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Race & Sports Wagering

Harness Racing Casinos

Standardbred horses pulling sulkies at a pace or trot. Same pari-mutuel wagering as thoroughbred racing.

19 US venues offer harness racing.

House Edge
15% to 25% takeout (varies by track)
RTP
75% to 85%
Typical Min Bet
$2
Pace
Event-based
Category
Race & Sports Wagering
Beginner-friendly

Casino Directory

Where to play Harness Racing in the US

Showing 12 of 19 venues

Harness racing is pari-mutuel horse racing featuring standardbred horses that pull lightweight two-wheeled carts called sulkies. The horses compete at one of two gaits: pacing (legs on the same side move together) or trotting (diagonal legs move together). The wagering format is identical to thoroughbred racing: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets are available, and payouts are determined by the pari-mutuel pool minus the track takeout. Harness racing is most popular in the Northeast and Midwest. You'll find live tables at most major properties. See our full US casino directory for venue contact details and hours.

Harness racing is the cousin of thoroughbred racing with a distinct format and culture. The horses are standardbreds rather than thoroughbreds, and they pull sulkies driven by a person rather than carrying a jockey on their back. The gait distinction between pacers and trotters adds a layer of handicapping that thoroughbred racing does not have. Harness racing is most popular at tracks like the Meadowlands, Yonkers, and Northfield Park.

How to play Harness Racing

  1. Get a program from the track or simulcast venue. The program lists horses, drivers, trainers, and past performance data.

  2. Choose a horse and bet type: win (first place), place (first or second), show (first, second, or third), or exotic bets.

  3. Exacta bets require picking the first two finishers in exact order. Trifecta picks the first three. Superfecta picks the first four.

  4. Place your bet at a mutuel window or self-service kiosk before the race starts.

  5. Watch the race on screen. Results are posted after the race is declared official.

  6. Collect winning tickets at the window. Pari-mutuel payouts are determined by the pool, not fixed odds.

Harness Racing Rules and Wagering

Harness racing uses standard pari-mutuel wagering. Each race typically features 8 to 10 horses. The race distance is usually one mile. The pacing gait requires horses to move both legs on the same side simultaneously, which is the faster and more common gait. Trotting requires diagonal leg movement and is harder for the horse to maintain. A horse that breaks gait (starts galloping) must be pulled to the outside and lose ground before resuming.

Bet types are identical to thoroughbred racing: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 6. Payouts are determined by the pari-mutuel pool. The track takeout varies by jurisdiction, typically ranging from 15 to 25 percent. Simulcasting allows wagering on harness races from other tracks, which expands the available racing menu at racebooks and simulcast venues.

  • What is the difference between pacers and trotters?

    Pacers move legs on the same side simultaneously (left legs together, right legs together). Trotters move diagonal legs together. Pacing is faster and more stable. Trotting is harder for the horse.

Editorial Strategy

Strategy & etiquette for Harness Racing

  • Pacing races are faster and more predictable than trotting races because the pace gait is more stable.

  • The driver is as important as the horse in harness racing. A top driver can overcome a post position disadvantage.

  • Post position matters significantly. Inside posts (1-3) have an advantage on most tracks.

  • Study the program for the horse's recent speed ratings and class level. Class drops are strong indicators.

  • Exotic bets offer higher payouts but are harder to hit. Start with win/place bets while learning.

  • The takeout (track's percentage) varies by track. Lower takeout means better returns for bettors.

Where to play in the US

Top land-based casinos to play Harness Racing

Editorial picks for visitors who want a real-floor Harness Racing session. Ranked by directory depth (table counts, amenities, and floor quality). Tap any card for the full property review.

  1. #1Racinos
    Editor's pick
    Harrah’s Philadelphia — chester pennsylvania

    Harrah’s Philadelphia

    Chester Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania

    2,090 slots · 126 tables · 28 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection100
    Value57
    Experience100

    Games available

    • 213
    • 3 Card Poker
    • Asia Poker

    Property

    • Open 24 7
    • Restaurant
    • Self Parking
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  2. #2Card rooms
    Running Aces Harness Park — columbus minnesota

    Running Aces Harness Park

    Columbus Minnesota, Minnesota

    40 tables · 20 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection88
    Value64
    Experience76

    Games available

    • 3 Card Poker
    • Bingo
    • Blackjack Single Deck

    Property

    • Bar
    • Fitness Center
    • Open 24 7
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  3. #3Racinos
    Harrington Raceway & Casino — harrington

    Harrington Raceway & Casino

    Harrington, Delaware

    1,800 slots · 42 tables · 10 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection86
    Value71
    Experience100

    Games available

    • 213
    • 3 Card Poker
    • Big 6

    Property

    • Open 24 7
    • Restaurant
    • Self Parking
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Rankings reflect directory data depth (floor counts, game variety, amenity tags) re-verified quarterly. They are not a substitute for current operating status; confirm hours and game spread directly with each casino before visiting.

Harness Racing Strategy

Handicapping harness races requires attention to the driver, the post position, and the horse's recent form at the class level. The driver is the most important factor: top drivers like Yannick Gingras and Tim Tetrick consistently win at higher rates. Post position matters because the starting gate is a moving vehicle and inside posts have a clear advantage on most track configurations.

Pacers are more predictable than trotters because the pace gait is easier to maintain. Trotting races are more volatile and produce longer-priced winners. Class drops are powerful handicapping angles in harness racing: a horse dropping from a higher claiming or condition level into a lower one is often the best bet on the card. Compared to greyhound racing, harness racing offers more handicapping depth and higher handle.

Common Harness Racing variants

Where to Bet on Harness Racing

Harness racing is available at dedicated harness tracks (Meadowlands, Yonkers, Northfield, Pocono), at simulcast venues, and through advance deposit wagering platforms. Most casino racebooks carry harness simulcast feeds.

Before you bet, check the track takeout rate for the wager type you want to make. Browse our US casino directory to find venues near you.

  • How do I bet on harness racing?

    Use the same bet types as thoroughbred racing: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. Place bets at a mutuel window or kiosk before the race.

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