Texas is renowned for its rich equestrian history and offers a variety of tracks that cater to both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike. Fortunately for you, Texas law permits pari mutuel betting on both live and simulcast horse races. Whether you prefer live races or simulcasting, Texas provides ample opportunities for you to enjoy this pastime.
Address: 1 Retama Parkway, Selma, Texas 78154
Phone: 210-651-7000
Retama Park, a gem in the heart of Texas, is a must-visit destination for horse racing enthusiasts. Opened in 1995, this one-mile racetrack hosts both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing from July to September. With iconic races such as the Retama Park Derby and Texas Summer Showdown, you’re sure to witness some of the most exciting events in the sport.
Simulcast wagering is available all year round, and you can even place bets from your phone using their app, allowing you to bet anywhere in the park. General admission is just $7, and children aged 12 and under get in free. For dining, you can enjoy a meal at the Clubhouse 95 Sports Bar & Grill or the Terrace Dining Room. After a thrilling day of racing, unwind with a drink at the Double Deuce.
Address: 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77064
Phone: 281-807-8700
Sam Houston Race Park, located in Houston, is a premier destination for Texas horse racing. From January to May, you can witness thoroughbred, Arabian, and quarter horse races. The one-mile racetrack, with its 30,000 seats, offers an exciting atmosphere.
You can place various types of bets including Win, Place, Show, Parlay, Quinella, and Superfecta. Simulcast wagering is also available throughout the year. For a superior viewing experience, consider the luxury suites, counter-seats, finish line boxes, or the players’ lounge.
When hunger strikes, head to the Winner’s Circle Experience for a weekend lunch with a fantastic view of the track. Don’t miss popular races such as the Sam Houston Derby and the Star of Texas Stakes.
Address: 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
Phone: 972-263-7223
Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, offers live thoroughbred betting from April to May, while September to November brings quarter horse racing. The one-mile racetrack, with its six-level, 1,500-seat grandstand, offers a fantastic view.
You have a variety of betting options, including Win, Place, Show, Parlay, Quinella, and Superfecta. Plus, you can participate in simulcast wagering all year round. Don’t miss popular races like the Bluebonnet Stakes, Steve Sexton Miles, and the Texas Derby.
Address: 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Phone: 830-997-2359
At Gillespie County Fair in Texas, you can experience live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing from July to August. The 5/8-mile racetrack, with a grandstand that can accommodate 1,500 spectators and 516 boxes, offers an impressive view of the races. You can try your luck with a variety of bets, including Win, Place, Show, Parlay, Quinella, and Superfecta.
For just $10, you can gain general admission, and children under 5 enter free. Enjoy four weekends of live Texas horse racing on the Class III track. The Race Barn, open from Thursday to Sunday, offers simulcast wagering on 30 screens, along with casual dining and a full bar.
Address: 2601 S Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen, Texas 78552
Phone: 956-412-7223
At Valley Race Park, with a 91,000 square-foot venue set on 80 acres, this park offers a vast 6,000-seat racetrack where you can place bets such as Win, Place, Show, Parlay, Quinella, and Superfecta.
Enjoy the convenience of terraced and table seating, while savoring a delicious meal at the Clubhouse restaurant. Take advantage of the bar, party rooms, and top-level party and banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 30 guests. With simulcast betting also available, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a comprehensive list of all Texas race tracks.
