off track betting colorado
Off Track Betting Colorado
Colorado offers legal off-track betting (OTB) for horse racing enthusiasts. While the state has only one live racetrack, Arapahoe Park, fans can enjoy wagering on races from around the world at various OTB locations. These facilities provide a convenient and social atmosphere for bettors to experience the thrill of horse racing.
Where to Bet
While Colorado only has one live horse racing track, there are numerous ways to enjoy off-track betting in the state. Here are the primary options⁚
Arapahoe Park Racetrack
Located in Aurora, Arapahoe Park is the heart of live horse racing in Colorado. The track hosts races from July to early October, featuring thoroughbred, Arabian, and quarter horse races. Besides live racing, Arapahoe Park also offers simulcast betting, allowing fans to wager on races from across the globe throughout the year.
Off-Track Betting (OTB) Facilities
Spread across the state, numerous OTB facilities provide year-round access to horse racing wagering. These venues offer a comfortable and social setting for bettors to enjoy simulcast races from major tracks nationwide and internationally. Some popular OTB locations include⁚
- Bally’s Arapahoe Park (Aurora)
- The Finish Line, LLC (Pueblo)
- Golden Mardi Gras OTB (Black Hawk)
- Red & Jerry’s Off Track Betting (Sheridan)
- Havana Park Off Track Betting (Aurora)
- Mile High Racing & Entertainment OTB (Commerce City)
- The Jockey Club OTB (Grand Junction)
Online Horse Racing Betting
Colorado law currently permits online horse racing betting through licensed Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platforms and racebook apps. These platforms allow bettors aged 18 and older to conveniently place pari-mutuel wagers on races worldwide from the comfort of their homes or on the go.
Whether you prefer the excitement of live racing, the camaraderie of an OTB facility, or the convenience of online wagering, Colorado offers diverse options for horse racing enthusiasts to indulge in their passion.
Types of Bets
Colorado’s off-track betting facilities and online platforms offer a wide range of wagers to cater to both seasoned handicappers and casual fans. Some of the most popular bet types include⁚
Win, Place, and Show
These are the most straightforward bets. A “win” bet predicts the horse that will finish first, a “place” bet predicts the horse that will finish first or second, and a “show” bet predicts the horse that will finish first, second, or third.
Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta
These bets involve predicting the order of finish for multiple horses. An “exacta” requires picking the top two finishers in the correct order, a “trifecta” requires picking the top three, and a “superfecta” requires picking the top four.
Daily Double and Pick 3/4/5/6
These bets involve selecting the winners of consecutive races. A “daily double” covers two consecutive races, while “Pick” bets range from three to six consecutive races, increasing in complexity and potential payout.
Boxed Bets
For exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets, bettors can choose to “box” their selections, meaning they will win regardless of the exact order of finish as long as the chosen horses finish in the top spots. This increases the chances of winning but also increases the cost of the bet.
Each bet type offers varying levels of risk and reward, allowing bettors to choose strategies that align with their confidence levels and desired payout structures. It’s always recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and payouts for each bet type before placing a wager.
History of Horse Racing in Colorado
While Colorado’s current horse racing landscape might seem modest with only one operational racetrack, the state boasts a rich history intertwined with the sport. The journey began long before the establishment of Arapahoe Park, with roots dating back to the early 20th century.
Horse racing first made headlines in Colorado in 1908, captivating audiences with its blend of athleticism and wagering excitement. However, it wasn’t until 1948 that pari-mutuel betting, the system used in most modern horse racing, was legalized in the state. This paved the way for the birth of organized horse racing in Colorado.
In 1950, Centennial Race Track in Littleton, just outside of Denver, marked a significant milestone as the first official horse racing track in Colorado. This ushered in an era of excitement and entertainment, drawing crowds eager to witness the thrill of live races and partake in the newly legalized betting;
Despite its promising start, Centennial Race Track faced challenges over the years, including a devastating flood in 1965. While it persevered for several decades, the track ultimately closed its doors in 1983, leaving a void in Colorado’s horse racing scene.
Arapahoe Park emerged in 1984, carrying the torch for live horse racing in Colorado. The track has weathered its own share of challenges, including a brief closure in 1985, but has remained resilient, providing a venue for horse racing enthusiasts to this day.
Legality and Regulations
Horse racing enthusiasts in Colorado can rejoice in the fact that both live and off-track betting are fully legal and regulated within the state. This ensures a safe and fair environment for bettors to enjoy the thrill of the races.
Colorado law, specifically Title 12, Chapter 60, Section 101 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, explicitly permits pari-mutuel wagering on horse races at licensed facilities. This form of betting, where wagers are pooled and dividends are calculated based on the final outcome, is the standard for horse racing across the United States.
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (CLGCC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing and regulating all aspects of horse racing and betting within the state. They are responsible for licensing tracks, OTB facilities, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. This includes maintaining the integrity of the betting process and protecting the interests of both the bettors and the racing industry.
In a significant development, Colorado became one of the first states to legalize fixed-odds betting on horse races in 2022. This innovative form of wagering, previously only available in New Jersey, allows bettors to lock in odds at the time of their bet, as opposed to the fluctuating odds in traditional pari-mutuel betting. This addition to Colorado’s legal horse racing landscape provides bettors with more options and adds another layer of excitement to the sport.