Off-Track Betting game icon

Horse Racing

Off-Track Betting Casinos

Your guide to off-track betting — how to wager on horse and dog races from dedicated OTB venues across the United States.

23 US venues offer off-track betting.

House Edge
15–25% takeout (same as on-track)
RTP
75–85%
Typical Min Bet
$2
Pace
Race-driven (races every 5–30 minutes)
Category
Horse Racing
Beginner-friendly

Casino Directory

Where to play Off-Track Betting in the US

Showing 12 of 23 venues

Off-track betting, universally known as OTB, lets you wager on horse and greyhound races at a dedicated venue that is not the host racetrack. OTB parlors receive live simulcast feeds from tracks across the country and operate as satellite wagering hubs — you bet into the same pari-mutuel pools as on-track bettors, without needing to travel to the track. With 23 casinos and standalone OTB venues offering this service across the US, here is everything you need to know about how OTB works, the rules, and where to find off-track betting near you. You'll find live tables at most major properties. See our full US casino directory for venue contact details and hours.

Off-track betting has a long history in the United States, dating back to New York's pioneering OTB corporation in the 1970s. Today, OTB has evolved from bare-bones storefronts into a spectrum of venues ranging from neighborhood betting parlors to full-service facilities integrated into casino resorts. The core concept remains the same: you do not need to be at Churchill Downs to bet on the Kentucky Derby. Simulcast technology delivers every race from every major track to OTB screens in real time, and your wager is electronically pooled with bets placed at the track, at other OTBs, and online. The experience is more focused than a casino racebook — OTBs are built for bettors who want to study the form, not for casual visitors drawn in by a flashy sportsbook screen. For context on how OTB fits into the broader race wagering ecosystem, see our guides to horseracing and racebook wagering.

How to play Off-Track Betting

  1. Locate an OTB venue — these can be standalone storefronts, casino annexes, or dedicated areas within a race and sports book. OTB locations are more common in states with legal pari-mutuel wagering, such as New York, Nevada, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

  2. Enter the OTB, pick up a racing program or use a self-service kiosk to browse the day's race card. The program lists active tracks, race times, post positions, horses, jockeys, trainers, and morning-line odds.

  3. Choose your track, race, and bet type. Common wagers include win (first place), place (first or second), show (first, second, or third), exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and daily doubles. Minimum bets are typically $2.

  4. Place your bet at the teller window or self-service kiosk. For teller bets, specify the track name, race number, bet amount, bet type, and horse number — for example, 'Gulfstream Park, Race 5, $2 to win on the 4.'

  5. Watch the race on the simulcast monitors. Races run continuously throughout the day. After your race finishes and results are declared official, winning tickets can be redeemed at the cashier window.

  6. Cash your ticket promptly. OTB tickets typically expire after 30 to 90 days from the race date, depending on state regulations.

Game Rules and Payouts

OTB operates on the same pari-mutuel system as on-track wagering. All bets on a given race — whether placed at the track, at an OTB, or through an ADW platform — are pooled together. The host track deducts its takeout percentage from the total pool, and the remaining money is divided among winning ticket holders in proportion to how much was bet on each winning combination. This means that an OTB bettor receives exactly the same payout as an on-track bettor for the same wager. The takeout rate is set by the host track and the state racing commission. Win, place, and show bets typically face a 15–17% takeout. Exacta and daily double wagers are usually around 18–21%. Trifecta, superfecta, and multi-race exotics like the Pick 4 and Pick 6 can carry takeout rates of 22–26%. In some states, the OTB venue itself may also charge a small surcharge — typically a few cents per dollar wagered — to cover its operating costs, though this is not universal. Minimum bets are consistent with on-track wagering: $2 for most bet types, with some OTBs allowing $1 exacta boxes and other reduced-denomination exotic plays. Payouts are based on a $2 base unit. For a broader look at the betting types available in racing, explore our horseracing guide which covers win, place, show, and exotic wagers in detail. If you are interested in how racing compares to sports betting, see our sportsbook overview.

  • Is OTB legal in my state?

    OTB is legal in states that have authorized pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, but the availability varies widely. States with the most extensive OTB networks include New York, Nevada, Kentucky, Louisiana, and California. Check your state's racing commission website for a list of licensed OTB locations.

Editorial Strategy

Strategy & etiquette for Off-Track Betting

  • Understand that OTB takeout rates are the same as on-track rates — the track keeps the same percentage of the betting pool regardless of where your bet originates. Your primary consideration should be the bet type, not the venue.

  • Take advantage of the OTB atmosphere. Unlike a crowded live track, an OTB parlor is often quieter and lets you spread out a program, take notes, and study past performances without distraction.

