Maryland Horse Racing Betting – Comparing The Best Maryland Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing is considered one of the most thrilling events in the sporting world. In Maryland, horse racing has been around for centuries and continues to grow in popularity thanks to the blossoming of online wagering, which adds a layer of excitement to the sport. Maryland is also home to one of the most prestigious horse racing events of the year, the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

This page will provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Maryland horse racing. Whether you are at a Maryland race track or looking for the best betting sites for horse racing in Maryland, this guide will have you covered. 

Betting on horse racing in Maryland offers advantages often unavailable to those betting in person at the racetrack. This includes a wide array of betting options including exotic bets, potentials for bonuses and rebates, and of course, access to worldwide races.

Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites for Maryland Horse Racing 

Potential bettors will have a wide array of options to choose from. These 10 sites are backed by positive reviews and used by many in Maryland. Below you will find our list offering an in-depth look at the top 10 Maryland online horse racing sites.

1. TwinSpires – Trusted name for horse racing betting in Maryland
2. XBet – Emphasis on U.S. horse racing in MD
3. BetOnline  – Well-designed racebook interface
4. MyBookie – Smooth interface with horse racing bonus rebates
5. BetUS – Fairly large selection of international races 
6. Sportsbetting.ag – Provides free tips on the world’s biggest races
7. BetNow – Wide variety of exotic bets, offers OTB betting
8. BUSR– Features Maryland off-track betting
9. Betanysports – Wide selection of North American thoroughbred tracks
10. Everygame – A sleek site designed for beginners and experts looking to wager  

Reviewing the Best Sites to Bet on a Maryland Horse Race

We’ve done the research and analysis on a multitude of the best Maryland horse race betting sites. 

Below you will find an in-depth look, including the pros and cons of the top five horse betting sites in the Old Line State.

1. TwinSpires – The Best Site for Horse Racing Betting in Maryland

TwinSpires is the best horse race betting site for users in Maryland. This site is owned by Churchill Downs, one of the world’s most prestigious race tracks located in Kentucky. It was originally designed solely for horse racing and has now grown its offering to sports. TwinSpires is considered an industry leader due to its in-depth offering and handicapping advice. 

You can wager on Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races. TwinSpires offers access to analyst recommendations and free past performances and insider picks. When looking to bet on a race, information on the jockey, trainer, and horse is provided. Free insight on the jockey’s and trainer’s win percentage over the last 12 months is offered in every race.

Wagers can range from as low as $2 all the way up to $2500. Largest selection of deposit options in the industry including Credit Card, Bank Wire, PayPal. Now includes ApplePay.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New Users will receive a $200 sign-up bonus. The bonus is credited in installments of $100 for every $400 wagered. To earn the full amount, users need to wager $800 in the first 30 days of account opening.

2. XBet – Easy to Follow Racecard, Ideal for Beginners

Tabbed on the website as the last sportsbook you will ever need to join, XBet offers all bettors need. Navigate quickly between the sportsbook, casino, and the racebook. The racebook consists of all the options that Maryland horse racing bettors will need. XBet features a solid array of Thoroughbred, Harness, and even Greyhound racing. XBet offers a large number of American horse races in addition to Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. All the betting lines you would expect for horse racing are offered including trifecta, exacta, pick 3, as well as parlays. Bets can range from as low as .05 cents to $3000.

The typical deposit methods are available including credit cards, prepaid credit cards, bank wire, and even Bitcoin. The minimum deposit is $45 with a maximum of up to $2500.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

At XBet, new users are rewarded with a first deposit bonus up to $500. Members will need to wager the full bonus amount seven times before requesting a payout.

Click below to claim your horse racing sign-up bonus.

3. BetOnline – Trusted Name Since 1991, Attractive Welcome Bonus

BetOnline is a trusted name that has been in operation since 1991. This book offers a dedicated portion of the website devoted to horse racing under the “Racebook” tab. The site is ideal for beginners. The layout is easy to navigate and also offers tutorials in addition to an introduction to horse race betting terms and wagers.

