Horse Betting in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, horse race betting holds the distinction of being the oldest form of legal gambling.
Despite a decline in popularity, horse racing in Massachusetts and the US as a whole has seen a decrease in interest. Nevertheless, there are numerous avenues available for betting on horses to win, place, or show within Massachusetts. One such opportunity is the upcoming 2025 Preakness Stakes scheduled for Saturday, May 20.
Harness races are still hosted at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville from April to November.
All the relevant information regarding horse race betting in Massachusetts can be found here.
Best horse betting site in Massachusetts
Is horse betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes.
Horse betting has been legally permitted in Massachusetts for almost a century, since 1934 when Senate Bill 0179 was passed.
By the way, it is worth mentioning that the law also sanctioned greyhound racing in Massachusetts, which gained significant attention for many years. However, due to concerns regarding the welfare of the dogs, it was eventually banned. On the other hand, horse betting has not faced the same degree of controversy and remains an accepted practice in the state.
How to bet on the Preakness Stakes in Massachusetts
The Preakness Stakes is held annually at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, coming after the Kentucky Derby.
The Preakness Stakes of this year is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th.
In Massachusetts, horse racing enthusiasts have multiple betting options to engage with their favorite sport. To participate, they have the choice to register for FanDuel Racing Massachusetts by following the link provided on this page. Alternatively, they can also place their bets in person at any of the three horse racing simulcast facilities available: Suffolk Downs, Raynham Park, or Plainridge Park Casino.
When is the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 20, as the highly anticipated Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico Race Course. Prepare yourself for an exciting race that kicks off at 6:50 p.m. ET. NBC is your go-to channel for coverage, starting at 4:30 p.m. However, if you’re eager for earlier updates, tune in to CNBC at 1 p.m.
Preakness 2025 horses
Below are the betting odds for the 2025 Preakness Stakes, featuring the eight horses participating.
- National Treasure is listed at odds of 4-1, Chase the Chaos is listed at odds of 50-1, Mage is listed at odds of 8-5, Coffeewithchris is listed at odds of 20-1, Red Route One is listed at odds of 10-1, Perform is listed at odds of 15-1, Blazing Sevens is listed at odds of 6-1, First Mission is listed at odds of 5-2.
In connection with: Upcoming in 2025, MA Writer Jack Flaherty Shares 3 Bold Bets and Longshot Picks for the Preakness Stakes.
How long is the Preakness?
The Preakness Stakes covers a distance of 9.5 furlongs, equivalent to 1 3/16 miles, making it slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby, which spans 10 furlongs or 1 1/4 miles. On the other hand, the Belmont Stakes is the longest among the three races, stretching over 12 furlongs or 1 1/2 miles.
Belmont Stakes 2025 is next
The 2025 Belmont Stakes is scheduled to take place on June 10 at Belmont Park in New York, following the Preakness Stakes. This race will mark the conclusion of the 2025 Triple Crown races. Mage emerged victorious in the Kentucky Derby, and if he manages to triumph in all three races, he will join the exclusive group of only 13 horses in the sport’s history who have achieved the Triple Crown.
In 2018, Justify emerged as the latest horse to achieve the remarkable Triple Crown victory.
Triple Crown winners
The following is a compilation of the thirteen horses that have emerged victorious in the Triple Crown.
- Sir Barton (1919)
- Gallant Fox (1930)
- Omaha (1935)
- War Admiral (1937)
- Whirlaway (1941)
- Count Fleet (1943)
- Assault (1946)
- Citation (1948)
- Secretariat (1973)
- Seattle Slew (1977)
- Affirmed (1978)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
Can I bet on horse races online in Massachusetts?
Yes.
Massachusetts residents have the convenience of placing bets on horse races worldwide through their mobile devices or computers. Numerous online horse racing betting platforms are accessible in Massachusetts, functioning just as efficiently as the racebooks found at the state’s off-track betting venues and simulcast facilities like Suffolk Downs.
