When it comes to the US gambling laws by state, although states are governed by federal laws, each state also establishes its own rules and regulations. In Ohio, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is perfectly legal. Ohio race tracks offer a unique experience where speed, strategy, and skill come together. Let’s explore all the details of this sport and the legal landscape of horse racing betting at race tracks in Ohio.
Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: 844-225-7057
At Hollywood Dayton Raceway from September to December, you can watch live racing such as the Ohio Sires Stakes Final, Dayton Oaks Derby, and Dayton Distaff Derby. Bet on simulcast horse races from across the country, available seven days a week in the simulcast theater and Clubhouse. You can choose from a variety of bets including Win, Show, Place, Daily Double, Superfecta, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, and Pick 3/4/5.
Enjoy the 5/8-mile racetrack and then satisfy your appetite at dining spots like the Barstool Sportsbook restaurant, Skybox Sports Bar, or Take 2 Grill. With a Barstool Sportsbook and 1,000 VLTs, the fun never ends. Don’t miss out on live music from local bands and DJs every weekend.
Address: 600 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 614-295-4700
Experience live harness racing at Scioto Downs, where the racing season runs from May to September, Tuesday to Saturday. With 90 days of live harness racing each year and simulcast wagering available 7 days a week, there’s always a chance to place your bet. Choose from a variety of bets including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Quinella, and Daily Double.
Take a seat among the 3,500 at the one-mile racetrack and feel the energy of the crowd. After the races, head to the on-site Caesars Casino, featuring over 2,000 VLTs and electronic gaming. Enjoy the fresh air on one of the three outdoor gaming terraces, then satisfy your hunger at Dash Cafe, The Brew Brothers, or The Clubhouse. Scioto Downs offers an unparalleled racing and gaming experience.
Address: 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Phone: 513-232-8000
Enjoy live thoroughbred racing at Belterra Park, with a racing season that runs from April to October. The racetrack hosts live racing from Wednesday to Saturday, and simulcast betting open seven days a week. You can choose from a variety of bets including Win, Place, Show, Daily Double, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Pick 3/4/6.
With 40 HD TVs, seven betting windows, and sixteen betting kiosks, you’ll never miss a moment of the action. The grandstand offers 15,000 seats for a great view of the one-mile oval track.
Get an up-close view of the thoroughbreds and jockeys in the open-air paddock before settling in for the action. Don’t miss popular races like the Norm Barron Queen City Oaks, Best of Ohio Diana, Best of Ohio Babst/Palacios Memorial, and Best of Ohio Green Carpet.
Additional amenities include over 1,000 gaming machines, an outdoor terrace with gaming machines plus a view of the racetrack, and a FanDuel Sportsbook.
Address: 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128
Phone: 216-662-8600
At JACK Thistledown the racing season runs from April to October, where you can watch live thoroughbred races on the one-mile-long track. Try your luck with a variety of bets such as Win, Show, Place, Exacta, Superfecta, and Trifecta. The venue also offers simulcast wagering for your convenience. Don’t miss the popular Ohio Derby and the Best of Ohio Governor’s Buckeye Cup Stakes.
Explore the 1,400 video lottery terminals or make a wager at the betJACK Sportsbook. When you need a break, there are multiple dining options to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a cocktail, or a sit-down meal.
Address: 655 North Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
Phone: 877-788-3777
At Mahoning Valley Race Course thoroughbred racing runs from October to April. With live racing offered Monday through Thursday, and occasional Saturdays, you’ll have ample opportunities to place your bets on Win, Show, Place, Daily Double, Superfecta, Quinella, Exacta, and Trifecta.
The one-mile-long racetrack also offers simulcast wagering and a Barstool Sportsbook for your convenience. Take a seat in the 1,000-seat grandstand and witness popular races such as the Best of Ohio Distaff Stakes, Sprint Stakes, and Endurance Stakes.
When hunger strikes, enjoy a meal at one of the sports bars, lounges, or grills. For additional entertainment, try your luck with the VLTs and Keno.
