Off Track Betting Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island had a very brief live horse racing history, with two tracks opening in the 1930s and 1940s, but both had been permanently closed down by the 1970s. As of now, there is no live thoroughbred or harness racing tracks in the state. However, horse racing handicappers can find two full-service casinos (with a third opening in 2018) that include a racebook for simulcast wagering.

Rhode Island Off Track Betting Sites

Since there is no live horse racing, and getting to the casino to bet big stakes races is not always an option, horse racing fans in Rhode Island would be well served to open an account at an online racebook. Internet-based betting sites are easy to use, require minimum initial deposits and are accessible anytime from a PC or mobile device. 

After you've done all your handicapping homework, you may be left with wanting to play more than one horse in a race in some type of exotic wager like an exacta or trifecta, or you might want to make a multiple-race wager like a Daily Double or Pick 3. While all good racebooks offer cash back rebates on your wagers, not all cash back promotions are the same. That's why it's nice to have your account at a site like BetOnline or SportsBetting, two places that offer the same 7% daily win-or-lose rebate on all wagers, whether you bet straight Win-Place-Show, or one of the exotics. 

Rhode Island Horse Race Tracks

The first race track in Rhode Island was called Narragansett Park, and opened in 1934 near the town of Pawtucket. Right off the bat, the track proved very popular, and opening day saw more than 37,000 people come through the door. The legendary Seabiscuit got his very first win there, but over the years the track fell into financial trouble, suffered a couple devestating fires, and ran its last race in 1978. The second Rhode Island track, Lincoln Downs, opened in 1947, tried to switch to a harness-racing facility in 1971, but closed shortly after.   

Rhode Island OTB

OTB Locations in Rhode Island

Newport Grand Casino

Located in the city of Newport, Newport Grand is a casino with a racebook that offers simulcast wagering on horses and greyhounds five days-per-week, from Wednesday through to Sunday, beginning at midday. The casino offers slot machines, and includes an entertainment venue, and a full-service resturant as well as a cafe.

Twin River Casino

Twin River Casino in Lincoln - located on the site of the former Lincoln Downs - is a casino with a racebook for simulcast wagering. The racebook is open every day except Tuesday, begininning at noon, and offers wagering on multiple tracks for thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhounds. The casino features a poker room, slots and table games. There are a pair of restaurants and a pub on site, as well as three food courts.