However, we do have a suggestion: FanDuel Racing. Similar to how their sportsbook product dominates the market in that field, FanDuel Racing offers Massachusetts gamblers the ultimate horse race betting experience. Whether you prefer to download the dedicated FanDuel Racing app (for users aged 18 and above) or access the FD Racing platform through the sportsbook app (for users aged 21 and above), both options are available to you.
Betting on horse racing in Massachusetts
Betting on horse races differs greatly from wagering on sports or playing games at a casino. Unlike those scenarios, there is no central entity acting as the primary opponent for all bettors. Instead, horse betting operates under the system of pari-mutuel wagering, which bears resemblance to fantasy sports leagues or poker tournaments in terms of its structure.
Pari-mutuel betting is a system where all the bets placed on a race are pooled together. This collective pool of money is then used to cover the expenses of the horse track, off-track betting location, or betting site that is responsible for hosting the wagers and the races. In return for their services, these entities will retain a certain fee from the pool.
The remaining money will be distributed among the winning bettors based on the odds of the top three (or four) horses in the race, which closely resemble the excellent Massachusetts sports betting odds.
The track or racebook initially establishes odds for each race based on their prediction of how the horses will perform. However, the final payout odds differ based on the bets placed by bettors. If more people bet on a horse, the payout for a winning wager on that horse decreases because more individuals will share in the winnings.
The reason horse race betting is legal is because bettors are actually placing wagers against one another, rather than against the racetrack.
Common horse race bet types
Horse racing, like many other activities, has its own unique jargon and terminology. When it comes to handicapping and placing bets, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the specific names and rules associated with different wagering options.
Single horse wagering
The single horse bet, also known as a straight bet, is the simplest form of horse wager. By placing this bet, you are predicting that a specific horse will secure one of the top three positions in the race. Here are the available choices:
- To win, you must select the horse that will come in first place in the race. If your chosen horse finishes in any position other than first, your bet will be lost.
- Selection — Choose the horse that will secure a second place finish or higher.
- Display – Choose the horse that will finish in the top three positions or higher.
In everyday language, these three spots are often referred to as verbs. For example, if you choose a horse to “show,” you are placing a bet on that horse to finish in third place or higher. Additionally, you can select a single horse that meets the winning criteria for multiple positions.
One popular option is to choose a horse for a win/place/show bet. To fully capitalize on the wager, the horse needs to secure a victory. Nevertheless, unlike a parlay in sports betting, even a second- or third-place finish will still yield a partial payout.
Multiple horse bets
As the wager involves betting on multiple horses, the complexity increases with the number of horses in the bet.
These wagers are often referred to as exotic bets, although that term may be a bit extravagant. Nonetheless, here are some of the common multi-horse wagers you are likely to encounter.
- In an Exacta bet, you choose two horses – one to win and one to place. In order to win your bet, it is crucial to accurately predict the correct order in which the horses will finish.
- In the Quinella bet, you select two horses to both win and place, without specifying their order. Nonetheless, you will be required to pay twice the amount you would for an exacta bet, since you are now covering two potential outcomes.
- The Trifecta involves selecting three horses to come in first, second, and third place. It is crucial to correctly predict the order, just like with exactas.
- In the Superfecta bet, you select four horses to win, place, show, and finish fourth, with the specific order being crucial. Unlike other horse bets, this wager focuses on the performance of horses beyond the top three positions.
- Choose one horse from a consecutive series of races to win and predict as many races as you’d like. This method of handicapping is similar to parlay betting.
Exotic bets, due to the significance of the order of selections, present a greater challenge in accurate prediction and involve higher risks compared to single-horse wagers. Nevertheless, they offer higher payouts, particularly when choosing an unlikely horse that finishes among the top three positions.
While it’s not advised to completely avoid placing exotic bets, it is crucial to comprehend that the probability of winning is diminished due to the specific outcomes that need to be predicted.
