To legally place a wager on MyWinners, you must be physically located in a state where pari-mutuel wagering is permitted. To enforce this, the platform uses geolocation technology to confirm your position in real time before allowing you to bet.
How Geolocation Works
How Geolocation Works
Whether you’re using a mobile device or a desktop computer, MyWinners confirms your location through:
GPS data (from your smartphone or tablet)
Wi-Fi triangulation (especially on desktops/laptops)
IP address checks
Mobile network signals
These combined tools ensure full compliance with state and federal betting laws. You must enable location services and disable any VPNs or proxy servers to avoid being blocked from wagering.
State-by-State Betting Access
State-by-State Betting Access
You don’t need to live in a legal betting state to create an account — but you do need to be physically located in one to place bets. For example, you can be a resident of Texas but only place bets while visiting New York.
Why Geolocation Sometimes Fails
Why Geolocation Sometimes Fails
You may see an error message if:
You're too close to a state border
You're using public or unstable Wi-Fi
Your device settings block geolocation tracking
You have a VPN or proxy enabled
A specific track's licensing agreement restricts wagering based on your registered state of residency, regardless of your physical location
The system must accurately confirm you're within a legal state to process any wager.
How can I troubleshoot if I can't access a track that should be available?
How can I troubleshoot if I can't access a track that should be available?
If you're having trouble accessing a specific track, work through the following steps:
Check your location services — Ensure GPS or location permissions are fully enabled for your browser or the MyWinners app. On mobile, use cellular data rather than Wi-Fi for the most accurate reading.
Disable any VPN or proxy — These can mask your real location and trigger access blocks, even for tracks you'd normally be eligible to wager on.
Verify your account residency details — Some tracks restrict wagering based on your registered home state, not just your physical location. Log in to your account and confirm your residency information is correct and up to date.
Try a different network — Unstable or public Wi-Fi can cause geolocation errors. Switch to a private network or cellular data and attempt to access the track again.
Clear your browser cache — Outdated cached data can sometimes cause access issues. Clear your cache and cookies, then reload the page.
Contact customer support — If the issue persists after following the above steps, reach out to the MyWinners support team. Be ready to share the track name, your registered state, and any error message you received so the team can investigate quickly.
💡 Did You Know? Mobile users are more likely to pass geolocation checks than desktop users, thanks to GPS accuracy. For best results, bet via the app using cellular data when near state borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does MyWinners need to verify my location before I bet?
Why does MyWinners need to verify my location before I bet?
Because US gambling laws are regulated at the state level. Geolocation ensures you are in a state where online horse betting is legal.
Can I use MyWinners while travelling?
Can I use MyWinners while travelling?
Yes, if you are in a supported state at the time. Your betting privileges activate based on your real-time location, not your home address.
Why won’t MyWinners let me place a bet even though I’m in a legal state?
Why won’t MyWinners let me place a bet even though I’m in a legal state?
This usually happens due to a VPN, proxy, or disabled location services. Disable these and reconnect to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
What states block online horse betting entirely?
What states block online horse betting entirely?
As of 2025, online horse race betting is not permitted in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Utah, Hawaii, or Alaska.
Is it legal to spoof my location with a VPN to place bets?
Is it legal to spoof my location with a VPN to place bets?
No. This violates state law and MyWinners’ terms of service. Your account could be suspended or closed for attempting it.
Why are some tracks unavailable for wagering based on my location?
Why are some tracks unavailable for wagering based on my location?
Track availability is determined by a combination of residency rules, individual track licensing agreements, and operational policies. Even if you are physically located in a legal betting state, certain tracks may be restricted to customers registered as residents of specific states.
For example, some tracks like Churchill Downs operate under licensing terms that limit wagering to residents of particular states such as Florida. These restrictions are set by the tracks themselves and are outside of MyWinners' control.