BetOnline is loaded with bonuses and promotions. Most websites offer a one-time bonus for new users, however, BetOnline offers daily track rebates. You will be awarded a $25 risk-free bet on your first horse race wager. The daily 9% rebates are ideal for high-volume bettors.

The deposit options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, MoneyGram, Bank Wire, Check.  BetOnline also features crypto deposit options. Deposit with Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The site offers a 50% welcome bonus of up to $1000. Make sure to include the promo code: BOL1000 to claim your bonus offer. Also offers a $25 free horse racing bet.

To claim your free bets and bonus cash, sign up to BetOnline today.

4. BetUS – Unmatched Range of promos, Free Horse Race Predictions

BetUS is a complete site for all your wagering needs. BetUS takes pride in its stellar customer service with over 700 English-speaking reps available for your wagering and customer service needs. The wagering options are truly remarkable. You can even bet on political events and entertainment.

BetUS offers free horse racing picks under the ‘racebook tab’ with a direct link to bet on the picks included. The odds have everything you would expect from a premier racebook including the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta.

One of the best sportsbooks and online casinos in the US, BetUS is endorsed by former NBA star Gary Payton. This site is loaded with promos and bonuses including a 200% crypto bonus, a 125% sign-up bonus, and a 250% casino bonus. You will also find a VIP loyalty program in addition to the refer a friend program.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BetUS offers a 125% Sign-Up Bonus up to $3,125 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit required to qualify is $100.

5. MyBookie – Comprehensive Racebook With Early Betting Lines

MyBookie is a fantastic site for horse race betting. The site’s slogan: “Bet on Anything. Anywhere. Anytime” rings true. The site features early betting lines for a variety of races. Many sites do not offer odds until hours before a race, however, on MyBookie you will often find the odds well in advance.

MyBookie features a long list of wager types including the exotic wagers, Quinella, and Superfecta which is not always offered on competitors’ racebooks. You will find horse racing futures on all the major tournaments including the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Kentucky Derby. MyBookie also offers an 8% horse rebate for existing customers.

MyBookie offers a terrific signup bonus. They will match 100% of your first deposit up to $1000. A small minimum deposit of only $50 is required to unlock the bonus.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

MyBookie offers a terrific signup bonus. They will match 100% of your first deposit up to $1000. A small minimum deposit of only $50 is required to unlock the bonus.

6. Sportsbetting.ag – Provides Free Tips on the World’s Biggest Races

When it comes to Maryland horse racing betting, SportsBetting offers a complete package for bettors to wager on. SportsBetting.ag offers sports betting bonuses and promotions as well as a simple signup process. SportsBetting.ag has hit the sweet spot between providing thrilling gaming options, simple banking methods, and generous bonuses.

On Sportsbetting.ag bettors can choose from a wide range of markets and wagering alternatives, including futures and specials. The player props builder also allows you to make your own wagering options. The sportsbook has a variety of sporting events, and horse racing betting in Maryland is one of them. Bets on thoroughbred and harness races from around the world can be placed at the racebook.

Racetracks are organized by country on the left side of the racebook page, and a schedule of forthcoming races is displayed on the right. The unique selling points of SportsBetting’s sportsbook are its live betting and odds increases.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The site offers a 50% welcome bonus of up to $1,000 using the promo code INSIDERS. Also offers a $25 free horse racing bet.

To claim your free bets and bonus cash, sign up to Sportabetting.ag today.

More on gambling in Maryland…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Maryland in our expert guides below:

• Maryland Sports Betting
• Maryland Real Money Online Casinos
• Maryland Online Poker
• Maryland Online Gambling
• Maryland Sports Betting Apps

Comparing The Best Sites for Horse Racing Maryland Has to Offer

Comparing Maryland horse betting sites to best suit your needs can be difficult so we’ve done the due diligence for you. Many of these horse betting sites compete with each other, leaving the user with plenty of viable options.

A user-friendly interface is crucial along with a site that includes all the resources one needs to make the best wagering decisions. Everyone has a different preference. Live streams might be essential for some users while others prefer early betting lines.

