Horse betting in Illinois is completely legal, so you can bet online or offline at the Chicago racetracks.
As Illinois online horse betting is regulated by the state, you know it’s legal. You can gamble if you’re 18 plus on licensed sites and mobile apps, but also offline at on and off-track betting facilities (OTBs) throughout the state. Parimutuel wagering in Illinois on horses with offers and bonuses is widely available, then. The Prairie State has local and important major horse races in it. Top Illinois horse racing venues include Arlington Park in Chicago. You’ll be taxed on winnings too.
Horse Betting Sites in Illinois
With Illinois online horse betting completely legal in this state, here are some of the best sites you can place wagers with:
- NYRA Bets operates a Point Program that rewards your loyalty for every dollar bet on the horses.
- TVG is the digital betting platform for the America-wide horse racing network of the same name.
- Twinspires provides Carryover Jackpots if multiples like Pick Five and Pick Six pools aren’t won the previous day.
Best IL Horse Betting Apps
Illinois horse racing betting apps are also available if you want a mobile gambling experience. These are some of the top apps you can download:
- DRF Bets has an Enhanced Entries screen for every single horse race you can bet on.
- NYRA Bets makes viewing horse racing events you have wagered on easy with Picture in Picture.
- TVG provides faster bet selections than ever before, and their whole network is available to you.
Top Three Bonus Offers in Illinois
When you’re wagering in Illinois on the horses, these offers and bonuses help you maximize your Illinois Online Horse Betting:
- Deposit deals that match the amount you put in when you sign up online.
- Loyalty programs which reward you for placing regular wagers.
- Money back offers from risk-free bets that return your stake.
Horse Racetracks in Illinois
There are three tracks you can visit and watch thoroughbred Illinois horse racing action live. These venues all offer on-track parimutuel betting:
- Arlington Park, officially Arlington International Racecourse, in the Arlington Heights suburb of Chicago.
- Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, some 420km west of Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is run.
- Hawthorne Race Course between the Cicero and Stickney suburbs of Chicago, a 40-minute drive southeast of Arlington Park.
Local and Major Horse Betting Events in Illinois
There are many local and major horse betting events for wagering in Illinois if you want to.
The Arlington Million, now registered as the Mister D. Stakes, is one of three big races held at Arlington Park during the International Festival of Racing in August. This thoroughbred meet also has the Beverly D. Stakes for fillies and mares, and Secretariat Stakes, registered as the Bruce D. Stakes, for three-year-olds. Each holds Grade 1 status.
At Hawthorne, meanwhile, there are local thoroughbred meetings in the spring and fall on Fridays through Sundays with harness races taking place over the summer.
Types of Horse Racing Bets in Illinois
It’s all about parimutuel horse betting in Illinois if you want to wager. That means you can get the following bet types on:
- Win wagers for your horse to come first.
- Place bets where your horse must finish first or second.
- Show wagers where your horse has to be in the first three.
- Exotic bets like Trifectas and Exactas which involve betting on two or more horses in the same race.
- Multiples like Pick Six.
FAQ
Is Online Horse Betting Legal in IL?
Yes, Illinois online horse betting is legal. You can also place parimutuel wagers on-track or at off-track betting facilities (OTBs) too.
Can You Bet on Horse Racing in IL?
Yes, horse betting in Illinois is something you can do legally both online and offline at land-based locations and internet sites with a license.
Is There Horse Racing in IL?
There sure is. Horse betting in Illinois events include meets at Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course in Chicago. Outside of the Windy City, there is also Fairmount Park upstate in Collinsville.
Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings in IL?
You must pay taxes on profits made from horse betting in Illinois as it’s a legal requirement. A 15% rate on earnings of $600 or more from sports and horse racing wagers is levied here. There’s also federal income tax to consider, and your winnings must be declared for that.