While the state may lack a live racing industry due to multiple closures of New Hampshire racetracks, it’s important to note that pari mutuel wagering on New Hampshire horse racing is completely legal. Not only that, but you’ll also find that off-track betting is permitted, allowing you to engage in this pastime from the comfort of your own home. However, despite these legal allowances, the absence of land-based New Hampshire race tracks leaves a void in the state’s gambling landscape.
There are currently no active New Hampshire race tracks, but your passion for live New Hampshire horse racing can be pursued in nearby states like Maine. We’ve compiled reviews for the horse race tracks in Maine, to give you a glimpse into the horse racing betting that is a stone’s throw away from New Hampshire.
Address: 500 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: 877-779-7771
Hollywood Casino, operated by Penn Entertainment, offers an exhilarating horse racing betting experience. From April to October, you can witness live standardbred racing, typically held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.
You can place various bets such as Win, Place, Show, Superfecta, Exacta, Daily Double, and Trifecta. Simulcast wagering is available daily, ensuring you can access horse betting every day of the year.
Beyond racing, the casino houses 800+ slot machines, plus a large selection of table games. You can relax in their on-site hotel, boasting 148 rooms and 4 luxury suites. To satisfy your culinary cravings, they offer dining options like the Snack Bar, Hopes House 99, and Epic Buffet.
Address: 175 Blanchard Road, Cumberland, ME 04021
First Tracks Cumberland offers an exciting horse racing experience at the iconic Cumberland Raceway. Nestled within the Cumberland Fairgrounds, it hosts numerous live harness racing events from April to August and then again in November and December.
The best part is that there’s no charge for Grandstand admission. This venue has been hosting these events for over 150 years, a testament to its enduring appeal. The races are separate from the Cumberland State Fair, which takes place every September.
While New Hampshire race tracks are non-existent if you’re eager to experience live horse racing and place your bets, consider visiting one of these horse racetracks located in the nearby state of Maine.
| Horse track | Address | Contact Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor | 500 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401 | 877-779-7771 | Yes |
| First Tracks Cumberland | 175 Blanchard Road, Cumberland, ME 04021 | N/A | Yes |
If you enjoy New Hampshire horse racing, you’ll be pleased to know that simulcast wagering is completely legal in the Granite State. This means you can place bets on live races happening elsewhere, right from the comfort of your own state. However, following a series of off-track facility closures, there is currently only one active off-track betting (OTB) location in the state.
| OTB | Address |
| The Brook | 319 New Zealand Rd, Seabrook, NH 03874 |
Even though New Hampshire may not have active racetracks, you can still participate in and experience out-of-state races. Below is a list of some famous horse races, complete with dates, that you can look forward to and enjoy from New Hampshire.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | March | Internet |
| Dubai World Cup | March | Internet |
| Grand National | April | Internet |
| Preakness Stakes | May | Internet |
| Kentucky Derby | May | Internet |
| Belmont Stakes | June | Internet |
| Breeders Cup | November | Internet |
| Melbourne Cup | November | Internet |
In New Hampshire, you can make straight bets like Win, which is when you place a bet on which horse will finish first; Place, betting which horse will finish first or second; and Show, betting on which horse will manage to get into the top three at the finish line.
You can also place exotic bets such as Trifecta (picking the top three finishers in exact order), Superfecta (top four), Daily Double (winners of two consecutive races), and Pick 3 (winners of three consecutive races), among others.
You’re not limited to just thoroughbred betting; you can also bet on quarter horse racing. These races vary in distance and speed, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. So, whether you’re a fan of the speed and agility of thoroughbreds or the raw power of quarter horses, there’s a race and a bet for you.
Let’s take a look at the New Hampshire gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
In 1933 pari mutuel betting was legalized, making it one of the earliest forms of legal gambling in the state. The industry saw a significant change in 1971 when greyhound racing was legalized, introducing a new form of racing betting. By 1991, the state had introduced simulcasting at horse tracks, a move that allowed bettors to wager on races happening elsewhere.
However, in 2009, the state removed all funding for the regulation of live racing from the New Hampshire Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission. This move, coupled with a 10% tax on racetrack bettor winnings introduced the same year, led to a significant drop in handle. In 2010, without regulatory functions such as drug testing, veterinarians, and inspectors, racetracks couldn’t schedule any live racing events and relied on simulcasting revenue instead.
Thankfully, in 2011, HB229 repealed the 10% tax law, offering some relief to the industry. A year later, in 2012, a new law was introduced allowing businesses to offer simulcast wagering for up to 36 months before the launch of live racing, a significant shift from the previous requirement.
In 2015, a new off-track betting parlor opened in Hinsdale with a deadline of 2018 to offer live racing. Unfortunately, it closed in 2018, reflecting the state’s struggling live racing industry. This struggle was further compounded by the closure of several racetracks over the years.
The overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which prohibited sports betting, didn’t significantly impact the New Hampshire horse racing industry due to the lack of a live racing industry. Today, New Hampshire horse racing and pari mutuel betting are regulated but the state still lacks a vibrant live racing industry.
Yes, horse racing is legal in New Hampshire. You can place bets on horse races, including those happening out of state through simulcasting. However, live horse racing events have been sparse due to regulatory changes and financial challenges in the industry.
Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states while in New Hampshire. This is possible through the use of simulcast wagering, which allows you to place bets on races happening elsewhere. Additionally, you can place bets online through licensed betting websites. Always remember to gamble responsibly and ensure you’re using a licensed and regulated platform.
Currently, there aren’t any active horse race tracks in New Hampshire for you to visit. However, you can still enjoy horse racing through simulcast wagering and online platforms. Always remember to check the current gambling laws in US states for updates in the New Hampshire area.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in New Hampshire. The state allows residents to bet on horse races but only through licensed platforms. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
As there are no live horse racetracks in New Hampshire, you won’t be able to bet on any horse racing events within the state. However, you can still enjoy the thrill of horse racing by visiting nearby states that host these events. Always check the event schedules and betting regulations of these states before planning your visit.
In New Hampshire, you must be at least 21 years old to place bets on horse races. This gambling age restriction is applicable to both online platforms and physical locations in other states.
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