Continue scrolling to discover the several key items to consider when choosing the best horse race betting sites in Maryland.

Horse Racing Odds

Odds are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best Maryland horse race betting sites. After all, users want to achieve the best possible payout. Some books have juice on their horse racing odds, leaving a smaller payout for the bettor.

Many Maryland horse racing sites compete and match competitors’ odds. Below you will see the odds for a race from Penn National. TwinSpires and XBet both have “Peacearella” as 6/5 odds to win the race:

TwinSpires is the standout when it comes to the best Maryland horse racing odds. This is because they were originally classified as only a racebook before adding a sportsbook.  We found XBet to offer nearly the same competitive odds as TwinSpires.

With that said, the top five discussed in the list above all offer competitive odds, especially for betting on horse racing in MD.

Horse Racing Betting Markets

The betting markets in horse racing are straightforward and easy to understand. The basic portion of the betting slip will include Win, Place, and Show. These terms will be further explained below. Horse Race markets also include Exotic Bets. These utilize a pari-mutuel system.

Most sites offer a plethora of races to choose from. There will be several racetracks located throughout the United States, and most offer a decent range of international races to choose from.

Live Horse Racing Betting

Live horse racing betting can be the most thrilling aspect of horse racing betting. The best Maryland horse racing sites allow members to place bets after the horses have left the gate. The odds will be updated in real-time however keep in mind there will often be a time delay from the time you place the bet until it is accepted. We found TwinSpires to be the best option for live horse betting.

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Every site we have covered offers betting promotions however they vary greatly. We found all have a welcome bonus for new users whether they are opting for the sportsbook or racebook. One of the best sportsbooks in the US, BETUS features an attractive welcome bonus of 125% on your first deposit up to $3,125.

When it comes to bonuses specific to horse racing, BetOnline offers a free $25 bet on your first race which we also found on SportsBetting.AG. They also offered track rebates of up to 9% on exotic bets and a 4 % rebate is offered on win, place, and show wagers. Most of the horse betting sites offer horse race rebates of some kind. For example, MyBookie offers an 8% horse rebate. Meanwhile, BetNow offers up to a 10% rebate.

Special Features for Horse Racing

TwinSpires takes pride in being the horse racing expert and also offers betting advice from industry experts. BetUS stands out when it comes to special features. As you can see below they offer a broad range of free horse racing picks:

The actual horse race card is the most important element to consider when betting. TwinSpires is the clear leader in this aspect. Here you will find in-depth information on the jockey and trainer. Users can view race history, win percentage, average place of finish. This is valuable info that provides the bettors with an edge that you will not find on all sites.

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

When signing up for a horse race betting site, users will be awarded a welcome bonus. These bonuses attract players to increase their initial bonus deposit to take full advantage of the bonus.

BetOnline is loaded with bonuses. Users will receive a 50% welcome bonus up to $1000. It also offers a 100% 1st-time crypto bonus.

Our favorite welcome bonus is found on BetUS. They feature a 125% Sign-Up Bonus up to $3,125 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to qualify is $100.

As for horse racing bonuses. First-time users receive a free $25 bet on BetOnline and SportsBetting.AG.

User-Friendly Design

When it comes to the layout and decision, the simpler, the better. TwinSpires is an elite betting site but the information available can sometimes be overwhelming for newer users.

MyBookie has a simple interface that allows users to seamlessly toggle from straight bets to Exacta, Trifecta, and parlays. The XBet design is very similar to MyBookie. You can’t go wrong when choosing from MyBookie and XBet.

Live Streaming

Livestream is the top attractive feature for users to watch their horse live. Livestream will give users the feel of in-person races from the comfort of their own homes. TwinSpires is the winner when it comes to live-streaming. The live stream is free, high quality, and is available on the app.

Users do not need a subscription to access the live stream. We did not find any live-streaming options on the competitors’ sites.

How to Choose the Best Maryland Horse Racing Betting Sites

Now that we know what to seek in horse betting sites in terms of specific features, we will progress to the overall attributes to help users choose the best overall betting sites. There are several factors to consider to determine the premier betting sites.

