Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting – Comparing The Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts offers live horse racing at physical racetracks within the state, but there are also online options. In addition to betting on the horse, players have various options to wager on other sporting events, and casino games too. But regarding horse racing, there are plenty of sites that Massachusetts residents can place bets in a secure and safe environment. We have taken the time to thoroughly review these sites for all that they have to offer and more.

Continue to read on for more about Massachusetts horse racing and the best places to wager on races in the United States and from around the world!

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To provide residents in Massachusetts with the most recent information about horse racing in the state. Below are our top ten picks and we have reviewed each of these sits in detail. We have further ranked them in order from the ones we believe to be the best and what makes each of them unique from one another.

  1. TwinSpires – The overall best Massachusetts horse racing online site
  2. TVGA leading site for horse betting in Massachusetts
  3. BetOnline – User-friendly and superior betting site for horse racing
  4. XBet – Offers an appealing selection of horse races from around the world
  5. Bovada – Most visually-appealing site for MA horse racing betting
  6. MyBookie – Dedicated horse racing promotions for MA bettors
  7. BetUS – An impressive selection of horse racing features
  8. BUSR – Over 250 tracks to choose from for MA horse bettors
  9. Sportsbetting.ag – $25 Horse Free Play for new MA bettors
  10. BetNow – Offers a 10% Weekly Rebate for online horse betting losses
In This Guide

Reviewing The Best Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Sites

For the best information regarding our leading horse racing site, we took a closer look at each of them, specifically the top five. Therefore, you can find mini-reviews below for TwinSpires, TVG, BetOnline, Xbet, and Bovada based on our personal experience with each site. At the bottom of each review, you’ll find a pros and cons list as well.

1. TwinSpires – The overall best Massachusetts horse racing online site

TwinSpires is our top-rated betting site for Massachusetts bettors who want to wager on first-time horse and greyhound wagering. Why? Because this website offers users and bettors essential tips as well as insights on how to become a professional bettor in no time. What’s more is that you can bet on your favorite races from any device whether that’s your desktop, mobile device, or tablet. The choice is yours and the website is fully accessible on any of these.

The TwinSpires website is very well organized making it easy to navigate and making the experience almost effortless. In addition to the racebook section, visitors can also enjoy the sportsbook section and the casino offerings for an all-in-one online gambling experience. TwinSpires is owned by Churchill Downs which is the home of the Kentucky Derby which adds a great level of credibility to this site. Since 1875, they have been a leader in the horse betting industry which is another reason they are such a great option for online horse racing betting in Massachusetts.

TwinSpires Horse Racing Homepage

TwinSpires Review –
The overall best Massachusetts horse racing online site
Pros Cons
✅ Strong betting lines are accessible here ❌ Credit card deposits have fees
✅ Horse related specific promotions ❌ The site can be overwhelming
✅ Betting tools are available such as handicap tool
✅ Feature-rich race cards are available
✅ A big range of international races

Welcome Bonus Offer:

When you sign up for an account at TwinSpires, you can claim your $200 Welcome Offer using the promo code: BET200. Also, you can find plenty of additional offers like Free Bets.

Click the button below to join TwinSpires.

2. TVG – A leading site for horse betting in Massachusetts

TVG has been around since 2009 and offers bettors in Massachusetts a reputable horse racing section with tons of features to use. The site offers plenty of action for horse racing enthusiasts. Bettors can also take advantage of live streaming features on-site which is a major advantage to choosing the TVG website. There’s also plenty of advice for novice bettors to get ready for their horse betting adventure. More seasoned bettors can also benefit from this advice.

TVG also offers pari-mutuel betting directly on their website and mobile betting app which is great for convenience and accessibility. Having the option to bet while on the go is a major plus for any betting site and any horse racing bettor. You can also place bets on over 150 racetracks from all over the globe on the TVG website (or app). What’s, even more, is that you can wager rewards or refer your friends to receive a bonus!

TVG Horse Racing Homepage

TVG Review –
A leading site for horse betting in Massachusetts
Pros Cons
✅ Live streaming features are available ❌ Credit card have fees
✅ Low margins are charged
✅ Mobile betting app is easily accessible
✅ Futures are offered for major races around the world
✅ Betting lines are released up to 24 hours before a race starts

Welcome Bonus Offer:

When registering for an account at TVG, you can claim the 50% Match Bonus up to $250 after making your first deposit. To claim your $250 Bonus, make a deposit and use the promo code: 250DM.

