North Dakota Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in ND

Learn about North Dakota's race tracks and legal horse race betting options

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In North Dakota, pari-mutuel wagering on live horse races is legal. The state offers two live horse race tracks and a few simulcast wagering facilities. Due to the variation in US gambling laws by state, it is important to continue reading to gain a better understanding of the legal landscape of horse racing in North Dakota.

Most Popular North Dakota Race Tracks

North Dakota Horse Park

Address: 5180 19th Ave, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 701-277-8027

North Dakota Horse Park offers both quarter horse and thoroughbred betting, and welcomes over 10,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most popular North Dakota horse racing venues. With a variety of betting options, from the traditional Win, Place, Show to more exotic bets, your betting experience is bound to be exhilarating.

North Dakota Horse Park

Set on a vast 100-acre land, the racetrack, which is 6 furlongs, has a capacity of 5,000, offering you ample space to enjoy the races. Single-day tickets are priced at $8, while season tickets are available for $40. For a more luxurious experience, VIP tables are available for $595 for the day or $2,875 for the season. These come with full catering, racing programs, and even an advertisement in the program.

Racing dates are every weekend in July, and the park also offers off-track betting at its venue, Sidestreet Grille and Pub. The park doesn’t just offer horse racing; other events include North Dakota Derby Day, family days with face painting and a petting zoo, and entertainment like magicians.

Chippewa Downs

Address: 42nd Ave NE, Belcourt, ND 58316
Phone: 701-477-6158

Chippewa Downs is an exciting place for North Dakota horse racing enthusiasts. Hosting thoroughbred, quarter horse, and mixed racing, this venue offers a rich variety of races to bet on. You can place straight bets like Win, Place, Show, or even venture into more exotic bets if you’re feeling adventurous. The Downs hosts several popular races each year, including the North Dakota Derby, North Dakota Maturity, Northern Plains Futurity, and more.

Chippewa Downs

The racing season starts the first weekend in June and continues throughout the month. Admission is quite affordable at just $2 per day, and kids aged 12 and under get in for free.

But it’s not just about the racing. The venue also offers plenty of dining options. You can purchase food tickets from the betting booths and choose from a range of foods and beverages.

List of All North Dakota Race Tracks

Discover all the details about the two operational North Dakota race tracks for horse betting.

RacetrackAddressPhone NumberBetting Allowed?
North Dakota Horse Park5180 19th Ave, Fargo, ND 58102701-277-8027Yes
Chippewa Downs42nd Ave NE, Belcourt, ND 58316701-477-6158Yes

Simulcast Wagering in North Dakota

North Dakota has legalized simulcast wagering, which allows you to bet on horse races happening across the country. Currently, three venues offer this exciting service.

OTBAddress
Sky Dancer Casino Racebook3965 Sky Dancer Way NE, Belcourt, ND 58316
Sidestreet Grille and Pub404 4th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
Rumors Sports Bar1826 S Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Popular Horse Races in North Dakota with Dates

North Dakota is home to several popular horse races that attract enthusiasts from all corners. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual spectator, these events offer plenty of opportunities. Here’s a list of these exciting races along with their dates.

Horse RacesRacing DatesWhere to Bet
Chippewa Downs TB FuturityJuneChippewa Downs
Chippewa Downs TB DerbyJuneChippewa Downs
Open Thoroughbred F&M Speed StakesJuneChippewa Downs
No Bred TB StakesJuneChippewa Downs
Open TB StakesJuneChippewa Downs
Open TB C&G Speed StakesJuneChippewa Downs
North Dakota DerbyJuneChippewa Downs
North Dakota MaturityJuneChippewa Downs
Open QH DerbyJuneChippewa Downs
Open QH FuturityJuneChippewa Downs
Northern Plains FuturityJuneChippewa Downs
QH FuturityJuneChippewa Downs
QH DerbyJuneChippewa Downs
QH MaturityJuneChippewa Downs

Types of Legal Horse Betting in North Dakota

In North Dakota, you’re not limited to just one or two types of horse betting. There’s a wide variety of options to choose from. You can bet on the classic Win, Place, or Show, or try your hand at exotic bets like the Trifecta, Superfecta, or Daily Double.

There’s more to explore too. You can place bets on different types of horses, such as thoroughbreds, quarter horses, or mixed. Moreover, you can bet on various types of races including thoroughbred racing, standardbred racing, and quarter horse racing. So, there’s always something to cater to your interest and level of experience in North Dakota.

Other Types of Gambling in North Dakota

Discover all you need to know about North Dakota gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

History of North Dakota Horse Racing

The North Dakota Racing Commission, established in 1990, has been regulating pari mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse racing ever since. This was a time when the PASPA: Sports Protection Act was in full effect, which impacted the state’s horse racing industry.

In 2010, the North Dakota Horse Park announced that it wouldn’t run any live races for the season due to a $150,000 debt. This debt was owed to vendors and suppliers from the 2009 season, causing the racetrack to halt live racing. However, they continued to generate income from phone and internet bets, which ultimately helped them clear their debts.

By 2012, the North Dakota Racing Commission approved live racing dates for the season at the North Dakota Horse Park. This allowed live horse racing at the track to resume. Since then, the industry has continued to flourish, offering you a wide range of betting options and racing events.

North Dakota Gambling FAQ

Is North Dakota horse racing legal?

Yes, North Dakota horse racing is legal. The state has a governing body known as the North Dakota Racing Commission that regulates pari mutuel betting on live and simulcast horse racing. You can also participate in online betting, which is legal and regulated.

Can I bet on horse races in other states?

Yes, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through simulcast wagering facilities, which broadcast races from various locations across the country. You can place your bets on these races as if you were at the track in person.

What’s the largest of all North Dakota race tracks?

The largest horse race track in North Dakota is the North Dakota Horse Park. This facility hosts several live race days each summer and also offers simulcast betting on horse races from other tracks around the country.

Can I bet on horse races online in North Dakota?

Yes, you can bet on horse races online in North Dakota. Online horse racing betting is legal and offered by various platforms. These platforms allow you to place bets on races not just within the state, but also from tracks all around the country and even internationally. Just remember to practice responsible gambling when placing bets online.

How can I bet on North Dakota horse racing events?

You have several options for betting on North Dakota horse racing events. One way is by visiting North Dakota race tracks, such as the North Dakota Horse Park, where you can place your bets in person. Off-track betting facilities are also available if you can’t make it to the track. Additionally, you can place bets over the internet or by phone, making it convenient to participate in the action no matter where you are.

What’s the minimum age to bet on horses in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the minimum gambling age for horse racing betting is 18 years old. This is the legal age for gambling in the state, whether you’re betting at a racetrack, off-track betting facility, or online. Make sure you meet this age requirement before you participate in any betting activities.

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