Multiple horse wager modifiers
If the task of selecting horses in the correct order seems overwhelming, there is a positive aspect to consider. Many racebooks allow bettors to choose from a variety of modifiers for their exotic wagers, which can enhance the likelihood of winning the bet.
However, there is a condition to these modifiers. To incorporate one into your bet, you must pay an additional amount on top of the standard exotic bet cost.
Similar to the quinella bet, when you place this bet, you are responsible for the expenses of multiple winning conditions. Despite the increased cost, the odds do not necessarily become less favorable, making it challenging to make a significant profit when altering the bet.
Regardless, here are the typical varieties of modifiers:
- Boxed wagering allows you to choose all possible outcomes for your group of horses. A quinella bet, which is essentially an exacta box, requires twice the cost of the exacta due to the two potential outcomes. If you opt for a boxed trifecta, you will need to pay six times the cost of the straight trifecta because there are six different ways your three horses can finish. Be cautious when placing a superfecta bet as there are 24 possible outcomes, increasing your exposure.
- A key wager involves selecting a single horse to win the race and then choosing multiple horses for the second and third positions. This type of bet is frequently used when one horse is highly favored to win. It is common for heavily favored horses to have unattractive odds, so a key bet can be a strategy to enhance potential winnings towards the end of the race.
- A wheel bet involves picking all the horses to finish in a specific position. If you are confident about the top two horses but also want to include some underdogs, a wheel bet could be a suitable option. This wager is sometimes referred to as “betting the field.”
- You have the option to create a partial wheel or custom bet. This means you can select specific horses from the race while omitting others from your bet. You are free to choose any combination of horses and determine the order in which you want them to finish. Each entry will require payment, but even if you prefer a random selection of horses, you can still place your bet. Rest assured, there is always a way to include your desired choices on your betting ticket.
Different types and classes of horse races
While it may appear that all horse races are identical, in reality, there exist various race formats and unique rules for each race.
Flat stakes races are the races that Bay Staters are most familiar with. These races involve horses running on a flat track, competing for a substantial prize. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this is just one type of horse race among many others.
We should explore the various racing variations that are present in Massachusetts (and other locations) in the world of racing.
Types of horse races
There exist four primary categories of horse races available for betting. In all instances, horses are required to be accompanied by a jockey, or rider, in some capacity.
- The flat race is the most common type of race overall. Horses compete by running around a track that has a level surface. Although the race length and surface may vary, such as grass or dirt, there are no obstacles to overcome during the event. Thoroughbreds or fillies are typically the competitors in these races.
- During a steeplechase race, horses are required to navigate through a range of obstacles. These may include fences and horizontal poles, often followed by shallow splashdown pools.
- Harness racing in Massachusetts currently offers the only live racing option, where horses, typically quarter horses, are harnessed to pull a rider in a small buggy known as a “sulky.” These horses excel in shorter distances.
- Endurance races differ from typical flat races as they are longer in duration. These competitions serve as true tests of both the horse and jockey’s endurance, pushing their mettle and stamina to the limit.
Classes of horse races
In addition to the different race types, there exist diverse race classes which indicate the types of horses participating and the overall level of competition. The race classes can be categorized as follows:
- None of the horses in the race have previously won.
- It is possible to buy any horse participating in the race, as there are prices listed in the majority of the brochures available.
- Weight Limitation: Horses must adhere to a specific weight restriction and/or jockeys must meet certain weight criteria.
- Stakes races, which include Triple Crown races, are the pinnacle of horse racing with the highest prize money. These races require the owners or trainers of the horses to contribute funds for the competition.
The specific race type may not hold much significance for an average bettor in Massachusetts. Ultimately, the horses will participate in the race, and the victorious ones will provide payouts.
Nevertheless, in the realm of handicapping, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and knowledge at your disposal.
How odds work in horse racing
Even though sports betting and other forms of gambling often use different odds formats, horse betting in Massachusetts (and other places) still uses fractional odds to show the probabilities for each horse in a race. Since fractions are commonly encountered in everyday life, they should not be too challenging to understand.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to keep in mind that generally, horses with lower fractions and odds have a higher likelihood of achieving a favorable position in the race.
