Horse betting in Arizona is legal, but in a limited capacity at racetracks, OTBs, and through one digital platform.
If you’re looking for some Arizona online horse betting, you need to know there are restrictions in this state. No fixed odds internet sportsbooks are legal or licensed here. That means you can only place parimutuel wagers for horse betting in Arizona on-track at three venues, certain off-track betting (OTB) facilities, and via one mobile app that accepts players from the Grand Canyon State. There is local thoroughbred and American quarter horse racing action here. Don’t forget about gambling taxes either!
Horse Betting Sites in Arizona
While the current laws are in force, Arizona online horse betting sites aren’t available to you. Internet sportsbooks and horse racing services don’t have licenses to operate here. One provider that does accept players from the state is TVG. Their horse betting site offers markets on races from across America and around the world. You can use this for Arizona online horse wagering on parimutuel markets. More operators may come to the Grand Canyon State soon.
Best AZ Horse Betting Apps
Unfortunately, mobile apps for horse betting in Arizona are restricted right now. There is one exception to this, however. TVG accepts players from the Grand Canyon State. Their mobile horse racing app has free betting tips and handicapping data to help you find some winners. TVG also has a free-to-enter Super 8 competition, where you pick horses for eight different races at tracks across America. Get them all right and you win a $100,000 jackpot.
Top Three Bonus Offers in Arizona
Offers and bonuses for Arizona online horse betting are also limited by the current law. With no legalized online sportsbooks open to you, you can’t take advantage of great promotions. TVG has a first deposit bonus where they match the amount you open an account with.
Horse Racing Tracks in Arizona
There are three racetracks where you can go for betting on horses in Arizona. These provide live parimutuel market on-track thoroughbred and American quarter horse racing, and also simulcast wagering on other courses across America for you:
- Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley, a dirt track.
- Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson is the birthplace of American quarter horse racing.
- Turf Paradise Race Course in the Deer Valley area of Phoenix has both dirt and turf tracks.
Local and Major Horse Betting Events in Arizona
While there are no major races for online horse wagering in Arizona, there are a few local contests of note. The Turf Paradise Derby, although ungraded, is considered a Kentucky Derby trial over an extended mile. Also run at Turf Paradise is the six-furlong Grade 3 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap. That has a total prize purse of $75,000, as does the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap.
Rillito Park, meanwhile, is home to both the trials and finals of the El Moro de Cumpas series for American quarter horses. There is also the Quarter Horse Derby at Arizona Downs. As such, there are a few options for those who want to try horse betting in Arizona.
Types of Horse Racing Bets in Arizona
There is just parimutuel wagering on horses in Arizona available to you both on-track and at licensed OTB locales. Here are the popular types of wager you can place through such pool betting:
- Standard Win bets for a race.
- Place bets to finish first or second.
- Show wagers for your horse to be in the first three.
- Exotic bets like Exactas and Trifectas where you back more than one horse in the same race.
FAQ
Can You Bet on Horses in AZ?
Yes, wagering on horses in Arizona is allowed on-track at the state’s main racetracks or OTBs. You also have one internet/mobile horse betting site available to you.
Is Online Horse Betting Legal in AZ?
There is very restricted Arizona online horse betting that is legally available to you. Only one such platform accepts players from this state right now through its mobile app.
Can You Bet on TVG in AZ?
Yes, TVG accepts you if you want to participate in horse betting in Arizona. You must place wagers through their free-to-download mobile app.
Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings in AZ?
State authorities are in the process of legislating what tax you should pay when wagering in Arizona. Various proposals have been considered. US federal law requires that any profits you make from gambling be declared on your income tax return.