To place horse racing bets at TVG, follow the link below.

3. BetOnline – User-friendly and superior betting site for horse racing

BetOnline is a superior site for horse racing betting as well as sportsbetting and casino games. Moreover, this website has an impressive range of betting tools and features available for horse racing bettors. There’s an express tool that is a small pane wager that opens the track to begin betting instantly. What’s more, is the TV feature which is a live streaming channel that can be accessed on desktops and on the mobile app.

Bettors at BetOnline takes advantage of conditional wagering that allows you to set what price you want to take and if doesn’t hit that price, your bet won’t be taken. Another valuable feature here is wager cancellation which allows you to cancel any wager before the race begins. Also, you will have the chance to access over 600 racetracks at BetOnline with plenty of trustworthy banking options for deposits and withdrawals.

BetOnline Horse Racing Page

BetOnline Review –
User-friendly and superior site for horse racing
Pros Cons
✅ Lots of international races available ❌ The site has a lot going on
✅ Feature-rich racecards ❌ Credit Card deposits have fees
✅ Betting tools are available
✅Specific promotions for horse racing
✅ Strong betting lines are offered

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New players at BetOnline can claim a 100% up to $1,000 Welcome Offer once you have made your first deposit, you can claim it and will be added to your account. This offer comes with a 10x rollover requirement which has to be fulfilled before you can withdraw any winnings from it.

To sign up for an account at BetOnline to place horse racing wagers, click the button below!

4. Xbet – Offers an appealing selection of horse races from around the world

Xbet was founded in 2003 and offers Massachusetts bettors a superb variety of horse races. The coverage of races features the United States all the way to international races which is an amazing offering. Races are offered from Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, Asia, and Africa. Furthermore, the racecards that are available here are easy to use and include the three common markets: Win, Place, and Show.

And on top of that, the bet types that are offered are Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta. There are also meeting that offer access to Daily Doubles, Pick Bets, and Parlay Bets. What’s more, is that the payment options are plentiful including choices like Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bank Wife Transfers. The processing time is quick and processed within 48 hours.

Xbet Horse Racbook Page

Xbet Review –
Offers an appealing selection of horse races from around the world
Pros Cons
✅ Banking options are plentiful ❌ Credit card deposits have fees
✅Wide range of betting markets available
✅ Low margins are charged
✅ International races are covered
✅ Mobile-friendly site is accessible

Welcome Bonus Offer:

The Xbet Welcome Offer is a match deposit type of Bonuses of 100% up to $500 with a 10x rollover requirement attached to it. This is one of the more user-friendly offers that you can access.

5. Bovada – Most visually-appealing sites for MA horse racing betting

Bovada is a reputable betting site that has a strong horse racing section offering a seamless and user-friendly experience for any type of bettor. Also, the betting lines at Bovada are what stands out to us most because they are synonymous with casual punters which means that lines for favorites aren’t the best. Further, horses outside of the favorites are well-priced as a result which is another reason why a lot of pro-bettors use it for these types of bets.

Bovada has an excellent selection of horse racing promotions like enhanced odds and money-back guarantees. Bettors can choose from some of the most well-known and reputable payment methods for safe transactions at Bovada. Deposits can be as little as $10 while withdrawals can be up to $5,000, and processing takes only 24 hours.

Bovada Horse Racebook Page

Bovada Review –
Most visually-appealing sites for MA horse racing betting

Pros Cons
✅ Early betting lines are offered ❌ Not many horse racing features are available
✅A good range of US horse races are covered
✅ Good odds for non-favorites
✅ A large sportsbook section is also offered
✅ 100% up to $1,000 Welcome Offer

Welcome Bonus Offer:

When you sign up for an account at Bovada, you can claim a 100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000. This is a Match Bonus that comes with a 10x rollover requirement.

More on gambling in Massachusetts…

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

Comparing The Best Sites For Horse Racing Massachusetts Has To Offer

After reviewing these horse betting sites, we compared them to see how they do against one another. We did this by taking some of the features that are key and then testing them out to see how they all work. The below features can be found at most of the Massachusetts horse betting sites which made comparing them easy.

Horse Racing Odds

It’s possible that some sites will offer better odds than others for horse racing betting. In that case, it’s good to do some research beforehand to know where to find the best odds. From our research, we have concluded that BetOnline offers better odds at the racetrack than most other sites.

