NY Horse Racing Betting – Find The Best Betting Sites For Horse Racing in New York

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Horse racing in New York has been the pillar of the sports betting landscape in the Empire State for decades. NY horse racing betting has become an iconic industry over the years, with operators from all over America flocking to New York State to provide odds for races in both the lower parts of New York as well as horse racing in upstate New York.

On this page, we will go over the best racebooks to use in New York State, as well as tips and tricks for making profits while horse race betting. Check out the best racebooks in New York State now.

Best NY Betting Sites
BetOnline Sports logo

50% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus

5 Stars Get Offer
MyBookie Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $1000

5 Stars Get Offer
XBet Sports logo

50% Welcome Deposit Bonus Up To $500 + $10 Casino Chip

5 Stars Get Offer
BetUS Sports logo

125% Sign Up Bonus Up To $2,500

5 Stars Get Offer
Lucky Block logo

200% Bonus up to $10,000 + 50 Free Spins

5 Stars Get Offer
BUSR Sports logo

150% Deposit Bonus up to $2500

4.5 Stars Get Offer
Jazz Sports logo

50% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $1000

4 Stars Get Offer
Sportsbetting AG Sports logo

50% First Time Deposit Match Up To $1000

4.5 Stars Get Offer
Betanysports logo

35% free play up to $700 Bonus

5 Stars Get Offer

Continue reading for a full betting guide for New York horse race betting and the best US sportsbooks to get your action in with. Check out our list of the top 10 racebooks that offer New York horse race betting.

In This Guide

The Top 10 Betting Sites For Horse Racing In New York

  1. BetOnline – The best offshore site for New York horse racing
  2. MyBookie – A competitive offshore betting site for horse racing in New York
  3. XBet – Fun offshore racebook with major horse race promotions
  4. BetUS – NY horse racing site with other races from around the world
  5. BUSR – Transparent offshore betting site for NY horse racing
  6. Sportsbetting – Easy-to-use betting site for horse racing in NY

Reviewing The Top New York Horse Racing Betting Sites

All online horse racing betting sites in New York are not made the same. While you can find a great selection of wagering options for horse racing in New York, you can also get caught using an imitation platform rather than the real deal. There are racebooks in New York that have been in business for decades, while others are just jumping in on the fun now.

Hence, it’s important to know which online horse racing betting sites you can trust before making your first deposit. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top New York horse racing betting sites.

1. BetOnline –Best Offshore Betting Site for Horse Racing in New York
NY Horse Racing Betting – Find The Best Betting Sites For Horse Racing in New York

BetOnline’s parent company has been involved in the internet gambling industry since 1991, making it one of the oldest active online gambling sites in New York. Apart from its long-standing sports betting platform, BetOnline has developed a stronghold in the offshore horse racing betting markets, giving easy legal access to New Yorkers that enjoy betting on horses.

Like many other competitive racebooks, BetOnline offers instant payouts on races, as well as live track odds for each major American race track. BetOnline also offers special promotions such as free bets and cashback on losses during high-profile race days. BetOnline has a helpful customer support chatline that is fair and honest and has a long reputation for helping U.S. customers wager on horse racing.

What we like:

  • Great mobile app
  • Instant payouts and live track odds
  • Free bets and cash back on losses on race day
  • Industry-leading customer support
  • Flexible payment options

What we don’t:

  • Not Available in All U.S. States
  • Fees for Credit Card Deposits
  • Doesn’t Provide Coverage Of Many International Tracks

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BetOnline has a competitive welcome bonus. New customers can earn a 50% Welcome Bonus of up to $1,000 on first-ever deposits. Apart from the initial welcome bonus, BetOnline’s racebook also offers a $25 risk-free first bet and daily rebates on losses at select racetracks.

Check out BetOnline and take advantage of these special offers today.

2. MyBookie –A Competitive Offshore Betting Site for Horse Racing in New York
MyBookie

MyBookie is an offshore online betting site established in 2014 in San Jose, Costa Rica. While MyBookie tends to focus more on traditional sports betting markets such as the NFL, they do still present their customers with an easy-to-use racebook.

MyBookie offers standard live track odds for each of the tracks available for wagering. Along with that, MyBookie offers a competitive sign-up bonus for new customers. What MyBookie’s racebook lacks in design, they make up for in extensive promotions and free bet offers on all of the major high-profile race days.

What we like:

  • Risk Free Bets on Race Day
  • Easy to Use Interface
  • Flexible and Updated Payment Methods
  • 24/7 Customer Support

What we don’t:

  • Only Select Tracks Offered
  • Limited Betting Markets

Welcome Bonus Offer:

MyBookie presents an extensive amount of player rewards, making them one of the more generous online betting sites in the industry. MyBookie offers a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $1000 to new customers, with the rollover rate varying between 10x and 30x depending on the amount deposited.

Check out MyBookie Bets and take advantage of these special offers today.

3. XBet – Fun Offshore Racebook with Major Horse Racing Promos

Xbet racebook

If you are in New York and ready for some extra horse racing fun, XBet is your spot. The racebook offers one of the best off-track NY horse racing bettings.

For futures odds for all major races in New York, check out Xbet sportsbook’s horse racing odds page. When it comes to wagering on ponies, XBet NY horse racing betting is unmatched. Whether you want to wager on top U.S. tracks such as Santa Anita, Del Mar, Aqueduct, and Saratoga, or are interested in wagering internationally on tracks such as Fairyhouse Racecourse, they have all the horse betting excitement you could possibly need.

XBet provides players with multiple opportunities to cash in and expand their chances of winning by allowing them to bet on a wide range of special horseracing props for world-class events such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the annual Breeders Cup. Players can also bet on a number of special dog racing props for events such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Also, new players at XBet get access to the racebook’s exclusive collection bonuses, horse betting props, and odds. The racebook’s existing customers at approved racetracks are entitled to a 7% rebate on all wagers placed on horse races. The rebate is not tied to any sort of rollover requirement. If you win, your rewards will be paid into your account the following day.

Besides rebates for wagers on horse racing, XBet also offers a first deposit bonus of up to $500 to new players. In addition to the first deposit bonuses and rebates, the racebook offers other bonuses such as the sports bonus, reload bonus, first deposit casino bonus, and exciting tournaments.

Bettors at Xbet can also enjoy 24/7 customer support as well as a good selection of payment options, including cryptos.

What we like:

  • Horse rebate
  • Unique betting market
  • Risk-free bets
  • A variety of banking options
  • Attentive customer support

What we don’t:

  • Limited annual offers

Welcome Bonus Offer:

XBet is another of the more generous online betting sites in the industry and offers a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $500 to new customers, with an achievable rollover requirement of 7x.

Check out XBet and take advantage of this special offer today.

4. BetUS – NY Horse Racing Site With Other Races From Around the World

betus - ny horse racing betting site

BetUS Racebook is a one-stop shop for horse racing betting in New York. Whether you’re looking to wager on the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, or any other horse race. The website makes the thrill of betting on horses pretty straightforward, even for a beginner.

Football, basketball, baseball, UFC/MMA, boxing, and even esports are just a few of the many sports lineups offered at BetUS sportsbook.

With BetUS, the odds are fair, up to date, and cover an extensive market. When BetUS says they are “the best NY horse racing betting site,” the claim is not exaggerated. For over 25 years, this sportsbook has been one of the big players in horse racing betting in New York, providing bettors with the best odds on all the biggest track meets and competitions.

When it comes to bonuses and rewards, BetUS has the best signup bonuses of any online sportsbook. To get things rolling, they offer a sign-up bonus of 125%. Claim your sign-up bonus with the BetUS promo code Top125. There’s also the re-up bonus, and a Bitcoin bonus to claim.

What we like:

  • Great promos and bonuses are available
  • Amazing mobile betting app to place horse racing bets
  • Racebook with live betting option

What we don’t:

  • Limited prop market available on the app

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BetUS offers a 100% sign-up bonus of up to $1,000 to new customers, which comes with a playthrough requirement of 30x. There is also a 100% crypto sports bonus worth up to $2,500.

Check out BetUS and take advantage of this offer today.

5. BUSR –  Industry-Leading NY Horse Betting Site
BUSR - online horse racing betting

BUSR is a licensed, award-winning NY horse racing betting site. Besides well-known tracks like Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, and Saratoga, the racebook offers non-parimutuel wagering opportunities on horse racing at more than 300 thoroughbred and harness racetracks located worldwide. So bettors can wager on popular horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.

The racebook interface is straightforward and easy to use. The site is compatible with both PC and mobile devices. Although BUSR’s mobile site works on any mobile browser, the sportsbook currently has no downloadable native app.

In general, BUSR accepts bets between $0.50 and $1,000 per wager. The total for Multiple wagers, such as a Daily Double or Exacta box, is determined by multiplying the base wager by the number of combinations. To bet more on a single race, you can get several tickets for a single race, or you can get your account approved by Management so that you can bet more.

What we like:

  • Covers major horse racing events worldwide
  • Lucrative welcome bonus
  • Offers horse racing rebates and cash reloads
  • All-in-one betting site
  • 24/7 Customer service
  • Offers all the popular payment options

What we don’t:

  • Few withdrawal options

Welcome Bonus Offer:

BUSR offers a welcome bonus of up to 100% for new customers. The sportsbook also offers several deposit bonuses for horse racing, sports betting, and casino. Depending on the amount wagered, the welcome bonus can sum up to $1,000.

Check out BUSR and take advantage of this offer today.

More on gambling in New York…

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

Comparing The Best Sites For Horse Racing New York Has To Offer

There are a few characteristics that bettors should look for when picking which racebook to use when wagering on horse racing in New York. Horse racing bettors should always be making sure to be getting the best odds, and ensure they are getting the best betting markets. Bettors should also look for things like daily betting promotions, as well as special features that make handicapping less of a task.

It’s also always in the best interest of bettors to be aware of the best welcome bonuses available to them, as well as the terms of these bonuses.

It may also be important to some bettors that the interface they are using be user-friendly, and not overly confusing or hard to navigate. These are all factors that should be at play when choosing the best racebook for betting on horse racing in New York. Let’s take a look at these factors.

Horse Racing Odds

While most New York state-regulated sites will offer true track odds, it is always best to ensure and confirm that the racebook you are wagering with is sharing their betting pools with the in-person betting pools for the track you are wagering on. This is important because the odds in horse racing are reflected by the amount of money that is invested on each horse. The more money invested on a horse, the less that horse will payout.

If you are not betting with a racebook that is offering true track odds, you may end up being paid out less than what the track pays out on long-shot winners and exotics.

Horse Racing Betting Markets

Most racebooks offer a wide variety of betting markets, but it’s important to know that you are being offered the best market available for each race. If the racebook you are using does not allow you to create a wager that another online or in-person racebook would allow you to make, you are automatically handicapping yourself against the rest of the field. Be sure that the racebook you are wagering with is offering the most betting markets available.

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Depending on what kind of player you are, the matter of horse racing betting promotions can be a deciding factor when it comes to picking a racebook to play with. Whether you’re getting rebates on losses, risk-free bets on loyalty points, you may be inclined to research the promotions offered by each racebook available before making the final call.

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

As any gambler will tell you, there’s nothing like a good welcome bonus. However, when it comes to New York horse racing betting sites, a good welcome bonus can be hard to find. It’s important to understand the terms and rollover requirements for the racebook you are about to accept a welcome bonus from. This should be one of the deciding factors before making your decision on which racebook to wager with. The last thing a gambler needs is to be tied up in an unreasonable rollover requirement. So buyer beware.

Special Features for Horse Racing

Handicapping horse racing is hard enough to begin with. Although, there are features that some racebooks offer that can help make capping the big race a little bit less tedious. Depending on the racebook, you can find special features that provide tools and tips to make playing the odds that much easier.

User-Friendly Design

Some things come easier to those than others, and horse racing betting in New York in the twenty-first century is no different. For those who find themselves on the tail-end of the generational gap, or are just simply not technologically inclined, the matter of user-friendly design is a make or break factor. When it comes to online racebook interfaces, the simpler, the better. Make sure you are familiar with and fully understand the design of your racebook’s interface before the big race day.

Horse Racing Live Streaming

Horse racing is one of the most televised sports in the world, with races going on simultaneously all over the globe at all hours of the day and night. Most of today’s modern online racebooks offer live streaming for members for every major race track. Before you make your deposit, be sure to check the streaming services offered at your desired racebook.

Comparing Features At The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In New York
Racebooks Live
Track
Odds 
Horse Racing Betting Markets Horse Racing Betting Promotions Special Features for Horse Racing User-Friendly Design Horse Racing Live Streaming
BetOnline
MyBookie
XBet
BetUS
BUSR
Sportsbetting.ag

How To Choose The Best New York Horse Racing Betting Sites

Horse racing is a fast-action sport with limitless opportunities for wagering. Whether it be the North American thoroughbreds, or the late-night courses of the international circuit, there is always a race to bet on somewhere around the globe. With so much potential for betting action, it’s important to choose the best horse racing betting site available.

When choosing which racebook you want to take your action, be sure to pick one with long-standing brand recognition. It’s almost important to know the types of races and racetracks you are looking to wager on before making your first deposit. Be sure to choose a racebook with simple, and up-to-date payment methods.

The safety and security of racebook customers should be a top priority for whatever outfit you chose to take your action. If proper security features like two-factor authentication or captcha are not included in the racebook you are looking into, it would be wise to steer clear.

Continue reading for a full guide on how to choose the best New York horse racing betting sites.

Brand Recognition

It’s important to know who are you investing your money with before making your first racebook deposit. Be sure to choose a trustworthy and reliable racebook that has years of operating experience, before choosing any kind of company that is new to the industry.

Payment Methods

Something that can easily be overlooked when choosing a racebook to wager with is the matter of how exactly is one going to deposit money into an online betting account. The best racebooks offer safe deposit and withdrawal options that are fast, easy, and secure.

Safety & Security

When looking for the best horse racing betting sites in New York, you should always be looking for sites that offer safety and security. Features such as two-factor authentication and captcha verification are utilized by the best racebooks to protect their customer’s privacy and personal information.

Speed & Design

When choosing the best New York horse racing betting site, always be on the lookout for the platform with the fastest software and easiest-to-use interface. While the basic layout for most modern online racebook sites is pretty much the same, some racebooks have stepped out of the current mold and made horse race wagering easier and simple for beginners to understand.

Customer Service

The best New York horse racing betting sites offer friendly customer support, with a 24/7 live chat service. Steer clear of the racebooks out there that do not value their customers with courtesy and respect. There are numerous instances where interactions with customer support staff for online racebooks can be a make-or-break experience.

For instance, if you happen to forget your password or are having trouble depositing or withdrawing from your account, it is always important to have the assurance that your problems will be resolved with the absolute best customer support the industry has to offer. Be sure that the online racebook you chose offers adequate customer service.

Overall Value

Overall, the best way to choose the New York horse racing betting site most suitable for you is to ensure you are getting the most for your investment. The superior racebooks in New York offer the best odds, live streaming from across the country and around the globe, daily promotional offers, and cut-of-the-edge special features. If you’re not checking off those four boxes, move on to another racebook.

What To Look For In The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In New York
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 New York?

Horse racing in New York and horse racing betting in New York has been legal for over a hundred years. Meanwhile, online horse betting has been legal in the state of New York for many years, as automation and cell phone apps have made online wagering as simple as traditional in-person betting. While New York racetracks have been patronized by people of all ages for over a century, only adults aged 18 years or older can place bets.

All bets made in New York must be pari-mutuel wagers, meaning that bets like win, place, or show are perfectly legal, with the payouts and odds being determined by the money pools for each race. However, sportsbook-type ‘fixed odds’ wagers are not yet legally permitted to be offered in New York. For example, it would still currently be considered illegal by the New York State Gaming Commission for a racebook to offer odds on which horse will win next year’s Kentucky Derby.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Horse Racing Betting Guide – How To Bet On Horse Racing In New York

With the advent of modern racebook technology, betting on horse racing in New York is more convenient than ever before. Wagering on horse racing is often explained in over complicated and complex terms. In previous eras, this complexity left newcomers wagering on the sport confused and vulnerable to making beginners’ mistakes. Now, in the modern era of online wagering, betting on the ‘sport of kings’ has never been easier to understand, no matter what your experience level is.

While the industry of wagering on the sport of horse racing in New York was built on the terraces of the Empire State’s biggest racetracks, online betting sites have now become the new home for racebook goers across the globe. While wagering on horse racing is one of the oldest forms of sports betting in America, the innovations that online wagering has brought to the sport, have turned the industry from a dying niche to a revenue-generating powerhouse.

Horse racing betting sites in New York have made knowing the horses and the tracks as easy as swiping your phone. The online racebook landscape is filled with tools that will help you set up your picks with speed, accuracy, and in an organized way that makes tracking your wagers simple and easy.

Continue reading for a full guide on how to bet on horse racing in New York.

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How Does Horse Racing Betting Work In New York?

Horse racing odds are generated at the beginning of each day by the racetrack and are listed in the race program as ‘morning line odds.’ The racetrack then handles the money, keeping a percentage of the revenue as an ‘operators take-out.’ The track odds are then calculated based on the amount of money wagered on each horse. After the race is over, the remaining money is paid out to the players who have the winning tickets for each betting market.

When horse racing odds are shown using fractions, the number shown expresses the amount of profit to the amount invested. In other words, the more money that is invested in a horse, the smaller the payout.

There are many different bet types in horse racing. The standard win, place, show wager pays out at different tiers depending on the horse finishing in third place or higher. Apart from that, single-race exotic wagers can be made by predicting the order in which the first two or three horses placed (Exacta, Trifecta), while multi-race wagers (Pick 5, Pick 6) can be placed by picking the winning horse in a string of consecutive races.

New York Horse Racing Betting Explained

Let’s use this example from the Aqueduct racetrack to explain just how New York Horse Racing Betting really works.

Below is a racecard from BUSR racebook.

The morning line odds are listed along with the horse’s name and other important handicapping details. Listed beside the horse name are the track odds for each horse.

The best way to calculate the payout from fractional odds is to divide the fraction and multiply it by the desired amount wagered. With that, fractional odds of 7/5 would convert to moneyline odds of +140, or decimal odds of 2.40

BUSR racebook racecard

New York Horse Racing Betting Odds

While it is quite easy to understand how straight bets work in horse racing betting, there are far more complex betting markets in horse racing than just the simple straight wager. There are also more complex forms of betting on horses, apart from the traditional pari-mutuel betting markets. The best New York horse racing betting sites offer multi-race pool wagering, while most offshore sportsbooks offer fixed odds for future races.

As a horse racing bettor, the best way to ensure you are getting the best odds available in your area is by sticking to the online racebook betting sites.

Fixed Betting Odds for NY Horse Racing

Fixed-odds betting in horse racing is the term used to describe the traditional wager made with a bookmaker. When placing a fixed-odds wager in horse racing, the odds of your selection will not change and is locked in like any other traditional sports betting wager. For example, if you wagered in April that a specific horse was going to win the Belmont Stakes at +600 odds in June, a $100 wager would pay out $600.

Pari-Mutuel Betting for NY Horse Races

Horse racing betting in New York has traditionally worked on the parimutuel betting system, in which all bets of a particular market are placed in a pool together, taxed, and paid out at odds calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets.

Pool Betting for New York Horse Races

Pool betting is another type of horse racing wager that differs from the traditional pari-mutuel wager or fixed odds wager. With pool betting, the bettor pays into the ‘tote’ pool, instead of giving their money to a bookmaker. In turn, everyone’s money is pooled together and is shared among those who wagered on the winning selection. Industry leaders BetOnline and BUSR offer pool betting on a wide variety of horse racing betting markets. 

What Are The Different Types of Horse Racing Bets?

There are numerous types of horse racing wager types, but the most popular wagers can be divided into two types, straight bets and exotic bets. Straight betting is straightforward and simple, bet on a horse to either win, come second, or come third place in a race.

Exotic betting allows multiple bets on multiple horses in a single wager. Exotic bets have much less implied probability to win, than straight bets, but payout exponentially greater should they come through.

Let’s take a look at all of the different types of straight and exotic wagers to make when betting on horse racing in New York.

Win

Place a wager on a horse to win the race. This bet is the simplest wager to make in all of horse racing. If your horse wins, you cash your ticket, if not you lose. The win bet should almost always be made on a horse that pays out at odds of 1/1 or higher.

Place

A place bet is a wager on a horse to finish in either first or second place. The payout on the horse to win outright is much lower than the traditional win bet, but a place bet will payout with either a first or second-place finish.

Show

A show bet is typically the lowest paying straight wager in horse racing. The show bet is a wager that a selected horse will come in either first, second or third place. The show bet is best utilized when wagering on a long-shot horse at high-paying odds.

Exacta

An exacta bet in horse racing is a wager that selects the first two finishers in a race in the exact order. For example, a 1/4 exacta bet is a wager that is selecting the #1 horse to come in first place, with the #4 horse coming in second place. This type of wager is best used to add variance to a large betting favorite winning a race.

Trifecta

A trifecta bet is a horse racing wager that is placed on three horses that are selected to finish the race in first, second, and third place, in a specific order. A trifecta bet offers small-time bettors a chance at big scores. The best way to utilize this wager is by fading a large betting favorite and adding a long-shot underdog as the winning horse.

Superfecta

To take the trifecta one step further, a superfecta bet is a horse racing wager that is placed on four horses that are selected to finish the race in first, second, third, and fourth place; all in a straight and specific order. While most exotic wagers in horse racing carry a $1 minimum, the implied probability of cashing on a superfecta is so small that some racebooks allow superfecta bets to be made for as little as 10 cents per wager.

Daily Double

A daily double in horse racing is a wager that selects the winner in two consecutive races. The daily double is most comparable to a simple two-team parlay in sports betting, where both selections are needed to win in order for the wager to payout.

Pick 3

A Pick 3 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving three consecutive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 3 is to select the winners of three straight races. The payouts for Pick 3 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

Pick 4

A Pick 4 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving four consecutive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 4 is to select the winners of four straight races. The payouts for Pick 4 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

Pick 5 

A Pick 5 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving five consecutive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 5 is to select the winners of five straight races. The payouts for Pick 5 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

Most racebooks will offer promotions on the Pick 5, which is a large pool wager. In the event that there is no winning ticket claimed across five races, the money pool will carry over until the next race day, until the prize pool is won.

Pick 6

The Pick 6 in horse racing is one of the hardest wagers to cash in all of the sports betting industry and is likely one of the most lucrative. A Pick 6 wager can pay out life-changing amounts of money, depending on the selection and the race day.

A Pick 6 in horse racing is a pari-mutuel pool wager involving six consecutive races at the same racetrack. The goal of the Pick 6 is to select the winners of six straight races. The payouts for Pick 6 wagers are calculated based on the pool of money put in for each available selection.

The payouts for the daily pick 6 at most major New York racebooks can be upwards of six figures, depending on the overall handle. Some racebooks will even offer a guaranteed payout on all pick 6 tickets, if and when no single winning ticket (6 out of 6 races) exists. Racebooks will also offer jackpot bonuses for winners in the event that only a single winning Pick 6 ticket exists.

Comparing the Different Types of NY Horse Racing Betting Options
Bet Type Description Bet Cost Minimum Bet
Win Pick horse to win race. $2 $2
Place Pick horse to win race
or come in second place.
$2 $2
Show Pick horse to win race,
come in second, or third place.
$2 $2
Exacta Pick two horses to come in
first place and second place
in straight order.
$1 $1
Trifecta Pick three horses to come in
first, second, and third place
in straight order.
$1 $1
Superfecta Pick four horses to come in
first, second, third, and fourth place
in straight order.
$0.10 $0.10
Daily Double Pick two horses to win in two consecutive races. $2 $2
Pick 3 Pick three horses to win in three consecutive races. $2 $2
Pick 4 Pick four horses to win in four consecutive races. $1 $1
Pick 5 Pick five horses to win in five consecutive races. $0.50 $0.50
Pick 6 Pick six horses to win in six consecutive races. $0.10 $0.10

New York Horse Racing Betting Terms

Betting on horse racing doesn’t have to be as complex and complicated as it’s made out to be. While the terms and lingo used in the horse racing industry can sometimes seem daunting to understand, and outright confusing, a few pointers here and there will point a new horse racing bettor in the right direction.

NY Horse Racing Betting Terms Explained: 

The world of betting on horse racing can be a confusing one, especially with the terms and jargon that have been developed over more than a century. Below is a helpful list of common terms used within the horse racing world, along with a brief description of their meanings.

Furlong

A unit used to measure distance, equal to 1/8th of a mile.

Field

The horses in a selected race.

Handle

The total amount of money taken in on a single race or race day.

Long Shot

A horse that has a small chance of winning based on the measure of expectation. The odds are always higher on long shots.

Maiden Race

A race for horses without a first-place win.

Post position

The position of the horses in the starting gate from rail out. This is also the term to refer to the number assigned to each horse.

Post time

The designated time for a race to start. Post time is essentially the last call for betting on the next race.

Purse

The prize money paid out to the owners of the winning horse.

Scratch

A horse that has been taken out of the race after the morning line is posted.

Thoroughbred

A breed of horse that is bred for racing long distances with speed and endurance.

Horse Racing Betting Calculator

When placing a horse racing wager it’s important to understand the way that bet payouts are calculated. While long shot wagers come with big payouts, the more probable selections on the betting board may come at higher stakes.

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

As previously explained, most horse race betting is based on the pari-mutuel betting system, meaning that bettors are wagering against each other, rather than against the house. Wagers are gathered in a pool for each betting market, and the winnings are dispersed after a vig is collected by the track.

The payouts in horse racing depend on which type of bet you place. The amount paid out varies significantly between straight and exotic wagers.

While calculating the payout on an outright Win bet is rather easy, calculating the payouts for exotic wagers can be far more elaborate. While straight bets offer displayed odds, exotic bets do not have exact odds due to the many variables involved.

NY Horse Racing Odds Chart:

Payouts for straight wagers can be determined using basic calculations, while exotic wagers are calculated in a completely different way. At most race tracks, exotic wagers are calculated after the house takes a 15% take. The remaining amount is then divided between the winning bettors. The payout odds are calculated by subtracting the winning dollars from the total pool, with the remaining pool of money divided by the amount of money bet on the winner.

Continue on to the chart below to learn how to calculate the best horse racing odds.

NY Horse Racing Betting Odds Chart
Odds Payout on $2 Bet Implied Winning Percentage
1/5 $2.40 83.3%
1/2 $3.00 66.7%
4/5 $3.60 55.6%
1/1 $4.00 50%
7/5 $4.80 41.7%
3/2 $5.00 40%
9/5 $5.60 35.7%
2/1 $6.00 33.3%
5/2 $7.00 28.6%
3/1 $8.00 25%
7/2 $9.00 22.2%

New York Horse Race Tracks

While horse racing bettors have grown accustomed to watching all their circled races on whatever screen of their choosing, there is still nothing that can compare to being at the racetrack in person. The excitement of the racetrack can be felt at many of the big New York horse racing tracks as soon as you step foot on the premises.

Whether it be a blast from the past at the Aqueduct in Queens or a touch of class at Belmont Park in Elmont. The overall environment and atmosphere of any major New York racetrack make attending the races in person a must-do item for any bettor’s bucket list.

Belmont Park – 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003

Belmont Park is the major thoroughbred horse racing track in New York state, as well as the northeastern United States. The racetrack is located in Elmont, New York, just east of New York City. The racetrack opened for business on May 4th, 1905.

Belmont Park is host to the Belmont Stakes, an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and is the final leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing. The first running of the Belmont Stakes was on June 19th, 1867.

Saratoga Race Course – 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Saratoga Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racing track on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York. The venue opened in 1863 and is the fourth oldest racetrack in America.

As of 2021, the newest major race to be added to the Saratoga meet is the Jockey Club Gold Cup, which recently moved to Saratoga for the first time since the race’s inception in 1919. The race is one of the biggest open-gender contests of the American racing season, with the winner automatically qualifying for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Aqueduct Racetrack – 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11420

The Aqueduct Racetrack is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Queens, New York. Having opened back in September of 1894, the track is the only racecourse within the limits of New York City.

The Aqueduct racetrack is the annual site of the Wood Memorial Stakes, one of the major prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Over the first seventy-five years of the race, eleven winners went on to win the Kentucky Derby, with four of those winners going on the win the Triple Crown.

Yonkers Raceway – 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704

Yonkers Raceway is a standardbred harness racing track in Yonkers, New York. The track was opened in 1899, and was originally known as the Empire City Race Track. The city landmark racetrack is owned by MGM Resorts, which they purchased from Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, whose family owned the track from 1979 to 2019.

Finger Lakes Race Track – 5857 NY-96, Farmington, NY 14425

Finger Lakes Race Track is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Farmington, New York. The track is home to the New York Derby, a restricted race for three-year-old horses who have been bred exclusively in the state of New York. Finger Lakes is also the site for other major New York horse racing races such as the New York Oaks and the Niagara Stakes.

