Missouri’s relationship with horse racing is a long-standing one, though the landscape of betting has evolved significantly. Currently, legal horse racing betting in Missouri is primarily focused on off-track betting (OTB) facilities and advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms. Direct trackside betting is limited, as Missouri doesn’t currently have actively operating Thoroughbred or Standardbred racetracks. This guide details everything you need to know about legally wagering on horses within the state.
Legal Options for Horse Racing Betting
Missouri bettors have a few key avenues for placing their wagers:
- Off-Track Betting (OTB) Parlors: These are physical locations where you can watch races and place bets. They offer a social atmosphere and assistance from tellers. Several OTBs operate across the state, primarily linked to out-of-state tracks.
- Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) Platforms: These are online betting services (like TwinSpires, TVG, and DRF Bets) where you deposit funds into an account and then wager on races from around the world. ADW is incredibly popular due to its convenience.
- Interstate Simulcasting: Missouri OTBs receive and broadcast races from other states, allowing betting on a wide variety of tracks.
Understanding the Betting Process
Whether at an OTB or online, the betting process is similar. You’ll need to:
- Choose a Track: Select the racecourse where the race you want to bet on is taking place.
- Select a Race: Pick the specific race within that track’s card.
- Choose a Bet Type: Common bet types include:
- Win: Betting on a horse to finish first.
- Place: Betting on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Picking the horses that will finish first and second in the correct order.
- Trifecta: Picking the horses that will finish first, second, and third in the correct order.
- Superfecta: Picking the horses that will finish first, second, third, and fourth in the correct order.
- Place Your Wager: Specify the amount you want to bet and submit your wager.
Missouri’s Racing History & Future Outlook
Missouri once boasted several thriving racetracks. However, competition from casinos and changing gambling preferences led to their closure. There have been ongoing discussions and legislative attempts to revitalize the horse racing industry in Missouri, potentially through the introduction of casinos at racetracks (racinos) or other incentives. Currently, the future of live racing in Missouri remains uncertain. However, betting on races from other states remains readily available.
Resources for Missouri Horse Racing Bettors
- Missouri Gaming Commission: https://moga.mo.gov/ (Provides information on gaming regulations)
- TwinSpires: https://www.twinspires.com/ (Popular ADW platform)
- TVG: https://www.tvg.com/ (Another leading ADW platform)
