Horse racing is a popular form of entertainment and gambling enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In the United States, horse racing is legal in most states and is an important part of the culture. Ohio is no exception, with several tracks and off-track betting (OTB) facilities throughout the state. But what about online betting on horse racing in Ohio? Is it legal?
Is Online Horse Racing Betting Legal in Ohio?
The answer is no. Ohio does not currently have any laws in place that allow for online betting on horse racing. However, the state does allow for off-track betting (OTB) in certain locations. This is a form of betting that is conducted through a third-party operator who is licensed by the state.
OTB Locations in Ohio
OTB locations in Ohio are typically located near racetracks and other horse racing venues. There are currently 11 OTB locations in the state, located in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Middletown, Mount Vernon, Newark, Toledo, and Youngstown. These OTB locations allow for betting on races from all over the country, as well as live simulcast betting from local tracks.
Types of Bets Available at OTB Locations
OTB locations in Ohio offer a variety of wagering options for horse racing bettors. These include:
- Win – Bet on a horse to finish first
- Place – Bet on a horse to finish first or second
- Show – Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third
- Exacta – Bet on the first two horses to finish in exact order
- Trifecta – Bet on the first three horses to finish in exact order
- Superfecta – Bet on the first four horses to finish in exact order
- Daily Double – Bet on the winners of two consecutive races
- Pick 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. – Bet on the winners of multiple consecutive races
How to Place a Bet at an OTB Location
OTB locations in Ohio offer an easy and convenient way to place a bet. Here is what you need to do:
- Choose the race and bet type you want to wager on.
- Fill out a wagering slip with the amount you want to bet and the horses you are betting on.
- Take your slip to a teller, who will then scan it and process your bet.
Advantages of Betting at an OTB Location
Betting at an OTB location in Ohio has several advantages over online betting. These include:
- The convenience of being able to place a bet in person.
- No need to worry about your personal information being compromised.
- The ability to watch the race while placing a bet.
- The opportunity to interact with other bettors and compare notes.
- The ability to get help from a teller if needed.
How to Find an OTB Location Near You
Finding an OTB location near you is easy. The Ohio Racing Commission has a list of all OTB locations in the state, which can be found here.
Conclusion
Betting on horse racing in Ohio is legal, but only at OTB locations. Online betting is not currently available in the state. OTB locations offer the convenience of being able to place a bet in person, as well as the opportunity to watch the race and interact with other bettors. You can find an OTB location near you by visiting the Ohio Racing Commission website.