Brand Recognition

Good brands know how to build trust amongst their users. Once a brand is trusted, it will be a critically acclaimed name that will attract new users. TwinSpires is the most trusted name in the sports betting industry. If you are looking for horse race betting in Maryland, TwinSpires is an obvious choice.

Rest assured, we have diligently analyzed the top brands for betting sites in Maryland. The 10 sites mentioned on this site all have solid brand recognition.

Payment Methods

Depositing and Withdrawing should be a hassle-free, straightforward experience. The more options a site offers, the better. The typical payment methods such as credit cards, bank wires, eChecks, and PayPal are the bare minimum.

We like to see betting sites offer crypto as well. This is because crypto often has little to no fees associated with deposits and withdrawals. Many sites now process payouts within 2 to 3 days depending on the method.

Safety & Security

Safety and security are a must in any betting site. Every site mentioned on this page is proven to be safe and secure. These sites will state the licenses they currently hold which can usually be found in the ‘about’ section.

Speed & Design

Speed is an important factor when navigating betting sites, especially when live betting events. A few seconds can make a world of difference when wagering on live events including horse races. A well-designed site is also essential for users to get the most out of their betting experience. Mobile betting is as popular as ever and an attractive app is a must.

Customer Service

Last but not least is customer service. A site is only as good as its customer service and treatment of customers. Should an issue arise, users should have immediate access to help via live chat. The top Maryland horse betting sites offer customer service. TwinSpires has a live chat, email, and phone number to their player services department for your needs.

Overall Value

Check out the table below for a nice summary of items to consider when choosing the best Maryland horse racing betting sites.

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in Maryland?

Yes, horse race betting is legal in the state of Maryland and has been for a while. It operates under the established Maryland Racing Commission.

The state is home to the prestigious annual race, the Preakness Stakes, and features several race tracks throughout the Old Rail State including the well-known Laurel Park horse racing track. It is legal to bet on the traditional on track as well as off-track betting (OTB).

The State of Maryland has approved a sports betting law. This includes 10 Class A licenses including one for the Maryland Jockey Club. The Laurel Park and Pimlico Course are included in the Jockey Club.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Maryland Horse Race Betting Guide – How to Bet on a DC Horse Race

Here we are going to guide you through the process of betting on horse racing in Maryland. This will include in-person betting whether you are in Baltimore or the surrounding area. There are several offshore betting sites that offer horse racing as discussed earlier.

We recommend any of the betting sites mentioned throughout this page, but the top choices can be narrowed down to TwinSpires and XBet. You will find the best access to the largest number of races throughout the world and the live stream option on TwinSpires can’t be beaten.

All sites mentioned in this piece offer the basic win, place, and show bet options. In addition, you will have Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta options.

Below you will see a card from TwinSpires displaying the basic win, place, and Show bet options.

Check Out Our Popular Horse Racing Guides

How Does Maryland Online Horse Betting Work?

Horse Race wagering in Maryland works in the same way as a majority of the U.S. States. There are several popular tracks throughout Maryland for in-person viewing including Laurel Park. If you prefer to bet from the comfort of your own home, you have a multitude of options including TwinSpires.

The most common type of race is the flat race on either turf or dirt tracks. These races usually range from 1-3 miles. There is also jump racing and endurance racing which are not quite as common for horse race betting.

Once you are on the betting site of your choice the best way to begin is by wagering on a basic ‘win’ or ‘place to win’. It’s simple, choose the horse you believe will win the race. The odds will vary based on the horse and the jockey. This includes strength, weight, and past performance and results.  Other common bets include place bets and show bets which require your horse to either first in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place.

Maryland Horse Racing Betting Explained

Here we will illustrate a basic race card and explain the information on the card means. It can be overwhelming at first glance but is really a straightforward process once you understand the basic terms.