Live Horse Racing Betting

Live horse racing betting gives bettors the ability to see what is happening in a race, in real-time. And for this to be a flawless experience, it’s important to find a site that runs smoothly. The site should also provide you with the chance to see any changes that are made to the odds without needing to refresh the page each time. For live horse racing in Massachusetts, we recommend Xbet and MyBookie.

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Betting promotions are a huge advantage of online betting. Most sites will firstly give you the chance to claim a Welcome Bonus of some kind, which is a one-time offer, and then after that, visitors can enjoy ongoing promotions, some of which are specifically for horse racing. The Xbet betting site for example has a 7% Horse Rebate offer on qualified tracks.

Special Features for Horse Racing

Special features are what sets any website apart from another because it’s like they have added bonuses to their offerings and experience. Some examples of special features for horse racing sites can include betting picks, live streaming, special horse promotions, and potentially predictions. Most of the sites that we have recommended on this page have at least one, if not a more, special feature available.

User-Friendly Design

A user-friendly site is becoming more of a demand for every industry including the betting and horse racing industry. Bettors shouldn’t have to spend too much time navigating through a website to place bets. It should be straightforward and with an appealing look so that bettors will want to return to the site time and time again.

Live Streaming

Live streaming is another great feature available at betting sites. This type of live streaming covers horse races that are either held within the United States or in other countries around the globe. Massachusetts bettors can easily sign up for a free account at BetUS, where they can take advantage of their unique BetUS TV feature which includes live streaming races from around the world. In addition, you’ll also have access to racing predictions and picks.

Below is a chart that shows our top ten sites and how they compare to one another in terms of special features.

Comparing Features At The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In North Dakota
Live Track Odds   Horse Racing Betting Markets Horse Racing Betting Promotions  Special Features of Horse Racing User-Friendly Design Horse Racing Live Streaming SportsBetting Casino Games
TVG
TwinSpires
BetOnline
XBet
Bovada
MyBookie
BetUS
BUSR
SportsBetting
BetNow

How To Choose The Best Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Sites

In this section, we have highlighted some of the most important points you’ll want to consider for choosing an online betting site for horse racing. With the options available today, we know how hard it is to make a decision sometimes which is why we have created this list of important characteristics that a betting site should have.

Brand Recognition

Brand recognition is important for online sites whether they are for horse racing betting or not. Therefore, the site should have a good reputation and be recognized for what they excel at like horse racing betting or virtual horse racing, and so on. The sites we have reviewed and recommend to you on this page all have good brand recognition with many years of experience within the industry.

Payment Methods

A good betting site will cover a good variety of payment methods, all of which should be well-known and reputable like Visa or Bitcoin. It only makes sense that you would want to make online transactions with trustworthy banking options. We’d also like to point out that some of these sites might come with a fee of some kind and we recommend that you avoid making deposits with any type of method that charges you fees.

Safety & Security

Safety and security is another important point and that’s why we looked for sites that have SSL certificates along with legitimate licensing (shown publicly). Licensing of a legit website shouldn’t be hard to find, and this is something that we want our readers to remember, for your safety. All that said, we can assure you that the sites we have recommended are all safe and secure for your gambling activities.

Speed & Design

Speed and design are important to any type of online site these days whether it’s for gambling, shopping, ordering food, and more. The experience should be close to flawless if not flawless, which is why we look for sites that don’t lag, are easy on the eyes, and have a platform that is easy to navigate by anyone.

Customer Service

The efficiency and friendliness of the customer service is major asset to any good online site. If you are to run into any issues along the way, we know how important it is to want a way to reach the customer service team easily, quickly, and have a solution.

We tested the customer service by evaluating how long it takes to get a response as well as how quickly and effectively they offer a solution.

Overall Value

The points listed above are all very important to a good online horse racing betting site. And since there are so many sites to choose from, it’s important to know any weak points they might have. That said, in this section, we have outlined the best Massachusetts horse racing sites with the above characteristics in mind.

Therefore, the chart below gives you an overview of the things we have looked at for each point with hopes you can use it for selecting the very best fit for your needs.

What To Look For In The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In Massachusetts
Brand Recognition ✅ Trustworthy

✅ Reliable

Payment Process ✅ Safe Payment Options

✅ Fast, Secure Payouts

Safety & Security ✅ Safety & Security

✅ Protecting Privacy & Personal Information

Speed & Design ✅ Fast Software

✅ User-Friendly Design

Customer Service ✅ 24/7 Live Chat

✅ Friendly Customer Service

Overall Value ✅ Best Odds

✅ Live Streaming

✅ Promotions Offers

✅ Special Features

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal In Massachusetts?