  • Watch for venue-specific promotions. Some OTB locations offer free programs, discounted food and beverage with a minimum bet threshold, or sign-up bonuses for new ADW (advance deposit wagering) accounts.

  • Compare OTB vs. casino racebook. If you have the option, casino racebooks generally offer a more comfortable environment with better amenities, but standalone OTBs can be more numerous and closer to home.

  • Keep track of the track takeout. Different bet types at the same track carry different takeout rates. Straight bets (win, place, show) typically have the lowest takeout at 15–17%, while exotic multi-race wagers can reach 25%.

  • Set a strict budget for each OTB visit. The continuous flow of races — sometimes 8 to 12 tracks running simultaneously — can make it easy to bet more than you intended. Decide on a total bankroll before you walk in.

Where to play in the US

Top land-based casinos to play Off-Track Betting

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

  1. #1Casinos
    Editor's pick
    WinStar World Casino — thackerville

    WinStar World Casino

    Thackerville, Oklahoma

    7,400 slots · 88 tables · 46 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection100
    Value95
    Experience100

    Games available

    • 3 Card Poker
    • Bingo
    • Blackjack

    Property

    • Bar
    • Golf
    • Grill
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  2. #2Casinos
    Stay & play
    Potawatomi Hotel & Casino — milwaukee

    Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    2,500 slots · 99 tables · 20 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection100
    Value62
    Experience100

    Games available

    • 3 Card Poker
    • Baccarat
    • Big 6

    Property

    • Open 24 7
    • Restaurant
    • Salon
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  3. #3Casinos
    Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs — plains township

    Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

    Plains Township, Pennsylvania

    2,300 slots · 90 tables · 8 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection100
    Value67
    Experience100

    Games available

    • 3 Card Poker
    • Big 6
    • Blackjack

    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.

Game Strategy

Betting at an OTB is not fundamentally different from betting at the track, but the environment creates unique strategic opportunities. Without the noise and crowds of a live race day, an OTB lets you focus entirely on the program. Use this to your advantage. Study the past performances across multiple tracks and look for horses that are mispriced by the public — maybe a horse shipping in from a tougher circuit at a generous morning line, or a horse cutting back in distance with strong early speed figures. Because OTB bettors are often more experienced and bet larger amounts than casual on-track fans, the pools at OTBs can sometimes be sharper, but this cuts both ways: late odds movement at a large OTB network can signal where the serious money is going, and you can use that as a data point. The single best strategy at an OTB is to limit yourself to one or two tracks per visit and bet selectively — do not feel pressured to bet every race just because they run nonstop. Avoid exotic wagers with the highest takeout rates unless you have a strong, specific opinion supported by the program. For more on program reading and exotic wager strategy, see our simulcasting guide.

Common Off-Track Betting variants

  • Standalone OTB Parlor

    A dedicated off-track betting venue not attached to a casino or racetrack. These range from small storefront operations with a handful of screens to large rooms with dozens of carrels.

  • Casino-Integrated OTB

    An OTB section within a larger casino property, often connected to or part of the racebook. Offers the betting functionality of an OTB with the amenities of a resort casino.

  • OTB Kiosk Network

    Self-service betting kiosks placed in bars, restaurants, and other non-traditional venues, allowing pari-mutuel wagering without a full OTB setup.

  • Teletheater OTB

    A large-format OTB venue with theater-style seating, massive projection screens, and a full simulcast lineup from dozens of tracks — common in major metropolitan markets.

Where to Play

OTB venues range from standalone storefront parlors in states like New York and Nevada to dedicated OTB sections within larger casino racebooks. New York has one of the most extensive OTB networks in the country, while Nevada OTBs can be found both on and off the Las Vegas Strip. When choosing an OTB, consider the number of tracks simulcast, the availability of personal monitors or carrels, seating comfort, and food and beverage options. Some venues double as sports bars with OTB kiosks, offering a more social atmosphere; others are quiet, no-frills rooms built for serious handicappers. If you are looking for a more upscale experience, a casino racebook or race and sports book often provides a broader track selection and more comfortable amenities. Use our US casino directory to find off-track betting near you.

  • What is the difference between an OTB and a casino racebook?

    Functionally, they offer the same product — pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast races. The difference is in the venue. A casino racebook is part of a larger casino resort and typically offers more amenities: comfortable seating, personal carrels, food and drink service, and sometimes rewards-program integration. A standalone OTB is a dedicated wagering parlor, often smaller and more focused on the betting experience alone. The betting odds and pools are identical.

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