In the image above from XBet, you will find a basic horse racing card. The Win, Place, and Show boxes are where you enter the amount you wish to wager. Remember, Win means you are selecting that horse to finish in 1st place. (We will explain in detail the different horse betting markets below. ) The ML fraction on the far right stands for Morning Line. This is the odds of that specific horse winning the race. For example, if you were to select “Kb Mac” to win, it pays 6:1, meaning for everyone $1 one dollar wagered, you will win $6. You can also toggle the fraction for decimal odds, however, the fraction odds are more common in the U.S. and Maryland.

MD Horse Racing Betting Odds

The Odds are displayed in a slightly different manner from site to site, however overall they are similar. Choosing the best available odds will result in larger profit margins on winning picks. The odds will vary. We found TwinSpires to have the most competitive odds. One site might have the favorite as 3/1 while another might have that horse as 4/1, obviously, a user’s profit margin is larger with the site that offers the horse at 4/1.

Another item to consider is the horse odds do not always reflect entirely on the likelihood a horse will win. Public sentiment drives the direction of some odds. If several bettors are piling in on one specific horse, the odds will reflect the fact that money is coming in on that horse.

Fixed Odds for Horse Race Betting in MD

Basically, fixed horse race betting odds is the name used when taking the wager the bookmaker is offering. Once you place your bet the odds will not change, meaning your payout is set at the price you took when placing the bet. This is one of the most common types of odds you will find on a racebook.

Pari-Mutuel Betting in Maryland

The Pari-Mutuel betting system is a pool of bets. Here the odds are not fixed as all bets placed in that race are pooled together. Therefore, the payout is based on the number of bets made. The more bets that are made, the larger the pool. This also means the larger the pool, the smaller the payout as it shares the payout amongst the winners. This is particularly common in the United States.

Pool Betting on Maryland Horse Races

Pool betting is similar to pari-mutuel betting. The main difference is pool betting has fixed odds when it comes to the payout. The key advantage is the payout can be more than a pari-mutuel bet. As mentioned above, the payout is unknown at the time of placing the bet while pool betting will have fixed odds. You can also have exotic bets such as Exacta, and Trifecta for a pool bet.

What Are the Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

There is a solid assortment of bet types offered when betting on a horse race. Most think of the traditional ‘win’ bet, however, there are plenty of options to consider. Many of these bets can have a larger payout than the usual win bets. Below we discuss the bet types you will find when betting on horse racing in Maryland.

Win

The win bet is simple. Bet on the horse you believe will win the race. If your horse finishes first you win, however, any other outcome will be considered a lost bet. The heavy favorite to win will have a lower payout. This is one of the most common bet types.

Place

It can be frustrating if your horse of choice loses by a hair. Fortunately, the place bet gives you a better chance of winning. If the horse you choose finishes in either first or second place you will win the bet. The payout will be smaller than the win bet, however, you have a better chance.

Show

This bet is very similar to the place bet. Instead of betting on the horse finishing in the top two spots, here you are betting on a top 3 finish. Keep in mind this bet pays less than the win and place bets since the chances of you winning increase. The more horses in the race, the more the show bet pays.

Exacta

Now we arrive at the exotic bets. The Exacta bet requires you to select two horses. If they finish first and second in the race in the proper order, you are a winner. This payout is much higher than the above bets.

Trifecta

The Trifecta bet is exactly how it sounds. Select three horses, if they finish in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the correct order you win. The payout on this bet is lavish, especially when selecting a horse that isn’t anticipated to finish in the top three. Obviously, you don’t need a large wager to bring in a stellar payout due to the increased odds.

Superfecta

Here a bettor selects the order of finish, this time ranging from 1st to 4th place. This is a difficult bet to win, however, a smaller wager can bring in a huge payout. It is not advised to make large wagers on this particular exotic bet.

Daily Double

This bet is divided into two races. Simply pick the winner of each race to win the bet. The races have to occur on the same day from the same track.

Pick 3/4/5/6

Pick wagers follow the same principle as the daily double. Here a bettor selects the winner for multiple races. A pick 3 is for 3 races, pick four applies to four races, etc. Again, these picks have to be from the same race card. These bets offer the largest payouts. If no one picks all six winners in a pick-six pool, those who correctly selected five will often receive a smaller payout.