Horse racing and horse betting are legal in Massachusetts and are regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The Division of Racing within this Commission is responsible for regulating the Massachusetts horse racing industry while also implementing new rules and regulations to promote the health and well-being of horses.

Moreover, residents of Massachusetts can bet on horses through online horse betting sites such as TVG or TwinSpires. Also, alternative forms of online betting are also legal as residents can sign up at offshore betting sites to wager on horse racing from around the world. Further, the TVG site for example has a broadcast network that is dedicated exclusively to horse racing and also offers advice to handicappers 24/7. Further, Plainridge Park Casino is the only location in the state that offers any sort of live racing and pari-mutuel wagering.

Furthermore, this location also offers harness racing between April and November. Throughout the entire year, visitors can enjoy slot play and simulcast wagering opportunities. Lastly, as two other locations which used to also have live horse racing tracks in Massachusetts, offer simulcasting, too. Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs are both open seven days a week for off-track betting on races throughout the United States. All in all, Massachusetts laws allow casino gambling (tribal and commercial), charitable gaming, a state lottery, and pari-mutuel wagering on dog and horse racing.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Guide – How To Bet On Horse Races In Massachusetts

There are plenty of options for horse racing betting for residents of Massachusetts. First, bettors can go to the live racetrack and place bets or they can go to the few locations that offer off-track betting. On top of that, bettors can choose from the big array of races available on the online gambling sites in Massachusetts.

As a Massachusetts resident, you can easily register at our most recommended sites, all of which have a superb brand recognition. A few of the sites from our list are BetOnline, Bovada, and Xbet, which have been ranked at the top of the list for gamblers throughout the United States. When choosing a betting site like these, you can claim a one-time Welcome Bonus, ongoing promotions, loyalty rewards, live horse streaming, and more.

The best part of it all is that these sites are safe and secure while providing Massachusetts residents and horse racing enthusiasts the chance to register for a free account for real money wagering on horse racing.

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work in Massachusetts

To get started with horse racing in Massachusetts, you’ll need to pick a site from our list, or more than one because there are no limits as to how many you can create an account at. Then, you’ll want to choose a horse race that looks appealing to you and that you’d like to wager on. Keep in mind that most sites will give you access to betting tools that will help you to make your pick. Also, if the site offers betting picks, news articles, or any type of advice, these are great tools to use for your horse racing experience.

Furthermore, once you have chosen your pick, use the racecard to place your bet. You should be able to choose between different markets such as Win, Place, and Show. And you might also get to choose mixed bets such as Exacta and Superfecta.

Often, odds will be displayed as a pool which you’ll get a dividend from that pool. Some sites will also offer a morning line price which is an estimate of what the odds for that horse will be before the race starts.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Explained

We took an example of a BetOnline racecard to help explain what they look like and to give you an idea of how simple it is to add to your bet slip. On the racecard, you’ll see to the very left-hand side is where the Win and Place markets are. Then, to the right of this, there’s the runner/jockey and then the trainer to the right of this. When you move even more to the right, you’ll see the weight of the horse as well as the time of the race. Also, below the chart, you’ll see a section that shows the minimum and maximum amounts for the Win and Place markets.

BetOnline Racecard

Horse Racing Betting Odds

For the best-proven horse racing sites in Massachusetts, we recommend BetOnline, Bovada, or Xbet because these sites are easy to access and navigate, they have an appealing design, and they also have low margins. While BetOnline excels in popular bets that are often a shade higher than most, Bovada is the best for longer-priced horses given the vast number of recreational bettors that use their site.

We have listed and briefly described the most common types of betting odds that you can expect to see for horse racing in Massachusetts below.

Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Massachusetts

When the betting sites set the price but can also change it are the fixed odds. And this is one of the most common forms of odds for almost any type of sports betting aside from horse racing. Most times, fixed odds are displayed as a fraction.

Pari-Mutuel Betting in Massachusetts

Pari-mutuel betting is when you place a bet into a pool and a dividend is then rewarded at the end of the race. Then, all the money that’s been invested into the pool via bets will be distributed by the betting site based on how many people have wagered in that winning pool as well as how much you have wagered.