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Retama Park | 1 Retama Pkwy, Selma, TX 78154 | 210-651-7000 | Yes |
| Sam Houston Race Park | 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064 | 281-807-8700 | Yes |
| Lone Star Park | 1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 | 972-263-7223 | Yes |
| Gillespie County Fair | 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 | 830-997-2359 | Yes |
| Gulf Coast Race Track Bet By The Bay | 5302 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408 | 361-289-9333 | Yes |
| Valley Race Park | 2601 S Ed Carey Dr, Harlingen, TX 78552 | 956-412-7223 | Yes |
As a betting enthusiast in Texas, you’ll be delighted to know that simulcast wagering is completely legal in the Lone Star State. With this, you have the opportunity to place your bets on horse races happening across the country, right from the comfort of your local facility. Texas boasts several off-track betting locations, each offering a unique wagering experience.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Lone Star Park | 1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 |
| Sam Houston Race Park | 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, TX 77064 |
| Retama Park | 1 Retama Parkway, Selma, TX 78154 |
| Gillespie County Fair | 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 |
| Gulf Coast Race Track Bet By The Bay | 5302 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78408 |
| Valley Race Park | 2601 S Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen, TX 78552 |
As a Texas horse racing enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to see the below list of popular horse races taking place. Check out this list to discover some must-attend Texas horse racing events.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| My Dandy Stakes | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Darby’s Daughter Stakes | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Houston Ladies Classic – Grade III | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| John B. Connally Turf Cup – Grade III | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Groovy Stakes | January | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Houston Turf Stakes | February | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Star of Texas Stakes | March | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Spirit of Texas Stakes | March | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Texas Thoroughbred Association Oaks | March | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby | March | Sam Houston Race Park |
| Sires’ Cup Futurity | April | Retama Park |
| Bluebonnet Stakes | April | Lone Star Park |
| Retama Park Derby | July | Retama Park |
| TQHA Sale Futurity | July | Retama Park |
| Texas Arabian Derby & Oaks | August | Retama Park |
In Texas, from simple bets like Win, Place, and Show, to more complex ones like Daily Double, Quinella, Superfecta, Trifecta, and Pick 3, there’s something for every level of betting enthusiast.
You can place your bets on a range of horse breeds, including thoroughbreds and quarter horses, each offering unique strengths and racing styles. Moreover, you can indulge in different types of races such as thoroughbred, quarter horse, and Arabian racing.
This diverse betting landscape in Texas provides an engaging experience, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just dipping your toes into the exciting world of horse racing.
Learn all about Texas gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:
In 1933, pari mutuel wagering was legalized, but this was short-lived as it was repealed in 1937. The landscape of Texas horse racing began to change in 1940 when the American Quarter Horse Association was established. In 1986, the Texas Racing Act was passed into legislature, and a year later, pari mutuel wagering was legalized again through a public vote. The Texas Racing Commission was then created to oversee live racing events and monitor wagering.
The Racing Act also called for a portion of horse racing wagers to fund equine research. This led to the establishment of the Texas Equine Research Account Advisory Committee (TERAAC) in 1991 to evaluate proposals for equine research and facilitate communication among equine scientists and the horse racing industry. However, TERAAC was abolished in 2011.
In 2012, Saddle Brook Park was given the green light to open a temporary location for simulcast wagering. Since 2000, Advance deposit wagering has been prohibited in Texas in an attempt to combat the declining horse racing industry, as tracks struggle to maintain attendance. In 2017, a bill (HB3926) was introduced to amend the Texas Racing Act to allow online betting sites. Despite garnering support, the bill died in committee.
Despite the challenges, the horse racing industry in Texas continues to persevere, remaining an integral part of the state’s culture and history. The PASPA: Sports Protection Act of 1992, which outlawed sports betting nationwide, did not impact horse racing in Texas, as it was exempt from the law. This has allowed the industry to continue to thrive and evolve over the years.
US gambling laws by state differ, but horse racing is perfectly legal in Texas. The Texas Racing Act, passed in 1986, legalized pari mutuel wagering through a public vote. This means you can legally participate in and enjoy horse racing in Texas.
Yes, you can bet on horse races from other states. This is made possible through a practice known as simulcasting. Simulcasting allows you to watch and wager on races that are taking place in different locations, including other states. You can enjoy and bet on horse races from across the country without leaving your home state.
The largest horse race track in Texas is the Sam Houston Race Park in Houston. It’s a premier racing, dining, and entertainment destination in the region. The park features a spacious grandstand and a suite level with luxury suites for viewing the races.
No, unfortunately, you cannot bet on horse races online in Texas. The state’s laws currently do not permit online horse racing betting. This means you’ll need to be physically present at a racetrack or licensed off-track betting location in Texas to place your bets. Always ensure to comply with local laws and regulations when it comes to betting activities.
You can place your bets in person at Texas race tracks, which provides an exciting, immersive experience. Many Texas race tracks also offer mobile betting apps that you can use while you’re at the event. Additionally, simulcasting allows you to bet on live races from other locations, broadening your betting options. Always remember to practice responsible gambling.
In Texas, you must be at least 21 years old to place a bet on horse races. This minimum gambling age applies whether you’re betting in person at a racetrack or a licensed off-track betting location. Remember, it’s important to gamble responsibly.
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