Baltimore Horse Race Betting Terms

Horse racing has a large glossary of terms used to describe the different scenarios and portions of a race. Below is a list of the most common Maryland horse betting terms.

• Across the board: A wager on a horse to win, place, and show
• At the Post: Beginning of the race
• Blinkers: A type of gear worn by the horse to limit his field of peripheral view. This helps the horse concentrate by keeping his vision straight ahead.
• Card: The number of races being held at that track for that day. For example, a track might have 10 races in one day, the card details the time and horse/jockeys participating.
• Classic: An important, or high-profile race. Includes the Preakness Stakes
• Dead Heat: An event when two horses finish a race at the same time.
• Exotic Bet: Any bet that is not a win, place, or show bet
• Favorite -The horse that is expected to win the race
• Field: All the horses participating in a race
• Home Stretch: The last portion of a race from the final curve to the finish line
• Maiden: A horse that has yet to win a race
• Mutuels: The area where the bets are registered and paid out.
• Odds: The price of betting on a specific horse or market.
• Pari-Mutuel: A pool of bets paid out amongst the winners
• Purse: Total amount of money won by the jockey and trainers
• Silks: The color of helmet and apparel that is worn by the jockey
• Tote Board: The sign or board that displays the odds, place of finish, and other race info
• Wager: The amount of money bet on a specific race or outcome

MD Horse Racing Betting Calculator

When a bet is placed the online racebook will automatically calculate the payout on the bet slip, even before the bet is placed. Often just type in the wager amount and it will update.

You will rarely have to calculate the potential winning payout manually. Keep in mind the odds change throughout the day. A good initial indicator is the ML (morning line). These are the initial odds released the day of the race. They often fluctuate throughout the day. Below we outline how to calculate horse race betting odds.

How to Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

Odds are usually displayed in the form of fractions. For example, if a horse is a 1:6 odd, that means you will earn 6 units for every one unit wagered. Odds can also be displayed as decimals. For example, if a horse is labeled with a 6.50 odd, it means you will earn 6.5 units for every 1 unit bet.

The horse race odds are presented in primarily two different forms that users should know. These are fixed odds and pool betting odds. The fixed odds are the odds the bookmaker assigns to each horse. If an abundance of money is arriving on one horse the odds will change. The more bets on a certain horse, the lower the odds will be.

Pool betting odds depend on the number of people betting on certain horses. The payouts reflect the number of people who have bet on each horse.

For example, if 10 people bet $10 on a race the total value of the pool is $100. Now if 5 of the people bet on the winning horse, that makes the winning pool payout $50. Now divided $50 by the 5 correct bettors and the payout is $10.

Maryland Horse Racing Odds Chart:

The payout on correct bets varies wildly. The chart below will outline the examples of odds, along with the payout a winning bettor will receive based on a $2 bet on Maryland horse races.

Race Tracks in Maryland

Betting on horse racing in Maryland is becoming increasingly popular but nothing beats the thrill of watching a live horse race at the track. The exhilarating thrill of watching your horse in the lead down the final stretch is second to none.

Live horse racing in Maryland is a flourishing scene. Below we list and discuss the top five MD race tracks.

Pimlico Race Course- 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215

When it comes to Baltimore horse racing, the Pimlico Race Course stands out above the rest. Home to the Preakness Stakes, horse racing fans travel from all over the globe to watch this special event at Pimlico Race Course. This track is rich in history, opening in the year 1870, making it one of the most storied race tracks in Maryland. This should be your first choice when visiting an MD race track. Note that it does not feature a casino.

Laurel Park- 198 Laurel Race Track Rd, Laurel, MD 20725

Laurel Park is another Maryland race track with a long history. This track opened in 1911. This track is home to the Maryland Million event. Laurel Park features several dining options and family events throughout the year. Laurel Park is currently under renovations as of December 2021.

Casino at Ocean Downs – 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811

This Maryland racetrack features Standardbred harness racing. This is where “Man O’ War” was born and raised. Man O War is widely considered one of the best racehorses of all time. This site features several dining options along with a casino. The most popular race at this track is named the Maryland Sire Stakes. This track is owned by Churchill Downs.

Rosecroft Raceway- 6336 Rosecroft Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744

The Rosecroft Raceway, nicknamed the “Raceway by the Beltway” features harness racing in Fort Washington. This is a nice track that is 5/8-mile in length. The grandstand features a large dining room and is also home to banquets.

Timonium Raceway, 2200 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium MD 21093

The Timonium Raceway is located at the Maryland State Fair every summer. This track is usually only open during the Maryland State Farm from late August through Labor Day weekend. Also, Simulcast racing is available at the Timonium OTB Center daily. Timonium features a dirt track.

The History of Maryland Horse Racing

Write a paragraph outlining the history of horse racing in Maryland. Create a timeline using the chart below to document some of the significant events in Maryland’s horse racing history.

Maryland Horse Racing Schedule

Every year, horse racing enthusiasts look forward to Maryland’s gem, the Preakness Stakes. However, the Preakness isn’t the only significant Maryland horse racing event.

Below we list the notable upcoming horse races occurring in Maryland.

Preakness 2023

The Preakness Stakes is a prestigious thoroughbred horse race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The first Preakness Stakes dates back to 1873.

Along with the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness Stakes is one of the three races in the prestigious Triple Crown. The race occurs on a dirt track and has a distance of 9.5 furlongs (1,900m). Last year, the total purse for the 2021 Preakness Stakes was $1,000,000.

Below, we’ve detailed the results of Preakness 2021.

Comparing Betting At the Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

Betting at race tracks in Maryland is an awesome experience with an added level of excitement. The atmosphere is incredible and watching these horses in person provides an even greater appreciation for the sport. However, the advantages of betting at the racetrack end there.

Betting on horse racing online provides a whole new level of convenience, odds, betting options, and free insight. The following table illustrates the key differences between betting at the racetrack as opposed to online betting.

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Race Betting Sites in Maryland

Opening a new betting account online requires users to accept the terms and conditions. Many of these terms and conditions are quite standard, including age (21+) and location requirements. Moreover, there are terms applied to any bonuses and promotions. Often, users need to verify their account by confirming identity via a driver’s license or state ID.

Rollover Requirements

Any bonus money received with online betting sites will be subject to a rollover requirement. This means users will have to stake a multiple of a deposit in order to be able to withdraw any winnings derived from the bonus.

For example, a bonus with a $1000 bonus with a 3x rollover means users will need to stake a total of $3000 to withdraw that bonus money. This can be spread out over several bets. Also, users will often have a timeframe in which that money needs to be wagered.

Check out the tables below to view the best betting sites for horse races in Maryland along with the welcome bonus offered.

MD Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

We have discussed the welcome bonuses offered on online horse race betting sites, however, users can also find a variety of bonuses, with many specific to horse racing, including rebates. Below we outline the assortment of bonuses you can claim along with a chart highlighting where you can find each bonus.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is the bonus new users receive on their first deposit. These are usually the most lucrative bonuses available. Keep in mind the bonus is often based on your first deposit, so the larger the deposit the better the bonus. Most sites match your deposit up to $1000, and as mentioned above BetUS will match up to $3,125.

Loyalty Bonus

The loyalty bonus rewards bettors for their dedication and frequent use of the site. These vary depending on the site and usually are not as common as the welcome bonus. These are often free bets ie., a loyal user is rewarded a $25 bonus. These often have rollover requirements.

Racebook-Specific Bonuses

The racebook-specific bonus applies to wagers on horse races only. Many sites offer these bonuses in the form of rebates. For example, MyBookie offers 8% horse rebate bonuses. Some also offer free bets on your first race or even boosts on winning wagers.

Moneyback Offers

Many sites will refund your wager amount in certain events. Some Maryland horse racing betting sites offer Exacta insurance bonuses, meaning if two of your horses finish in the top 3 but not in the winning order, your wage will be refunded. Another common money-back offer refunds your wage if the horse finishes 2nd or 3rd place.