Pool Betting on Massachusetts Horse Races

Pool betting is somewhat similar to pari-mutuel betting however, with pool betting, bettors pay into a pool instead of giving their money to a bookmaker. The money that’s pooled together is shared among those who have placed bets on the winning selection.

What Are The Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

All races will come with a set of bets that bettors can wager on. Below are some of the most popular bets that you will come across at the top horse racing betting sites in Massachusetts state.

Win

A win bet is the most popular and is where you bet on the overall winner of the race. It is a single bet, and your horse must win to get paid.

Place

The place bet is where you select a horse to finish in either first or second place.

Show

A show bet is where your horse can finish anywhere in the top three places. The order doesn’t matter for either the show or place bets as the payout will be the same regardless.

Exacta

An exacta bet is where you pick the two horses to finish in 1st or 2nd place, and in the correct order.

Trifecta

The trifecta bet is where you pick the three horses to finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, in the correct order.

Superfecta

A superfecta bet is where you pick four horses to finish in the correct order for the top four spots.

Daily Double

A Daily Double bet is where you need to pick the winner of the first two races of a meeting.

Pick 3/4/5/6

Pick bets are extensions of the Daily Double and include the number of races per pick number. For instance, a Pick 3 bet would need the winners of the first three races at that meeting while a Pick 4 would need the winner of the first races.

The chart below gives you a quick overview of each of these bets and how they work in Massachusetts.

Comparing the Different Types of Bets for Horse Racing in Massachusetts
Bet Type Description
Win The overall winner of the race
Place Horse to finish in the top 2 places
Show Horse to finish in the top 3 places
Exacta First 2 horses in the correct order
Trifecta First 3 horses in the correct order
Superfecta First 4 horses in the correct order
Daily Double The winner of 2 consecutive races from the same meeting
Pick 3 The winner of 3 consecutive races from the same meeting
Pick 4 The winner of 4 consecutive races from the same meeting
Pick 5 The winner of 5 consecutive races from the same meeting
Pick 6 The winner of 6 consecutive races from the same meeting

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Terms

Horse racing is a part of the gambling industry which comes with more terminology than a game of poker or blackjack would. Therefore, we suggest that for those who want to wager real money bets on horse racing events, you learn most of the common terms. That said, worry not, because even though there are a lot of terms to be learned for horse racing betting, it’s not impossible to learn and anyone can learn the terms as well as learn how to place bets on horse races.

Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained:

Horse racing comes with a long list of terms and with that said, it might be a good idea to get a hang of some of the terms. Have a look below to get more familiar with some of the most used terms in the horse racing industry.

Across the board

A bet on a horse to win, place, and show.

At the post

Signifies the start of the race.

Claiming Race

A race where the horses racing can be bought for a specific price.

Dead Heat

Two or more horses that finish in a tie at the finish line.

DQ

A horse that has been disqualified.

Exotic Bet

A bet that isn’t a win, place, or show.

Favorite

The horse is most likely to win the race.

Field

The horses in a race.

Furlong

A unit is used to measure distance, equal to one-eighth of a mile.

Handicap race

A race where different horses carry weights to even out the level of competition; the best horse carries the most weight.

Handle

The total amount of money bet on a single race, day, or season.

In the money

Finishing in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

Long shot

A horse that has little perceived chance of winning a race. The odds are always high on a long shot.

Maiden race

A race for horses looking for a first win.

Morning Line

Handicappers estimate what the odds on each horse will be.

Odds

The price that you get when betting on a horse or market.

Pari-mutuel

A bet that forms a pool of money and is distributed evenly to those who win the race.

Purse

The prize money that’s distributed to the owner(s) of a winning horse.

Quarterhorse

A breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances.

Thoroughbred

A breed of horse that’s known for its speed and endurance while racing long distances.

Tote Board

A board that contains the odds for that race.

Wager

A bet that’s placed on a race or horse.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Calculator

Most online betting sites will calculate the horse odds for you, so you don’t have to worry too much. But keep in mind that because many sports betting sites in Massachusetts work with betting pools or pari-mutuel betting types, this means that you won’t get to see the final odds until the end of the race when the pools have been counted.

Nonetheless, there are some ways that you can work them out for an approximate number. Firstly, you can work out the percentage of money staked on your chosen horse and then use a betting calculator to alter it to an implied probability and then into odds. There are some sites that will give you the chance to switch between bet totals and percentages so that it’s easier if you can take the percentage and then put that straight into the calculator.

