The Best Racinos in the Unites States – Top 10 Gaming Venues

We will explain in detail what a racino is and list the US states where this gaming venue is legal. Prepare to explore locations with thousands of slots and many table games, where you can also attend some of the most famous horse races nationwide. