If you're wondering whether you can legally bet on horse racing in your state, you're not alone. The US betting landscape can be confusing — but the good news is that pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in more than 35 states. That includes both online betting and in-person betting at licensed tracks and simulcast venues like Winners.
This article explains how horse racing betting works across the United States, what makes it legal, and how you can safely place your bets through platforms like MyWinners.
Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in the US?
Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in the US?
Yes — horse racing betting is legal in many states, thanks to long-standing legislation that predates the rise of online sports betting.
In fact, horse racing is the most widely legal form of wagering in the US. Unlike casino gambling or sportsbooks, it operates under a pari-mutuel system, where bettors compete against each other, not the house. This model is regulated at the state level, with strict oversight to ensure fairness and integrity.
Where Can You Bet Online in the US?
Where Can You Bet Online in the US?
You can legally place bets online in states where Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) is permitted. These include:
CT, NY, PA, CA, FL, OH, IL, CO, MD, VA, MA, and many more.
The best way to know if you're eligible is simple:
👉 When you visit MyWinners, your location is verified in real-time. If online betting is allowed in your state, you’ll be able to sign up and fund your account. If not, you’ll be notified right away.
How In-Person Betting Works
How In-Person Betting Works
If you're in Connecticut or near one of the regional Winners venues, you can walk in and place your bets at the counter or self-service terminals. You'll still be wagering into the same national pari-mutuel pools, just without the need for an online account.
In-person betting is great if you want:
Live assistance
Social atmosphere
Cash handling instead of digital wallets
Many venues also offer food, drinks, and big-screen race coverage.
How MyWinners Keeps Betting Legal and Safe
How MyWinners Keeps Betting Legal and Safe
Real-time geolocation: Ensures you're in a legal state before placing any wager
Secure account verification: Keeps minors and restricted individuals from accessing the platform
Fully licensed and regulated: Operates under strict compliance rules to protect bettors
Linked to national betting pools: You're always part of the real action, not betting against the house
What About Other Types of Betting?
What About Other Types of Betting?
It’s important to distinguish horse racing betting from sportsbooks or casino gaming, which are regulated separately. Even if your state doesn’t allow general online gambling, horse racing might still be legal due to federal carveouts like the Interstate Horseracing Act.
💡 Did You Know? The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 paved the way for modern online horse race betting in the US?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online horse racing betting legal in my state?
Is online horse racing betting legal in my state?
Online betting is legal in over 35 US states. You can find out by visiting MyWinners — your location will be automatically checked.
What’s the legal age to bet on horse racing in the US?
What’s the legal age to bet on horse racing in the US?
Most states require you to be at least 18, but some require you to be 21. Age is verified during account registration.
Can I use MyWinners if I’m traveling out of state?
Can I use MyWinners if I’m traveling out of state?
Only if the state you’re in allows online horse racing betting. Location verification is mandatory each time you log in.
Is MyWinners safe and legal?
Is MyWinners safe and legal?
Yes. MyWinners is fully licensed and regulated. All betting is legal, secure, and linked to national pari-mutuel pools.
Can I bet at a Winners retail location instead of online?
Can I bet at a Winners retail location instead of online?
Yes. If you’re in Connecticut, you can visit a local Winners venue to place in-person bets on live and simulcast races.