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

When races finish is when the odds are calculated. It all boils down to the amount of money that is in the betting pool along with the number of people who have placed bets into the pool. Let’s say that there was a pool of $1,000 and 20 people places bets into that, this would create what’s called a dividend. And so, $50 would then be paid out based on how many units each person has wagered. For instance, if one person bets 5, they would get $250.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Odds Chart:

Below we have provided a table to show an example of some of the most common odds that you might encounter at horse racing sites. You can see the odds on this table with a return from $2 bet along with implied winning percentages.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Odds Chart
Odds Payout on $2 Bet Implied Winning Percentage
-500 $2.40 83.33%
-400 $2.50 80%
-300 $2.60 75%
-200 $3.00 66.67%
-150 $3.33 60%
-100 $4 50%
+200 $6 33.33%
+300 $8 25%
+500 $12 16.67%
+1000 $22 9%
+5000 $102 1.96%

Massachusetts Horse Race Tracks

As of now, there is only one horse racing tracks in Massachusetts that offers any type of live racing and pari-mutuel wagering to go with it, which is at the Plainridge Park Casino. Although races are only from April through November, simulcast wagering is offered throughout the year. Additionally, there are two other physical locations that were tracks once upon a time but now they only offer simulcasting. These locations are Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, both of which are open 7 days a week for off-track betting on US races.

Plainridge Park Casino – 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762

Plainridge Park Casino is a massive location for a variety of gambling activities including live racing. Residents of Massachusetts can watch live harness racing on the racecourse from April through November. Information about the hours of the races, scheduling, wagering, dining, and more can be found on the official Plainridge Park Casino website. There’s also a schedule for simulcasting posted on the website.

Plainridge Park Casino Horse Tracks MA

List of Horse Race Tracks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Horse Race Track Address Phone Number Notable Races
Plainridge Park Casino 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 508-576-4500 Not Stated

The History of Horse Racing In Massachusetts

The history of horse racing in Massachusetts states dates to the 1930s which will be discussed further down. At one point in time, there were seven separate Massachusetts fair horse racing making up the fair circuit in Massachusetts along with one in Suffolk Downs. However, over time, the fairs dwindled down ending with the final fair Northampton, which had the last race in 2005.

Suffolk Downs was built within 62 days when Massachusetts legalized pari-mutuel wagering in 1935. Since then, the track has been the host for some of the biggest names in Thoroughbred racing history including Seabiscuit, John Henry, and Cigar. Unfortunately, after a long struggle to bring expanded gaming to the state of Massachusetts, Suffolk Downs lost the bid to get a casino license in 2014 causing the track to close.

On the other hand, located in Plainville, Plainridge Park is the lone harness racing track in Massachusetts. It opened back in 1999 and the track is now the only location in Massachusetts for live racing. Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is allowed at the state’s only active racetrack, Plainridge Racecourse. Simulcast wagering on horse and dog races is also offered at Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park, which use to operate racetracks many years ago.

A Timeline of the History of Massachusetts Horse Racing
Date Description
1935 Suffolk Downs was built in 62 days when pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in Massachusetts
1999 Plainridge Park Casino (and horse tracks) opened in 1999 – this is currently the only location with live horse racing in all of Massachusetts
2005 The final fair in Northampton took place

Massachusetts Horse Racing Schedule 2022

Currently, in Massachusetts, the only place to place wagers on live horse racing is at the Plainridge Park Casino. Horse racing enthusiasts have two options here: Live Racing and Simulcast Wagering. In the table below, you’ll see the 2022 racing calendar however, bear in mind that the times of these races vary from month to month and day to day. You can easily find the schedule on the Plainridge Park Casino official website for guaranteed times.

As for Simulcast Wagering, you can do so at Plainridge Park Casino on:

  • Sunday: Noon – 10 PM
  • Monday: Noon – 8 PM
  • Tuesday: Noon – 8 PM
  • Wednesday: Noon – 8 PM
  • Thursday: Noon – 10 PM
  • Friday: Noon – 11 PM
  • Saturday: Noon – 11 PM

You can also call the location for the daily simulcasting schedule at 508-576-4588 or you can also find an in-depth Simulcast calendar directly on the Plainridge Park Casino website.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Schedule 2022
Massachusetts Horse Race  Massachusetts Horse Race Track Date
Live Racing Plainridge Park Casino April 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 28th
Live Racing Plainridge Park Casino May 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 30th, 31st
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Live Racing Plainridge Park Casino November 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 25th

Massachusetts Horse Race

Suffolk Downs was built within just 62 days by 3,000 workers when Massachusetts first authorized pari-mutuel wagering back in 1935. This track is historic and has been a showcase for some of the most famous names in Thoroughbred racing history, such as Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, John Henry, Cigar, and Skip Away.

