Utah Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in UT

Learn about Utah's race tracks and legal horse race betting options

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If you’re a resident of Utah or planning on taking a trip, you’ll find that live horse races, pari mutuel betting, and simulcasting are strictly prohibited under Utah law. This article aims to delve into the specifics of this legislation and explore the reasons behind the firm stance against Utah horse racing betting.

Most Popular Utah Race Tracks

If you’re a Utah horse racing enthusiast, you may be searching for live racing opportunities. However, due to the state’s strict laws prohibiting all forms of Utah horse racing betting, there are no Utah race tracks to be found within its borders. But the activity can still be pursued in nearby states like Colorado, where live races are a regular event.

Arapahoe Park

Address: 26000 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016
Phone: 303-690-2400

With a one-mile-long track that hosts Arabian, thoroughbred, and quarter horse racing, this park offers an exciting experience. Racing dates are typically held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays during the racing season, providing ample opportunities for you to witness the sport.

Arapahoe Park

The betting options are varied and include Place, Win, Show, Daily Double, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, Triple, and Superfecta, catering to both novice and experienced bettors. The $5 entrance fee for adults is a bargain considering what’s on offer, and children aged 17 and under enter for free.

The park also offers simulcast wagering on selected horse races from around the nation, enhancing the betting experience. When hunger strikes, you can choose from the bar on the Grandstand level, the Tiki Bar on the Track level, or concession stands on various levels. Plus, the free parking is an added bonus.

Options for Legal Horse Betting in Utah

If you’re a resident of Utah, you might find your options for horse betting quite limited. This is because Utah horse racing betting, in any form, is not legal. This includes live in-person horse races, simulcasting, and even online horse racing betting.

Your best option is to travel to other states that allow betting on live horse races. States like Colorado offer a selection of betting types such as Place, Win, Show, Quinella, Trifecta, Exacta, Daily Double, Superfecta, and more. In these states, you also have the opportunity to enjoy Arabian, quarter horse, and thoroughbred betting.

Other Types of Gambling in Utah

Take a closer look at Utah gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

History of Utah Horse Racing

As a resident of Utah, you may be aware of the state’s long-standing opposition to most forms of gambling, including horse racing betting. This means that you won’t find any horse racing tracks, simulcasting venues, or betting sites in Utah.

The history of horse racing in Utah is marked by attempts to legalize it, but all have been met with resistance. In 1992, the state attempted to authorize wagering on horse races through a public referendum, but it failed to get enough votes. The proposal would have also led to the creation of the Utah Horse Racing Act and the Utah Racing Commission.

Fast forward to 2019, when Sen. David Hinkins proposed a bill to try and launch horse racing betting in Utah. This bill would have paved the way for pari mutuel wagering on horse races. However, due to the strong opposition to gambling in the state, the bill faced immediate resistance. Recognizing the opposition, Sen. Hinkins decided to shelve the bill himself.

The PASPA: Sports Protection Act also plays a role in the history of Utah’s horse racing industry. While PASPA was repealed in 2018, opening the door for states to legalize sports betting, Utah remained firm in its opposition to gambling. This means that despite the change in federal law, horse racing betting remains illegal in Utah.

Utah Gambling FAQ

Is Utah horse racing betting legal?

US gambling laws by state vary, and horse racing is not legal in Utah. As a resident, you should know that all forms of gambling are prohibited in the state, and this includes horse racing. There are no Utah race tracks, simulcasting venues, or betting sites available. Despite attempts to legalize it, the state’s opposition to gambling has remained firm.

Is simulcasting legal in Utah?

Yes, you can bet on horse races from other states, but it requires you to travel. Unfortunately, Utah doesn’t have any facilities for placing such bets due to its strict gambling laws. So, if you’re interested in horse race betting, you’ll need to physically be in a state where it’s legal to do so. Remember to always comply with the gambling laws of the state you’re in.

Which horse race track is the biggest in Utah?

Actually, there aren’t any Utah race tracks. Due to the state’s strict gambling laws, all forms of betting, including horse racing, are prohibited. Therefore, you won’t find any Utah race tracks, let alone the biggest one, within the state.

Is online horse racing legal in Utah?

In Utah, you’re not permitted to bet on horse races online. The state’s stringent gambling laws prohibit all forms of betting, including online horse racing betting. This means that even if you’re a resident of Utah, you cannot legally place bets on horse races online. Always remember to abide by the laws of your state and practice responsible gambling.

What are my options for Utah horse racing?

Unfortunately, as a resident of Utah, you don’t have any options for betting on horse races within the state. Due to strict gambling laws, all forms of betting, including horse racing, are strictly prohibited in Utah. This means there are no horse racing events held in the state where you could place a bet.

What’s the legal age restriction for wagering on horses in Utah?

In Utah, there is no minimum gambling age for betting on horse races because it’s not a legal activity. The state’s strict gambling laws prohibit all forms of betting, including on horse racing.

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