse racing industry. While you won’t find any live race tracks to place your bets on, a few locations do offer simulcasting, allowing you to wager on races happening elsewhere. It’s a unique situation, as the state has a fairly liberal stance on gambling, but has yet to embrace the world of horse racing.

Most Popular Mississippi Race Tracks

If you’re a Mississippi horse racing enthusiast, you might find yourself feeling a little left out, as the Magnolia State does not host any live horse race tracks. But a short trip across the state line into Louisiana opens up a world of equine excitement. Louisiana boasts four horse race tracks, each with its own racing schedule. In this article, we’re going to review the top three tracks, so you can plan your next day at the races.

Fair Grounds Race Course

Address: 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Phone: 504-944-5515

The Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana is a thoroughbred betting paradise, offering a betting and racing experience from November to March. Open from Thursday to Sunday, the venue provides free general admission, with an optional $10 entry to the Clubhouse – a reservation is recommended if you fancy dining while watching the races.

Fair Grounds

With an impressive array of wagering options, including Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Win, Place, Show, and Exacta, you’re sure to find the perfect wager to suit your style. The track, with 800 seats, hosts popular races such as the Louisiana Derby, Louisiana Stakes, and Fair Grounds Oaks, making it a must-visit for any horse racing enthusiast.

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Address: 8000 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111
Phone: 318-742-5555

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs hosts quarter horse racing from January to April and thoroughbred racing from May to September. This establishment offers an exciting mix of live racing and simulcast betting, with over 100 days of live racing each year. You can place a selection of bets including Win, Show, Place, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 6, and Trifecta.

Louisiana Downs

With 40 screens for watching all the action and over 1,000 seats, you never have to miss a single moment. The racetrack hosts races from Saturday to Monday, with occasional Tuesdays. Set on 280 acres, the establishment also offers plenty of dining options such as the Paddock Bar & Grill and The Inside Rail Sportsbook Bar & Grill.

Delta Downs

Address: 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, Louisiana 70668
Phone: 800-589-7441

With live racing and simulcast wagering at Delta Downs, you can bet on Win, Show, Place, Exacta, Quinella, and Trifecta, while enjoying the races on a 0.3-mile track. From October to February, you can witness thoroughbred racing, and from May to September, the speed of quarter horse racing.

Delta Downs

The simulcast room provides all the action of nationwide races, while the onsite casino, boasting 1,500 slots and a 2,000-square-foot FanDuel Sportsbook, promises non-stop entertainment. With 350 hotel rooms and dining options like Gator Grill, Rosewater Grill & Tavern, and Tin Lizard Bar & Grill, your stay at Delta Downs is bound to be a great one.

Simulcast Wagering in Mississippi

Mississippi offers a few fantastic locations for simulcast wagering. This state has embraced off-track betting, making it legal and accessible for residents and visitors alike. Here’s a handy guide to some of the best spots in Mississippi where you can participate in pari mutuel wagering on horse races.

Betting LocationAddress
Harlow’s Casino Sportsbook4280 Harlows Blvd, Greenville, MS 38701
Palace Casino Sports & Race Book158 Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530
Riverwalk Casino & Hotel1046 Warrenton Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39180

Popular Horse Races in Mississippi with Dates

Although Mississippi might not have any horse racing tracks, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this exciting sport. Just a short trip away, the neighboring state of Louisiana offers an array of exciting horse races throughout the year. Here’s a list of upcoming races that are held in Louisiana, complete with dates, to help you plan your next racing day.

Horse RacesRacing DatesWhere to Bet
Lecomte StakesJanuaryFair Grounds Race Course
Louisiana StakesJanuaryFair Grounds Race Course
Risen Star StakesFebruaryFair Grounds Race Course
Mineshaft StakesFebruaryFair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds StakesFebruaryFair Grounds Race Course
Rachel Alexandra StakesFebruaryFair Grounds Race Course
Louisiana DerbyMarchFair Grounds Race Course
New Orleans ClassicMarchFair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds OaksMarchFair Grounds Race Course
Muniz Memorial ClassicMarchFair Grounds Race Course

Legal Horse Betting in Mississippi

Unfortunately, there is no Mississippi horse racing industry. This means you won’t find any live horse races within its borders. However, you can still enjoy horse racing by visiting nearby states or at a few select simulcast wagering locations within Mississippi itself.

In these locations, you can place various types of bets that are popular in the Mississippi racing world. This includes Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Superfecta, Trifecta, Daily Double, and many more. Each bet type offers its own unique challenge.

When it comes to the types of horses you can bet on, the options are just as varied. You can place your bets on a range of horses, from agile quarter horses to swift thoroughbreds. Each horse breed brings its own unique strengths to the races, adding an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience.

Lastly, you can also bet on different types of races. Whether you’re a fan of the high-speed excitement of thoroughbred racing, the tactical thrill of quarter horse racing, or the strategic depth of harness racing, you’ll find a race that suits your tastes. So even though there may be no Mississippi horse racing industry, you can still enjoy the thrill of the race.

Other Types of Gambling in Mississippi

Review all the latest news regarding Mississippi gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

History of Mississippi Horse Racing

You might be surprised to learn that legal horse racing in Mississippi only became a reality in 2018. This was a result of Mississippi officials adopting sports betting regulations after the PASPA: Sports Protection Act was abolished by the Supreme Court in the same year. This made Mississippi the fourth state to have legal sports betting. However, despite these changes, the state never got around to legalizing Mississippi race tracks.

In a twist of events, Palace Casino emerged as the first casino to offer pari mutuel betting on races held across the country. However, if you’re a resident of Mississippi, you should be aware that state law prohibits ADW websites from offering their services to you. Despite the limitations, the history of Mississippi horse racing has been a journey of progress and adaptation, and it continues to evolve.

Mississippi Gambling FAQ

Is Mississippi horse racing betting legal?

Yes, horse racing is legal in Mississippi. However, it’s important to note that while betting on horse races held across the country is allowed at certain casinos, there are no Mississippi race tracks. Additionally, state law prohibits the use of ADW websites. So, while you can enjoy horse racing, your options may be somewhat limited.

Can I place bets on horse racing events in other states?

Yes, betting on other states’ horse racing events can be done by visiting one of the simulcast wagering locations. These locations broadcast races from various tracks around the country, allowing you to place bets on races happening elsewhere. This gives you the opportunity to participate in horse racing across different states. However, always remember to practice responsible gambling and within the legal confines of your location.

What’s the biggest race track in Mississippi?

Actually, there are no Mississippi race tracks. While the state is known for its rich history and culture, it currently does not have any facilities for horse racing. This means that you won’t be able to find any Mississippi race tracks within the borders. If you’re interested in horse racing, you might need to explore options in neighboring states.

Can I place bets online for horse races in Mississippi?

Mississippi currently does not allow online betting, including for horse races. If you’re a resident or visitor, it’s important to abide by these rules to avoid any issues. Always make sure to stay informed about the local US gambling laws by state.

What are my options for betting on Mississippi horse races?

Since Mississippi does not host any horse racing events, you won’t be able to bet on any races within the state. To experience live horse racing and place bets, you would need to visit a neighboring state that does host such events. Always remember to check the local state and federal laws of the state you’re visiting before placing any bets.

What’s the legal age restriction for betting on horses in Mississippi?

While Mississippi does have a legal gambling age of 21, the state does not host horse racing events nor does it allow online betting on such races. Therefore, even if you are over 21, you cannot place bets on horse races within the state. If you wish to bet on horse races, you would need to visit a neighboring state where such activities are permitted, and you would also need to be of legal gambling age in that state. Always ensure to gamble responsibly.

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