List of New York Horse Racing Venues
NY Horse Race Track Address Phone Number Notable Races
Belmont Park 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003 +1 718-641-4700 Belmont Stakes
Saratoga Race Course 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 +1 518-584-6200 Jockey Club Gold Cup
Aqueduct Racetrack 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11420 +1 718-641-4700 Wood Memorial Stakes
Yonkers Raceway 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704 +1 914-968-4200 Art Rooney Pace
Finger Lakes Race Track 5857 NY-96, Farmington, NY 14425 +1 585-924-3232 New York Derby

The History of Horse Racing In Upstate New York

The origin of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States can be traced back to Salisbury, New York in 1665. Richard Nichols, the first governor of New York province organized the first horse racing event in what would become New York state. The event was held in what is now known as the Hempstead area of Nassau County in Long Island. From then, the sport of horse racing in New York became increasingly popular, right up until the dawn of the industrial revolution.

In August of 1863 Saratoga Racecourse opened up, four years later the first running of the Belmont Stakes would take place at Jerome Park Racetrack. The prestigious race would be held at the Bronx racecourse from then until 1890 when it would be moved to Morris Park Racecourse. In 1905 the Belmont Stakes race was moved to the newly opened Belmont Park, where it has been held ever since.

In the early 1900s, anti-gambling legislation was passed in New York State, and Belmont Racetrack was closed and the Belmont Stakes was cancelled from 1911 to 1912. However, the sport of horse racing was re-legalized in New York in 1913.

The sport of horse racing in New York would experience a halt to business during World War 1, but would return with a spike in popularity in 1919, with Sir Barton being recognized as the first Triple Crown winner in 1919. The following year, legendary racehorse Man o’ War won the race by 20 lengths, setting a world record.

A Timeline of the History of New York Horse Racing
Date Description
1665 First New York horse racing event takes place in Salisbury, New York.
August 3, 1863 Saratoga Race Course opens
June 19, 1867 First running of Belmont Stakes at Jerome Park Racetrack
September 27, 1894 Aqueduct Racetrack opens
1899 Empire City Race Track opens
May 4th, 1905 Belmont Park opens
1905 Belmont Stakes moves to Belmont Park

New York Horse Racing Calendar

The New York horse racing season is jam-packed from pillar to post in 2022. From the Jerome Stakes in early January, right up until the Runhappy Travers in September, the New York horse racing schedule is set, and the class of 2022 is ready to kick it off with a bang.

Check out the chart below for a list of all of the horse races in New York in 2022.

New York Horse Racing Schedule 2023
New York Horse Race  New York Horse Race Track Date
Jerome Stakes Aqueduct Park January 1st
Withers Stakes Aqueduct Park February 5th
Gotham Stakes Aqueduct Park March 5th
Wood Memorial Stakes Aqueduct Park April 9th
Belmont Stakes Belmont Park June 11th
Whitney Stakes Saratoga Race Course July 14th
Runhappy Travers Saratoga Race Course September 5th

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting In New York

While the act of wagering between an in-person racebook and an online betting site relatively remains the same, the general experience is very different. While attending the racetrack in person has its upside, the end does not justify the means when it comes to in-person horse racing betting.

Comparing Betting at the Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting In New York
Betting at the Racetrack in NY Online Horse Racing Betting in NY
✅ Get all the latest live track odds ✅ Can utilize handicapping tools and racebook features to help make selections
✅ Take in the authentic horse racing atmosphere ✅ Ability to make bets instantly
❌ Environment can be over stimulating and easily distracting ✅ Never miss out on a race with up to the second post-time updates.
❌ Long lines can prevent bettors from getting action in on time ✅ Exclusive online bonus offers 
❌ Can be influenced by the opinions of other bettors ✅ Easier to concentrate on handicapping in a controlled environment

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in New York 

The general terms and conditions on most horse racing betting sites in New York will mainly include age and location requirements, as well as agreements involving the verification of customers before an account withdrawal is permitted.

The terms and conditions will also outline the roll-over requirements needed to fully withdraw a promotional bonus, as well as certain liabilities concerning consequential damages arising from the improper use of the racebook.

Before registering with a racebook, it is very important to fully understand the terms and conditions that apply to you as a bettor. Be sure to search the fine print for applicable information before agreeing to the offered terms.

Rollover Requirements

Rollover requirements are the wagering requirements imposed by an online racebook that is needed to be bet before a bonus becomes eligible for withdrawing. Rollover requirements are often attached as terms to bonus offers or a promotional match on an initial deposit.

Rollover requirements are an added stipulation meant to force a bettor to wager a certain amount before receiving the true value of the bonus. These types of offers are done on behalf of the racebook under the assumption that the average bettor will lose their balance before completely rolling over the required amount.

Check out the chart below for a quick comparison of the welcome bonus offers and rollover requirements at the best horse racing betting sites in New York.

