Online horse racing betting is legal in roughly 40 US states through a framework called Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW): How Legal Online Horse Betting Works. A handful of states prohibit it entirely — so checking your state before you deposit matters.
Which states allow online horse racing betting?
The Interstate Horseracing Act, combined with state-level ADW licensing, covers a broad swath of the country. Confirmed legal ADW states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
North Carolina legalized online ADW with a launch date no earlier than January 8, 2024, making it one of the more recent additions to that list.
A few states have quirks worth noting. New Jersey residents must use the 4NJBets platform specifically. Minnesota residents can bet on out-of-state and international tracks through major ADW apps, but not on Canterbury Park or Running Aces directly. Florida tolerates ADW but it remains largely unregulated. Arizona permits it with restrictions near tribal lands.
Where is online horse racing betting prohibited?
Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Utah do not allow online ADW wagering. Nevada only permits in-person pari-mutuel wagering. Texas and North Carolina have their own distinct restrictions separate from that blanket-prohibition group (North Carolina's recent legislation carved out a specific path).
If a licensed ADW declines your signup because of your state, that's the law working correctly. Any offshore site that accepts you anyway is operating illegally — read more about that risk on our page covering Why Offshore Racebooks Are Risky and Often Illegal.
What is the minimum age to bet on horse racing online?
Most states set the minimum at 18+. Iowa and Washington require 21+ on most platforms. Per DRF Bets' terms, 21+ is also required in Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, New Hampshire, and North Dakota. Kentucky's minimum for horse race wagering is 18. For the full breakdown by platform and state, see our guide on Horse Racing ADW Age Limits and Platform Restrictions by State.
Must be 18+ (21+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
How do licensed ADW platforms get authorized?
Most major ADW providers hold licenses issued out of Oregon or North Dakota. Those licenses authorize them to accept bets in any state where local law permits. You can verify a platform's license in its terms and conditions — any reputable operator will list the issuing jurisdiction clearly.
Looking for which platforms are available in your state? Our roundup of the Best Horse Racing Betting Apps: TwinSpires, TVG, DRF Bets & More covers availability, bonuses, and features side by side.
Does federal law govern horse racing betting?
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), signed December 2020, created uniform national standards for racing safety, medication, and anti-doping. It does not legalize or prohibit wagering — that remains a state-level decision. Tracks in New York fall under the New York State Gaming Commission; Kentucky racing is overseen by the Kentucky Department of Revenue; Oregon-licensed ADWs answer to the Oregon Racing Commission.
Quick state reference
| State | Online ADW Legal? | Min Age | Notable Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Yes | 18+ | Must use 4NJBets platform |
| Minnesota | Yes (partial) | 18+ | Cannot bet on in-state tracks via national ADWs |
| Iowa | Yes | 21+ | Higher minimum age on most platforms |
| Arizona | Yes | 21+ (DRF Bets) | Restrictions near tribal lands |
| Florida | Tolerated | 18+ | Largely unregulated; limited local licenses |
| Nevada | No (online) | 21+ | In-person pari-mutuel only |
| Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, SC, Utah | No | N/A | Online ADW prohibited |
Understanding the pari-mutuel system that underpins all of this legal wagering is worth your time before you fund an account. Our primer on Pari-Mutuel Betting: How the Pool and Takeout Affect Your Payout walks through exactly how winnings are calculated after the track's takeout comes out. And if you're still deciding which bet types to start with, the Horse Racing Bet Types: Win, Place, Show, Exotics and More page keeps it simple.
For responsible gambling support, the National Council on Problem Gambling maintains resources including deposit limits, self-exclusion guidance, and local helpline referrals.