Although Prairie Meadows is the only live horse racing track in the state of Iowa, handicappers have other opportunities to bet the races thanks to simulcast wagering being offered at the Dubuque Greyhound Park. In addition, recent changes to gaming laws in Iowa have allowed for casinos to begin offering simulcast wagering, and for 2017, Wild Rose Casino in Clinton has started doing just that, with plans for other casinos in the state to follow suit.
Iowa Off Track Betting Sites
When horse racing fans in Iowa can't get to the track or one of the simulcast racing facilities in the state, they can still bet all the big races online with a secure account through one of the many web-based racebooks that take wagers from Iowa horse players. Betting horses online offer all the different wagering options you get at the track, as well as bonus and promotion incentives.
Not all sports and racebooks are created equally, and as a bettor it's important to consider the different options available when opening an account that suits your betting style. If you're the kind of handicapper that likes to jump on future-wager opportunities and bet the big races at big odds well before post time, Bovada's racebook gives you the chance to do so, offering great odds on future wagers for major events such as the Triple Crown series and the Breeders' Cup.
Iowa Horse Race Tracks
Slowly but surely, the sports-gaming scene is changing in Iowa. When Prairie Meadows opened its doors in the late 1980s, horse racing was the only thing on tap. But over the years, changes to state laws have allowed for the installation of slots (in the mid-90s) and then table games (in 2004), so that as of 2017, Prairie Meadows has become a full-service racino and hotel.
Prairie Meadows
Located just outside of Des Moines, and first opened for racing in 1987, Prairie Meadows features both thoroughbred and Quarterhorse racing on its one-mile dirt oval track. Racing takes place from late April to mid-August, with evening post time on Thursday and Friday, and afternoon racing on Saturday and Sunday. Feature races during the season include the (G3) Iowa Derby and the (G3) Iowa Oaks. Simulcast racing for thoroughbreds and harness, as well as greyhounds, is available all year around, seven days a week.
The 24-hour casino at Prairie Meadows offers more than 1900 slot machines, table games and eight poker tables. Dining is available at four full-service retaurants and four other fast-food locations on the grounds.
- 1 Prairie Meadows Drive
- Altoona, IA 5009
- https://www.prairiemeadows.com/
Wild Rose Casino & Resort
One of three Wild Rose Casinos in the state, the casino at Clinton is so far the only casino facility to install simulcast racing. Bettors can take in thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing action at the Coach's Corner Bar and Grill in the casino. This off track betting facility currently offers a limited schedule, with wagering available from Wednesday to Sunday, with simulcasts from 16 different tracks.
- 777 Wild Rose Drive
- Clinton, IA 52732
- http://clinton.wildroseresorts.com/
Iowa Greyhound Park
The Iowa Greyhound Park features live dog racing from May to October, and simulcast racing for dogs and horses during the summer months.
- 1899 Greyhound Park Drive
- Dubuque IA 52001
- http://www.igaracing.com/