Comparing Welcoming Bonuses At The Best NY Horse Racing Sites
Brand  Welcome Bonus Offer Rollover Requirement
BetOnline 100% Deposit Match Up To $1000 10x Rollover
XBet 50% Sign Up Bonus Up To $250 5x Rollover
MyBookie 50% Sign Up Bonus Up To $250 5x Rollover
BetUS 100% Sign-up Bonus up to $2500 10x Rollover
BUSR Deposit and earn $150 in Free Plays 5x Rollover
Sportsbetting.ag 50% Sign-Up Bonus Up To $1,000 10x Rollover
BetNow 100% Sign Up Bonus Up To $250 8x Rollover

Upstate New York Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

The top betting sites of horse racing in New York all offer a wide variety of welcome bonuses. Apart from the initial sign-up deposit match bonus, horse racing betting sites also offer bonuses in the form of rebates and enhanced betting markets.

For a full breakdown of the promotions offered by the best sites for horse racing betting in New York, check out the chart below.

Comparing Betting Bonuses At The Best Sites For Horse Racing Betting In New York
Welcome Bonus Loyalty Rewards Racebook
Welcome Bonus
Regular Promotions Money Back Specials Enhanced Odds 
BetOnline
MyBookie    ❌

Virtual Horse Racing Betting In New York

Virtual horse racing allows bettors to place a wager on a racing event after the day’s racing coverage has been completed. Virtual horse races are in essence a simulation of a race that would take place on a simulated racetrack, often designed to replicate the major horse racing tracks around the globe. With the growth of online horse racing betting, alternative and niche betting markets such as virtual horse racing has become a prominent piece of wagering in the world of horse racing.

New York Horse Racing Betting Apps

Online betting has revolutionized the way bettors access horse racing odds. Mobile betting has also changed the way that people bet in New York, but in just a fraction of the time. Now, the best New York horse racing betting sites all offer state-of-the-art apps that provide smooth interfaces for betting coverage for all the major tracks across the country.

New York Horse Race Betting Apps for iPhone

There are numerous horse racing betting apps for the iPhone, however, the standout app for any iOS device is surely the BetOnline app, which was developed as America’s very first legal horse racing betting app. With betting coverage for over 300 tracks around the world, the BetOnline betting app connects horse racing bettors to the races like never before.

New York Horse Betting Apps for Android

If you’re not an iPhone user, don’t you worry, there are plenty of other horse racing betting apps for Android phones. BetOnline’ offers an android betting app that brings a sophisticated edge that other racebook apps don’t have. With over 150 live race tracks available for streaming, the BetOnline app legally connects bettors to the finest horse racing on the planet, at just the stroke of a finger.

How To Start Betting At Horse Racing Sites In New York

Signing up with BUSR to start betting on horse racing in New York is simple, fast, and easy. All you have to do is provide your personal identification, along with your payment details and you should be up and running and wagering on the races in no time. Continue reading for a full guide on how to register for a horse racing betting account with BUSR.

Step 1: Sign up at BUSR.ag

Head on over to BUSR.ag and click on ‘Join’.
BUSR registration Menu

Step 2: Enter personal information

Enter all of the required information in the fields provided. This will include your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, email, desired username, and your desired password.

Step 3: Enter BUSR promotional offers

While registering with BUSR, make sure to take advantage of bonus offers and promotional giveaways along the way.
BUSR promotions

Step 4: Verify Account

Every new BUSR member will be asked to provide verifiable billing and residential information in order to gain access to deposits and withdrawals. This information will include proof of address, citizenship, or other verifiable documentation. Once you have verified your account, BUSR will allow you to deposit funds and collect your sign-up bonus.

Step 5: Make Deposit and Collect bonus

After you’ve verified your account, you will be able to select your desired payment method and fund your account. Once your account is funded, the applicable bonus offer will be rewarded to your account, with rollover terms applied.

Step 6: Place your bets

Once your account is funded, you’re ready to get into the action and start wagering on the races.
BUSR – Best Vermont Horse Racing Betting Site

Other Types of Gambling in New York

Apart from horse racing betting in New York, the Empire State has had an industry boom in both the sports betting and casino business. Online sports betting became legal in New York in early 2021, and the state has selected nine operated to launch sportsbook apps in the state by early 2022. Online sportsbooks are expected to go live in New York before Super Bowl 2022.

Meanwhile, New York casinos have experienced a resurgence in both in-person and online gambling over the past few years. In fact, upstate New York now has over ten casinos that offer slots, table games, and other amenities.

What Is The Best Site For Horse Racing Betting In New York?

In conclusion, when it comes to horse racing betting in New York, the best racebook to choose comes down to personal preference. Whether it be the convenience, an easy-to-use app or betting site, or friendly customer support, the choice is ultimately subjective to the bettor. With that said, our top pick for the best horse racing betting site in New York, based on overall value would have to be BetOnline.

best horse racing betting site in New York
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Alan is an experienced writer of online betting and casino guides. He is one of the main editors of Basketballinsiders.

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