In New Jersey, you’ll find that both live racing, pari mutuel wagering, and simulcast wagering are permitted, providing you with a variety of betting options. Currently, there are three racetracks in the state that offer live racing throughout the year. Throughout this article, you will gain an understanding of the legal gambling landscape of race track betting in New Jersey and what is available, as US gambling laws by state vary.
Address: 130 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: 732-462-3800
Freehold Raceway is a premier destination for standardbred harness races in New Jersey. With racing seasons running from January to May and August to December, you’ll find an exciting mix of action and anticipation all year round.
The 1/2 mile long racetrack, boasting 2,450 seats, hosts simulcast wagering throughout the year, ensuring you never miss a moment of the thrill. From Win, Place, Show, to more complex bets like Exacta, Trifecta, Quinella, Pick 4/5/6, and Daily Double, you’re spoilt for choice. And that’s not all – the sportsbook, operated by BetParx, adds another layer of excitement to your betting experience.
Address: 1 Racetrack Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Phone: 201-843-2446
Meadowlands Racetrack is one of New Jersey’s largest and most popular venues. With both harness and thoroughbred betting, the action unfolds on a one-mile track, visible from any of the 2,200 seats or on one of the 70 screens.
Races are held most Fridays and Saturdays, with pari mutuel betting being available via simulcasting daily. Choose from straight bets like Win, Place, and Show, or try your luck with exotic bets like Exacta and Trifecta.
Don’t miss popular races such as Meadowlands Pace, The Hambletonian, and Breeders Crown. Beyond racing, you can place your sports bets at the on-site FanDuel sportsbook. With a mobile betting app, the excitement is always at your fingertips.
Address: 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757
Phone: 732-222-5100
From May to October, live races unfold on the one-mile track from one of the 8,000 seats or on any of the 100 screens. You can place straight or exotic bets seven days a week, and Monmouth Park was the first US racetrack to offer fixed odds on horse racing.
Make sure not to miss popular races like the Monmouth Cup, United Nations Stakes, and Haskell Invitational.
Beyond racing, enjoy a range of activities suitable for all ages, including the two-day Truckemberfest every September. Plus, you can also place your sports bets at the on-site Caesars Sports retail sportsbook. For just a $6 entrance fee, enjoy a day filled with excitement at Monmouth Park.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the three premier horse racetracks you must visit in New Jersey.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Freehold Raceway | 130 Park Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728 | 732-462-3800 | Yes |
| Meadowlands Racetrack | 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 | 201-843-2446 | Yes |
| Monmouth Park | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757 | 732-222-5100 | Yes |
As an enthusiast of New Jersey horse racing, you’ll be pleased to know that the state allows legal simulcast wagering at a select few locations. These venues provide live racing action from across the country, right in your backyard. Here’s a concise list of all the locations in New Jersey where you can enjoy this pastime.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Favorites – Egg Harbor Township | 6055 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234 |
| Favorites Gloucester Township | 1300 Blackwood Clementon Rd, Clementon, NJ 08021 |
| Favorites – Toms River | 1071 NJ-37, Toms River, NJ 08755 |
| Favorites Woodbridge | 3 Lafayette Rd, Fords, NJ 08863 |
| Favorites Hillsborough | 150 US-206, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844 |
| Winners Bayonne | 400 NJ-440, Bayonne, NJ 07002 |
| Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
New Jersey has a calendar packed with popular races you won’t want to miss. To help you plan your year, we’ve compiled a list of these key dates in the New Jersey horse racing calendar.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Meadowlands Pace | July | Meadowlands Racetrack |
| Monmouth Cup | July | Monmouth Park |
| United Nations Stakes | July | Monmouth Park |
| Molly Pitcher Stakes | July | Monmouth Park |
| Haskell Invitational | July | Monmouth Park |
| WR Haughton Open Pace | July | Meadowlands Racetrack |
| Hambletonian Oaks Filly Trot | August | Meadowlands Racetrack |
| The Hambletonian | August | Meadowlands Racetrack |
| Far Hills Race Meeting | October | Moorland Farm |
| Breeders Crown | October | Meadowlands Racetrack |
| TBG Free for All Championships | November | Meadowlands Racetrack |
The state allows various types of legal horse betting, including straight bets like Win, Place, and Show, where you bet on a horse to either win, finish in the top two, or the top three, respectively. Exotic bets like Exacta, Trifecta, and Quinella, where you predict the first two or three finishers in exact order, are also allowed. For the more adventurous, Pick 4/5/6 and Daily Double bets offer bigger payoffs.
You can place these bets on different types of races including harness racing, quarter horse racing, and thoroughbred racing, featuring both standardbreds and thoroughbreds. So, whether you’re a seasoned punter or a newbie, New Jersey’s horse betting scene has something for everyone.
Learn more about New Jersey gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
While New Jersey is governed by federal gaming agencies, it also has the authority to establish its own set of rules. The New Jersey Racing Commission, established to ensure the integrity of the New Jersey horse racing industry, has played a crucial role in the development of horse racing in the state.
In 2001, the Governor legalized account betting on New Jersey horse racing and off-track betting, with the legislature approving a bill for 15 off-track wagering facilities. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) was granted rights to nine of them.
In 2004, the Commission approved an NJSEA-proposed account wagering app, marking the introduction of online horse wagering in the state. By 2006, NJSEA had received approval to implement the state’s first off-track wagering facility. Despite opposition from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the legislature proposed a bill in 2007 to allow sports betting at tracks. This was a response to the PASPA: Sports Protection Act, which federally banned sports betting.
However, financial challenges in 2008 led to a reduction in purse money and race days. Legislators have considered introducing casino-style gaming at racetracks, but the state constitution requires a referendum for any new form of gambling. In 2010, the New Jersey Assembly passed an exchange wagering bill, allowing residents to bet against each other on race outcomes.
In 2011, Governor Christie signed two bills. The first allowed for advance betting on races provided the race was simulcast at other state facilities. The second reduced the racing season at Meadowlands Racetrack to 75 days, aimed at helping other racetracks become more self-sustaining.
Yes, horse racing is legal in New Jersey. You can enjoy live racing events at New Jersey race tracks, partake in simulcast wagering, and even place advance bets on upcoming races. The state has a rich history of horse racing and has made significant strides in making the sport accessible to enthusiasts and bettors alike.
Absolutely, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through simulcast wagering facilities. These facilities broadcast races from different states and allow you to place bets on them, providing a way for you to engage in horse racing beyond your local area.
The largest horse race track in New Jersey is the Monmouth Park Racetrack. Located in Oceanport, this historic venue has been hosting thoroughbred horse races since 1870. It spans over 200 acres and is known for hosting prestigious events such as the Haskell Invitational.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in New Jersey. The state of New Jersey allows online horse race betting and several licensed websites offer this service. Always remember to follow responsible gambling practices.
You have several options to bet on New Jersey horse racing events. Firstly, you can place your bets directly at New Jersey race tracks such as Monmouth Park, where you can experience the thrill of the race in person. Secondly, you can take advantage of advance betting, which allows you to place bets on races even before the race day. Lastly, you can engage in simulcast wagering, which lets you bet on live races from around the country and even internationally, all from the comfort of the racetrack’s simulcast facility.
In New Jersey, the minimum gambling age for betting on horses is 18 years old. This applies whether you’re betting at a physical racetrack or using an online platform.
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