Here’s a list of top Ohio race tracks that you should check out.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Hollywood Dayton Raceway | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414 | 844-225-7057 | Yes |
| Miami Valley Gaming | 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036 | 513-934-7070 | Yes |
| Northfield Park | 1777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 | 330-908-7625 | Yes |
| Scioto Downs | 600 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207 | 614-295-4700 | Yes |
| Belterra Park | 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 | 513-232-8000 | Yes |
| JACK Thistledown | 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128 | 216-662-8600 | Yes |
| Mahoning Valley Race Course | 655 North Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515 | 877-788-3777 | Yes |
As an avid gambler, you’ll be pleased to know that simulcast wagering is completely legal in Ohio, with a plethora of options available to you. Ohio has a standalone off-track betting location for those who prefer a dedicated environment. There are also numerous racetracks that offer this form of betting.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Northfield Park Cedar Downs OTB | 1935 Cleveland Road West, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 |
| Belterra Park | 6301 Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45230 |
| Miami Valley Gaming | 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, Ohio 45036 |
| Hollywood Dayton Raceway | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, Ohio 45414 |
| Scioto Downs | 6000 S High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207 |
| Cedar Downs | 1935 Cleveland Road W, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 |
| Northfield Park | 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067 |
| Mahoning Valley Race Course | 655 North Canfield Niles Road, Youngstown, Ohio 44515 |
| JACK Thistledown | 21501 Emery Road, North Randall, Ohio 44128 |
Ohio hosts a variety of horse races throughout the year, each one offering its own unique excitement and competition. Take a look at the below key dates for horse races in the state.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| Ohio Derby | June | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Diana | June | Belterra Park |
| Best of Ohio Babst/Palacios Memorial | June | Belterra Park |
| Best of Ohio Norm Barron Queen City Oaks | June | Belterra Park |
| Best of Ohio Sydney Gendelman | June | Belterra Park |
| Best of Ohio Green Carpet | June | Belterra Park |
| Best of Ohio Governor’s Buckeye Cup Stakes | August | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Pay the Man | August | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Miss Ohio Stakes | August | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes | August | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Honey Jay Stakes | August | Thistledown |
| Best of Ohio Juvenile Stakes | October | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
| Best of Ohio Endurance Stakes | October | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
| Best of Ohio Sprint Stakes | October | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
| Best of Ohio Distaff Stakes | October | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
| Best of Ohio John W Galbreath Stakes | October | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
| Ohio Sires Stakes Final | October | Dayton Raceway |
| Dayton Oaks Derby | October | Dayton Raceway |
| Dayton Distaff Derby | October | Dayton Raceway |
| Steel Valley Sprint Stakes | November | Mahoning Valley Race Course |
From the basic Win, Show, and Place bets to more complex wagers like the Daily Double, Superfecta, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5, there’s a bet type to suit your strategy and risk appetite.
You can place your bets on a variety of horse breeds, including Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. As for the types of races, Ohio’s racetracks offer a mix of Harness Racing, Standardbred Racing, and Thoroughbred Racing.
Three of the state’s racetracks host both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, while four specialize in Standardbred Harness Racing. This diversity ensures an exciting betting experience no matter your preference.
Read all about Ohio gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
In 1933, pari mutuel wagering was legalized, leading to the formation of the Ohio State Racing Commission. The Ohio horse racing industry took a significant leap in 1994 when off-track betting was legalized, and the first OTB facility opened its doors in 1997.
In 2007, the Senate passed legislation for instant racing terminals at racetracks. However, Governor Strickland threatened to veto it. By 2009, Ohio horse racing owners and industry supporters were pushing to allow slot machines at racetracks. This initiative garnered enough support to appear on the 2010 ballot but was withdrawn when casinos were legalized and the Governor announced plans to bring 17,000 slot machines to the state’s racetracks.
Ohio saw another significant milestone in 2012 when Scioto Downs in Columbus became the first racetrack to offer Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). Amid all these developments, the repeal of the PASPA: Sports Protection Act in 2018 opened up new opportunities for sports betting, including horse racing, further enriching the Ohio racing industry.
Yes, Ohio horse racing is legal. You can enjoy both live racing and off-track betting as these have been legalized in the state. Additionally, Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are also allowed at racetracks, providing more betting options.
Absolutely, you can bet on horse races in other states while in Ohio. This is made possible through simulcast wagering facilities. These facilities broadcast races from different states in real-time, allowing you to place your bets as if you were at the live event. It’s a great way to participate in races you wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.
The largest of all Ohio race tracks is the Thistledown Racino located in North Randall. This racetrack spans over 215 acres and offers thoroughbred betting. It’s not just a racetrack but also a casino, offering you a wide range of gaming options. Always remember to follow responsible gambling guidelines.
Yes, you can bet on horse races online in Ohio. The state permits online betting at any of its horse racetracks. This means you can place your bets from the comfort of your home or anywhere else, as long as you have internet access.
Betting on Ohio horse racing events can be done in two main ways. You can go to any of the state’s racetracks in person and place your bets there. This gives you the chance to experience the races firsthand. Alternatively, you can bet online, which allows you to wager on races from the comfort of your own home or wherever you have internet access.
In Ohio, the minimum gambling age for placing bets on horses is 18 years old. This applies whether you’re betting in person at a racetrack or online.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