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

Whether you choose to wager on horse racing in person at a live horse racing location or online at a safe and secure betting site, there are pros and cons to both. When you place wagers online, for instance, you’ll have a better and large selection of races to choose from along with more odds than at a land-based location. However, when you go to watch horse racing at live racetracks, in person, the atmosphere and experience cannot be replicated online. The crowd cheering, the sound of the horses running, and everything else that comes with the experience are unlike anything else. That said, before we make a list of the pros and cons of each, we’d like to mention that going to the racetracks in person at least once in your lifetime is well worth it. However, for daily, weekly, or even monthly wagering on horse racing, we would have to say placing bets online is the way to go because it’s available year-round not just for a couple of days, weeks, or months during a specific season.

Comparing Betting at the Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting
Betting at the Racetrack Online Horse Racing Betting
✅ Have the option to view prices from multiple bookmakers at once without having to register for an account ✅ Can look for the best prices available
✅ Can see what shape the horse is in before the start of the race ✅ Tons of races to choose from
❌ Racetracks don’t have bonuses or promotional offers ✅ Many types of banking options are available
❌ The best price isn’t always available ✅ Can claim a Welcome Package or Bonus of some sort
❌ Limitations on what races you can wager on ✅ Many sites are mobile-friendly for easy and accessible options

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in Massachusetts

General terms and conditions at horse racing sites are a lot like what you’ll find anywhere. With promotions or certain actions, there are a set of terms (‘rules’) that you have to follow to either claim a bonus or you have to be a certain age to legally place wagers. This would all be stated in the terms and conditions for clarity and responsibility on both ends.

In Massachusetts, the legal age for gambling depends on the type of gambling activity. For instance, to play casino games at a land-based casino. within the state, Massachusetts residents must be 21 years or older. And the same goes for placing pari-mutuel bets in the state of Massachusetts; those that are 18 years older are considered minors and therefore, illegal when it comes to this sort of gambling.

We encourage anyone who is interested in wagering within the state to read through the terms and conditions on the local racetrack sites as well as the terms on our recommended betting sites. Although at these sites, in most cases, you can be 18 years or older it depends and it’s best to read the terms to be absolutely sure.

Rollover Requirements

When you register for an account at an online betting site, you’ll most likely claim a Welcome Offer, Package, or Bonus of some sort. In most cases, this comes in a deposit match bonus format which means that your first deposit (and potentially your second, third, and/or fourth deposits) will be matched. For instance, at BetOnline, the Welcome Offer on your first deposit is a 100% match bonus up to $1,000. However, to fully claim any winnings from this bonus, you must first meet the rollover requirement which will be stated in the Bonus Terms and Conditions.

In the chart below, you can see the Welcome Offers available at our most recommended betting sites in Massachusetts.

Comparing Welcoming Bonuses At The Best Online Horse Racing Sites
Brand  Welcome Bonus Offer Rollover Requirement
TVG 50% Deposit Match up to $250 Risk Free Bonus
TwinSpires Up to $200 Bonus Money Risk Free Bonus
BetOnline $1,000 Welcome Bonus 10x Rollover of Bonus
Xbet 100% up to $500 Welcome Offer 7x Rollover of Bonus
Bovada Up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus (BVD1000) 10x Rollover of Bonus
MyBookie 100% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 10x Rollover of Bonus
BetUS 150% up to $3,000 Bonus 15x Rollover of Bonus
BUSR 20% up to $500 (WELCOME20) 5x Rollover of Bonus
SportsBetting 100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 10x Rollover of Bonus
BetNow 100% Welcome Bonus 15x Rollover of Bonus

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

Welcome Bonuses are available at the top betting sites like the ones we have listed on this page. However, only new players (newly registered visitors) can claim these types of bonuses, and once used, it is no longer available. It’s a one-time thing. Apart from these one-time Welcome Offers, there are also ongoing promotions available such as moneyback offers, loyalty rewards, and free bet offers that existing visitors can always take advantage of.

The table below shows some of the offers you will find at our most recommended betting sites.