The horse betting odds are initially determined by the track’s analysts, but experienced bettors can influence the odds based on their own assessments. A fractional odds listing provides information on the odds.
- The probability of an event occurring is equal to the ratio of the likelihood of it not occurring to the likelihood of it occurring.
A horse with odds of 3/1 implies that, in general terms, the chances predict that the horse will fail three times out of a total of four attempts. To obtain the total number, simply combine the two parts of the fraction.
A horse with odds of 2/1 is expected to win one out of every three times, while a horse with odds of 20/1 has much lower chances of winning (approximately once in every 21 attempts).
You understand the concept. In the event that you come across a very small fraction, like 1/2 or 1/3, bear in mind that these indicate a horse as a strong frontrunner, and if it indeed wins, the payout will be quite low.
Bonuses at MA horse betting sites
Similar to other gambling websites, Massachusetts horse betting sites face competition that is just a few clicks or taps away. In order to entice customers, they frequently provide bonuses and promotions. These offers serve the purpose of both attracting new customers and ensuring the satisfaction of existing ones.
These are a few commonly available choices.
- Greetings! These offers typically assure to boost a new player’s account by adding a specific amount of bonus funds. For instance, you might receive a bonus based on your initial bet or deposit on the website. The only condition is that you must wager the bonus funds before they can be withdrawn as cash.
- Deposit – When you make a deposit, the site will match a certain percentage of the amount. For instance, if you deposit $100, you could potentially have a betting balance ranging from $110 to $200. Typically, deposit bonuses necessitate wagering the bonus funds before they can be converted into cash.
- The website provides cashback or insurance options where you can receive compensation for certain lost bets. In most cases, if the horse you selected comes in second or third place, you can get a partial refund. Some offers even allow you to receive the full amount of your wager back, up to a certain limit, enabling you to bet with less worry.
- Loyalty programs are prevalent in all forms of gambling. In essence, every dollar you bet earns you a specific number of points within the website’s loyalty or rewards program. As you accumulate certain point thresholds, you have the option to exchange these points for playable cash or receive enhancements for your different bets.
- If the website provides odds boosts, you may not require a loyalty program. They may enhance the payout for a specific type of bet, especially if it is a riskier exotic bet. This offer is beneficial if you had already intended to place that bet. However, it emphasizes the high risk associated with such bets, as the website is willing to give up an additional 10% to 20% in payouts for them.
Horse betting tips for beginners
When longtime handicappers access a horse betting site or go to a track, they benefit from their extensive experience. They have developed and refined their own tested systems over the years. On the other hand, beginners lack the same level of knowledge and historical understanding.
If you’re new to horse betting in Massachusetts, here are a few fundamental concepts to guide you towards a successful experience.
- To gain better insights into the upcoming race, consider purchasing the program and/or conducting thorough research. When you visit a racetrack or off-track betting location, you will find a program that provides a comprehensive list of all the races. Within these listings, you can access valuable information about the historical performance of each horse, particularly in races with similar length, prestige, surface, and condition. By combining this data with the available odds, you can develop a more accurate understanding of the potential outcome of the race.
- Stick with the basics. Although the exotic bets may seem thrilling and have the potential for significant payouts, it’s important to understand that the reason behind their generous odds is the low likelihood of winning. The tempting opportunity of wagering just $10 and winning thousands is enticing, but it’s advisable to focus on single-horse wagers until you have a better understanding of the situation.
- Only wager an amount that you are willing to part with. Horse betting, like any form of gambling, carries the constant possibility of losing. It is imperative that you never gamble with funds that are essential for your financial obligations. If you have a tendency to spend all your money, only carry the amount you are willing to gamble with when going to the race track. Furthermore, if you decide to explore more complex bets, be aware that their expenses can quickly escalate, especially when you include multiple options in your wager.
