Although the locations are limited, horseplayers in Massachusetts have the full trifecta of choices when it comes to making a bet, with live racing, simulcast racing and a stand-alone off track betting facility in the state. A limited number of live throughbred racing dates are held at Suffolk Downs, while Plainridge Racecourse hosts harness racing, and is also home to a slots casino. There are presently three new casino resorts under development in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Off Track Betting Sites
With few options available at the moment to take in live racing or betting at a casino racebook, horse racing fans in Massachusetts always have the convenient option of betting with an online racebook. Besides being able to make a bet through a PC or mobile device, online racebooks offer a wide variety of tracks to bet on, and a steady stream of promotions.
The most common way for horseplayers to bet is simply picking a horse to straight-up Win, Place or Show. That's why we like to see online racebooks where the cash back bonus rewards people who are willing to put it all on the nose of one particular horse. Many racebooks offer their biggest bonus percentage only on exotic wagers such as exactas or daily doubles, but BetOnline.ag offers 7% daily cash back on exotics and straight wagers.
Massachusetts Horse Race Tracks
Although there were once as many as four thoroughbred and harness racing tracks in Massachusetts, only two remain in operation:
- Suffolk Downs for thoroughbreds.
- Plainridge Race Course for harness racing.
Suffolk Downs
Whereas once upon a time Suffolk Downs regularly hosted tens of thousands of fans on any given day, with races that included such legends of the sport such as Seabiscuit and Whirlaway, these days Suffolk is a much more modest operation.
Needing an infusion of funding to do major renovations, the track sufferd a serious blow a couple years ago when it lost a state bid to develop a casino complex on the site. For awhile it appeared the track would close completely, but diehard interest has allowed it to continue on a limited scale.
For 2017, there's live racing at Suffolk for one weekend in each of July, August and September, for a total of six racing dates. Suffolk does provide for simulcast racing six days a week (closed Tuesday) from a couple dozen different North American tracks
- 525 McClellan Hwy
- East Boston MA 02128
- http://suffolkdowns.com/
Plainridge Park Racecourse
A part of the Plainridge Park Casino complex, Plainridge Racecourse holds a harness racing meet from April through to November, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in April, as well as Fridays through the rest of the meet. Post time begins in the afternoons. There is also daily simulcasting of both harness and thoroughbred racing from around North America.
The casino at Plainridge includes slots and electronic gaming tables, but there is no poker room or sportsbook. Multiple dining options are avilable.
- 301 Washington Street
- Plainville, MA 02762
- http://www.plainridgeparkcasino.com/
Massachusetts OTB
Raynham Park Simulcast Center
Raynham Park is the site of a former greyhound racing track that now offers full-time simulcast wagering only on dogs, thoroughbred and harness races. The daily racing schedule typically begins with thoroughbred racing in the early afternoon, with harness racing and dogs later in the day. They also accept telephone betting for account holders.
The Raynham Park facility includes a restaurant serving basic diner-type fare, and hosts live music on Saturday nights in the fall, winter and spring nights.
- 1958 Broadway
- Raynham MA 02767
- http://www.raynhampark.net/index.html