Sports Betting Guides

14 min read

BetMGM Horse Racing Guide 2025

Spencer Poole

416 days ago

A time-honored betting tradition, horse racing offers fast-paced action, diverse betting options, and the excitement of unpredictable outcomes. And BetMGM, a leading name in the Las Vegas gambling scene, extends its expertise to horse racing through the MGM racing app, providing an engaging platform for enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

On this page, we’ll delve into BetMGM’s horse racing offerings, including their online site and app, which offer numerous ways for bettors to enjoy the thrill of a day at the races right from the comfort of their homes.

Established	October 2021
Bet Types	Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 5, and more
Live Race Wagering	YES
Associated Tracks	MGM Northfield Park: Northfield, OH

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What’s a Racebook and Why is it Different From a Sportsbook?

A racebook is a specialized platform dedicated solely to horse and sometimes greyhound racing. Unlike a sportsbook or DFS site, which covers a wide variety of sports and events, or a real money casino, which focuses on poker, roulette, and other casino classics, a racebook focuses on providing a comprehensive horse racing experience.

This specialization means fewer betting options overall but comes with significant advantages such as live streaming of races, detailed betting guides, in-depth tutorials, and expert picks. These features make racebooks like the BetMGM horse racing app particularly user-friendly while still having the depth and detail that experts will love.

Where to Find BetMGM Racing

Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides of BetMGM Racing is its lack of availability compared to many competitors. Despite horse racing being legal in far more states than sports betting, BetMGM racebook can currently only be accessed in a handful of states, which are:

Florida
Louisiana
Ohio

While they might not have many options for now, we’ll keep you posted as BetMGM expands their horse betting operations to more states.

Does BetMGM Operate In-Person Racetracks?

Yes! BetMGM has an in-person racetrack at Northfield Park in Ohio that is known as one of the finest in the Midwest. Situated just outside of Cleveland, Northfield Park is a premier venue offering live harness racing year-round with over 200 live racing dates annually. The track features a modern grandstand, a variety of dining options, and numerous betting windows.

The Odds for Playing the Ponies

Understanding horse racing odds is the master key to making smart bets. Without it, you won’t be able to understand and unlock many of the best betting strategies available.

The process is quite similar to betting on other sports with multiple competitors and one winner, like motorsports, golf tournaments, or futures bets on league champions.

Horse racing odds are presented in fractional or decimal formats, reflecting the potential payout if your chosen horse wins. Let’s break it down with some examples:

Favorite Horse: Let’s say “Lightning Bolt” is the favorite with odds of 2/1. This means for every $1 you bet, you get $2 in profit if the horse wins. So, a $10 bet would net you $20 in profit, plus your original $10 stake, totaling $30.
Underdog Horse: Now, consider “Dark Horse” with odds of 15/1. This means for every $1 you bet, you get $15 in profit if the horse wins. A $10 bet on Dark Horse would yield $150 in profit, plus your original $10 stake, totaling $160.

Horse racing odds are influenced by various factors such as the horse’s past performance, jockey skills, track conditions, and betting activity.

BetMGM Horse Racing Betting Options

Bet Type	Explanation	Ideal for Beginners?
Win	A win bet is the most straightforward type of wager in horse racing. You simply pick the horse you believe will finish first. If your chosen horse wins the race, you win the bet. For example, if you bet $10 on a horse with 5/1 odds and it wins, you get $50 plus your original $10 back, totaling $60. This type of bet is popular due to its straightforward nature; you only need to focus on one horse and its potential to win the race. While the payout can be substantial if the horse is an underdog, the win bet keeps things simple for new bettors who are just getting accustomed to the dynamics of horse racing.	YES
Place	A place bet is slightly less risky than a win bet. You win if your chosen horse finishes first or second. The payouts are generally lower than win bets but offer a higher chance of winning. For instance, placing a $10 bet on a horse to place at 3/1 odds will return a portion of the bet if the horse finishes first or second. If your horse wins, you’ll get the place odds payout, which might be less than the win odds, but still, you secure a win. If it finishes second, you still win the place payout. This bet type is ideal for beginners who are looking for a safer option while still getting a decent payment.	YES
Show	A show bet is even less risky. You win if your horse finishes in the top three. The payouts are smaller, but the chances of winning are higher. For example, if you bet $10 on a horse to show at 2/1 odds, you win if the horse finishes first, second, or third. If the horse finishes in any of these positions, you get a payout that might be smaller than win or place bets but still profitable. Show bets are excellent for beginners because they reduce the risk significantly while allowing them to still experience the excitement of horse betting.	YES
Exacta	An exacta bet requires picking the first and second place horses in the correct order. This bet offers higher payouts but is significantly harder to win due to the need for precise predictions. For instance, if you bet $5 on Horse A to finish first and Horse B to finish second, and they do so in that exact order, you win a substantial payout. However, if they finish in any other order or if another horse sneaks into the top two, you lose the bet. The complexity and need for precise placement make exacta bets unsuitable for beginners, who may find it challenging to accurately predict the top two horses in order.	NO
Trifecta	A trifecta bet involves picking the first three horses in the exact order. This bet is challenging and offers even higher payouts than an exacta. For example, betting $2 on Horse A to finish first, Horse B second, and Horse C third will yield a significant payout if all three finish in the exact order. The odds of winning are low due to the precise prediction required. This bet is not recommended for beginners due to its complexity and the high level of risk involved. It requires a deep understanding of the horses’ form, jockeys, and race conditions, which new bettors might not yet possess.	NO
Superfecta	A superfecta bet requires picking the first four horses in the exact order. This bet offers very high payouts but is extremely difficult to win. For example, placing a $1 bet on Horses A, B, C, and D to finish first through fourth in that specific order can result in a massive payout if they do. However, the likelihood of correctly predicting the top four horses in order is very low, making this one of the riskiest bets. The high level of difficulty and the need for precise predictions make superfecta bets unsuitable for beginners and maybe even some intermediate bettors.	NO
Daily Double	A daily double bet involves picking the winners of two consecutive races. It combines the simplicity of a win bet with the challenge of predicting two races correctly. For instance, betting $5 on Horse A to win the first race and Horse B to win the second race means both must win for you to collect. The payout can be significant due to the combined odds of both races. This bet is somewhat more complex than a single win bet but still manageable for beginners with some experience in picking winners. It offers a balance of challenge and simplicity, making it suitable for beginners looking to take that next step up.	YES
Boxing	Boxing increases your chances but also the cost. For example, boxing an exacta bet on Horses A and B means you win if they finish first and second in any order. While this increases your chances of winning, it also doubles the cost of your bet. For a $2 exacta box bet, you would pay $4 to cover both possible outcomes. Boxing bets are more complex and costly, making them less ideal for beginners who should start with simpler, straight bets.	NO