- Keep in mind the reasons for their long-shot status. The prospect of betting on a horse and winning over 20 times your initial wager can be thrilling. Yet, it is crucial to comprehend the slim chances of a long shot finishing in the top three of a race. As harsh as it may sound, it is worth remembering that the terms “long shot” and “loser” are closely related in the dictionary. Typically, the horses favored to win are the ones that end up victorious.
- It is not advisable to blindly place bets on the favorite. Although the favorite may have better odds than the other competitors, they still have a fair chance of losing. For example, the top horse in a race may have odds of 2/1, indicating that it is expected to win approximately one out of every three races. If you choose to bet on the favorites, it is important to remain cautious and watch out for signs of them being overrated. If a favorite struggles with the specific type of race, track, or race length, or if they have been performing poorly recently, it may be wise to consider placing your wager on a horse lower down the line.
While none of the aforementioned tips can guarantee success, it is important to note that they might actually be counterproductive from one race to another. Nevertheless, they can serve as a useful starting point for those looking to become handicappers. And even if you don’t find success in that regard, following these tips can still enhance your enjoyment when you visit the track.
Live horse betting in Massachusetts
There is no longer a need to step out of your house to place horse bets in Massachusetts, thanks to the availability of online horse betting. Nevertheless, you might consider visiting one of the limited horse racing outlets in the state for a few compelling reasons.
One aspect to consider is that a visit to Plainridge Park Casino, the only live racing establishment in the state, can provide amusement for the entire family. Betting as little as $2 on each race allows for an affordable means of entertainment, enabling children to experience the excitement of witnessing the ponies in motion.
Another factor to consider is the unique atmosphere and sense of camaraderie that accompanies gambling in a physical setting. The thrill and anticipation that permeate the air during live gambling cannot be fully experienced when playing on a computer or mobile device.
If you prefer to engage in online horse race betting, there are several more suitable settings available to you. Massachusetts offers three options in particular:
- You can find live harness racing and simulcast at Plainridge Park Casino located at 301 Washington St., Plainville, MA 02762. Feel free to contact us at 508-576-4500.
- Simulcast only at Raynham Park located at 1958 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767. Contact us at 508-824-4071.
- Simulcast only at Suffolk Downs, located at 525 William F McClellan Highway, Boston, MA 02128. Contact us at 617-568-3216.
Massachusetts horse betting FAQs
Who can bet on horse racing in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, individuals who are 18 years old or older and are within the state borders are eligible to place bets on horse races. If you are present at any of the three establishments, simply ensuring that you meet the age requirement is sufficient. However, it is important to note that online horse betting platforms will necessitate verification of your geographical location before allowing you to place wagers.
Can you bet on the Preakness Stakes in Massachusetts?
Certainly! Massachusetts residents have the option to place bets on the 2025 Preakness Stakes, taking place on May 20th, through online horse betting platforms such as FanDuel Racing. Alternatively, they can also choose to bet at any of the three authorized simulcast locations in Massachusetts, namely Suffolk Downs, Raynham Park, and Plainridge Park Casino.
Who oversees MA horse betting?
The oversight of all horse betting in Massachusetts is managed by the Division of Racing, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
It is required that you report and fulfill tax obligations on any gambling winnings obtained in Massachusetts. Both federal and state taxes are applicable to earnings from Massachusetts horse betting. When filing your federal return, utilize Schedule 1. For your state return, you will need to classify the winnings as Part B income.
You can also potentially deduct losses, but there are limitations. For more information, refer to IRS Schedule A.
Do MA horse betting sites offer virtual races?
Unfortunately, virtual races, similar to other virtual sports, are only available on online casinos and not on online horse betting sites. Since Massachusetts law prohibits online casinos, betting on virtual races is currently not possible.
Do Massachusetts casinos allow horse bets?
Horse racing betting is exclusively offered at Plainridge Park Casino. Nonetheless, you have the convenience of using your phone to place bets from anywhere within the state, even while at Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield casino floors.