Betting Site Welcome Bonus Loyalty Racebook Moneyback Enhanced Odds
TVG
TwinSpires
BetOnline
Xbet
Bovada
MyBookie
BetUS
BUSR
Sportsbetting.ag

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Massachusetts

Virtual horse racing in Massachusetts is becoming more prominent within the industry. It’s a great way for bettors to watch races in 3D while having access to proper racecards as well as odds attached to each horse. The virtual horse racing sector will continue to evolve as time goes on with new features being added along the way. We are sure of it. If you’re curious to see what virtual horse racing is like, we recommend you check out this on the Bovada website.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Apps

The TVG mobile app is very popular among horse racing betting enthusiasts within the United States including in the state of Massachusetts. Visitors have the option to place bets on sportsbooks or horse racing because of their convenient app which provides bettors with access to hundreds of horse races from all over the world.

TVG Mobile Betting App

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Apps for iPhone

In today’s digital world, most online betting platforms are available for iPhone users. Some sites we have mentioned on this page like TVG, TwinSpires, and BetOnline have free apps for iOS platforms. The TVG app for instance, covers over 300 tracks from all over the world, connecting bettors to more races than ever before.

Massachusetts Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

What applies to Apple users often applies to Android users as well. Therefore, there are also plenty of options for Android users to place bets on horse racing. For example, the TwinSpires app is compatible with Android platforms. The app is user-friendly and modern, which makes it a desirable app to use. Additionally, bettors here can choose from over 150 live racetracks with some of the best horse racing in all of the United States.

How To Start Betting At Horse Racing Sites In Massachusetts

You first need to register for an account at a betting site that offers horse racing which all the sites we have listed on this page, do. For a quick guide on how to sign up, we took BetOnline as an example, where you only need to follow a few steps to register for an account.

Step 1: Click ‘Join Now’

The first step is to click the ‘join now’ button in the top right-hand corner of the BetOnline website homepage. Don’t forget, this can be done from either your desktop or your mobile device.

BetOnline Racebook Sign Up Step 1

Step 2: Fill out the registration form

After you click the ‘join now’ button, you’ll be brought to a landing page with a registration form where you’ll need to fill in your details. This will include your first and last name, a valid email address, mobile number, and address.

Once you’ve done this, follow the prompts to complete the process. Then, you can make your first secure deposit and make your way to the racebook section!

BetOnline Racebook Sign Up Step 2

Step 3: Select a race

Now you can pick the race you’d like to place a wager on. To do so, click on it and the racecard for that race will appear.

Betonline Racebook Sign Up Step 3

Step 4: Select a bet and place it!

Once the racecard appears, you can click to select the horse or the bet you want to make. You’ll be able to see the selection here, where you can enter your stake and confirm your bet. It’s that easy!

BetOnline Racebook Sign Up Step 4

Other Types of Gambling in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts state, gambling is defined as winning $5 or more by gaming or betting on sides or hands of those gaming, except under permitted circumstances. As for permitted forms of gambling, Massachusetts allows among others: charitable gambling, licensed horse-racing, licensed dog-racing, and the state lottery. Commercial and tribal casinos are also legal here which offer a great range of casino-style games like table games and slot machines for Massachusetts residents. Sportsbooks and online casinos aren’t available from within the state of Massachusetts however, residents can take full advantage of online sites like TVG and TwinSpires. Additionally, gamblers can sign up at offshore online casinos like BetOnline, Xbet, and BetUS for placing bets on horse racing, sports betting, or casino game fun.

What Is The Best Site For Horse Racing Betting In Massachusetts?

We have made a list of our top ten picks for the best horse racing and betting available for Massachusetts residents on this page. And if you were to ask us to pick a single one for your horse racing betting activities, it would be difficult to pick. However, if we absolutely had to pick one, we would say BetOnline is an excellent option to go with. The reason we say this is because they have strong betting lines, low margins, early line releases, a quality platform, and a wonderful Welcome Bonus.

New players at BetOnline can claim a $1,000 Welcome Bonus after making their first deposit. On top of horse racing, there are other options to place bets on other sporting events or play casino games.

FAQ

Does Massachusetts have horse racing?

Can I place bets on horse racing in Massachusetts?

Is Suffolk Downs still open?

Is horse racing betting illegal in MA?

Alan is an experienced writer of online betting and casino guides. He is one of the main editors of Basketballinsiders.

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