BetMGM Horse Racing 101

In this section, we’ll be breaking down a few key factors you should be on the lookout for when betting on horse races using the BetMGM app. Whether it’s checking weather conditions ahead of a big race, or checking on each jockey’s recent performances, here are some key factors to focus on if you want to bet like a pro.

Track Conditions

Track conditions can greatly impact horse racing outcomes. Whether the track is dry, muddy, or wet, the surface affects the horses’ performance. For instance, some horses excel on firm ground, while others perform better on softer, muddy tracks. Understanding how a horse performs under different conditions can give you an edge in predicting race outcomes.

A horse that has consistently performed well on muddy tracks may have an advantage during a rainy day race. Conversely, a horse accustomed to dry, firm tracks might struggle. When placing bets, always check the weather forecast and track conditions so you can stay ahead of the pack.

Horse Equipment

The equipment used by horses can also influence their performance. Key pieces include the bridle, bit, halter, tack, tongue tie, and irons. For most major races, all horses use top-of-the-line equipment, but it’s still essential to be aware of any changes or peculiarities.

For example, a tongue tie can prevent a horse from swallowing its tongue and choking, which can significantly affect its performance. Similarly, the type of bit used can influence a horse’s responsiveness and behavior during the race. While top-tier races ensure standardized high-quality equipment, any deviations or specific equipment choices by trainers can provide insights into the horse’s readiness and potential performance.

Jockeys

Jockeys play a crucial role in horse racing. Their skill, experience, and familiarity with the horse can significantly impact race outcomes. When handicapping jockeys, consider their track record, experience with the specific horse, and performance under similar conditions.

A seasoned jockey with a history of success at a particular track or with a specific horse can be a significant advantage. Additionally, a jockey’s ability to handle different race conditions, such as a wet track or a competitive field, should be factored into your betting decisions.

Mount Up and Sign Up for BetMGM

Signing up for BetMGM Horse Racing is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get started:

Visit the BetMGM Horse Racing Website: Navigate to the BetMGM Horse Racing app.
Create an Account: Click on the ‘Sign Up’ button and fill out the registration form with your personal details, including name, email, and date of birth.
Verify Your Account: Check your email for a verification link from BetMGM and click it to activate your account.
Make a Deposit: Once your account is verified, log in and go to the deposit section. Choose your preferred payment method, enter the amount you wish to deposit, and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Claim Your Promo: If you have a BetMGM horse racing promo code, enter it during the deposit process to claim your bonus.
Start Betting: With funds in your account, you’re ready to explore the betting options and place your bets.

Giddy Up with BetMGM Horse Racing

BetMGM is a top choice for those looking to bet on horse races online. With a user-friendly platform, extensive betting options, and detailed racing insights, it caters to both beginners and seasoned bettors. BetMGM’s robust online presence and strong reputation make it a reliable and exciting destination for horse racing enthusiasts.

BetMGM Horse Racing Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for reading our page on BetMGM horse racing! If you have any questions about how horse racing works, where you can access BetMGM horse racing, and whether BetMGM offers any sort of live streaming services for horse racing, take a few minutes to scroll through our FAQ section below.

Does BetMGM Have Horse Racing?

Yes, BetMGM offers a comprehensive platform for horse racing betting. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, you can find a wide range of races to bet on from tracks around the world. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the excitement of horse racing.

Where is BetMGM Horse Racing Available?

BetMGM horse racing is available in several states across the US, including Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio. They offer a seamless online betting experience, so you can place your bets from the comfort of your home.

Can You Win Real Money on BetMGM Horse Racing?

You can win real money on BetMGM horse racing. By placing bets on various races, your winnings will be credited to your account if your picks come through. This real cash payout makes every race even more thrilling.

Does BetMGM Racing Have a Live Stream?

Yes, BetMGM offers live streaming for horse races! This feature allows you to watch races in real time, adding to the excitement and helping you make smart reads. It’s like having a front-row seat to all the action.

Does BetMGM Offer Horse Racing Promos?

BetMGM provides various promotions for horse racing, including bonus codes and special offers. These promos can improve your betting game by giving you extra value.