Enhanced Odds

This bonus will enhance the odds of a specific market or horse. For example, a horse that is labeled as a 5/1 favorite, could be enhanced to a 6/1, therefore increasing the payout on a correct wager.

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Maryland

Virtual horse race betting is steadily gaining popularity in the U.S and Maryland. When betting on virtual races in Maryland, you are betting on computer-generated races instead of actual horses. The odds are displayed similarly to actual horse races. There will be a favorite to win the virtual race. The assorted bet types are the same as real horse races. You will find the usual win, show, and place bets along with the exotic bets.

Maryland Horse Racing Betting Apps

Many websites are evolving to include apps for added convenience. Many horse race betting sites offer mobile apps for a better user experience. All 10 sites discussed on this page either offer a horse race betting app or a mobile site.

Maryland Horse Race Betting Apps for iPhone

Not every site for horse racing in Maryland has an app for iPhone. For Apple users, TwinSpires offers an outstanding app for iPhone that is available for download in the App Store.

MD Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

Android apps are more accessible considering users do not have to download the app directly from the Google Play Store. To set the site as an app, open the site on your mobile browser and save it to your home screen, and the app will be created. TwinSpires and BetUS are available to download for Android Users on the Google Play Store.

How to Bet on a Maryland Horse Race Online

Here we will guide you through the steps required to open an account and place your first bet. This guide will be using one of the top recommendations on this page, XBet.

Step 1: Create New Account

First, you need to create an account. Here you will be inputting your details such as name, address, phone number, etc.

Step 2: Click on the Horse Racing Section

Many betting sites have a section devoted entirely to horse racing. This portion is sometimes referred to as a racebook. This is where you will find the odds.

Step 3: Select Your Desired Horse Race

You will find a variety of races available for wagering. Once you click on the race, the betting options will be listed. You will find the win, place, and show bets in one area, and the exotic bets will often be listed beside them.

Step 4: Select and Place Your Bet

Here is where you select the bet you wish to make and enter the amount of money you would like to wager. In the picture below, a $10 ‘show’ bet is entered for a race occurring at Laurel Park for the horse ‘Awesome Stephen’ at 15/1 odds.

 

 

Step 5: Monitor Your Bet

Here you can verify the status of your bet, whether the race is occurring in real-time or you are checking in after the race to see if your bet has won. It’s fairly straightforward on all betting sites. It will usually be under ‘my bets’ or ‘bet history’.

Other Types of Gambling in Maryland

The gambling scene continues to increase in popularity, especially with the state legalizing sports betting in Maryland.

While horse racing attracts most of the attention, the NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in MD. At the best online gambling sites in Maryland, Super Bowl betting generates the most betting handle. Maryland residents enjoy betting on their home team, the Baltimore Ravens, who last won the Super Bowl in 2013.

There are also several online casinos in Maryland that give members access to casino games, including slots and table games.

What Is the Best Betting Site for Horse Racing in Maryland?

We have chosen and discussed the 10 best sites for horse races in Maryland on this page in great detail. You can’t go wrong with any of the sites listed. Users all have different preferences based on several factors. All sites listed are safe and offer competitive odds.

Ultimately, we believe TwinSpires is the best option available for online horse race betting in Maryland. The site was originally created solely for horse race betting and is viewed as the industry leader. The site offers live-streaming of races which is considered rare in the industry. TwinSpires features a variety of races including domestic and international races. Users will find stellar odds and insight making this a remarkable site for beginners and experts. The welcome bonus of $200 is also terrific along with the specific horse race promotions.

FAQ

How many horse race tracks are in Maryland?

Maryland offers five major horse tracks. These include Pimlico Race Course located in Baltimore, Laurel Park, Casino at Ocean Downs, Rosecroft Raceway, and Timonium Raceway.

Is Betting on horse racing legal in Maryland?

Yes, betting on horse racing is legal in the state of Maryland. Users can bet on horse races in person at the various race tracks as well as online.

What horse race in Maryland?

The state of Maryland is home to several notable races. The biggest is the Preakness Stakes. This is a famous thoroughbred race that occurs in the month of May.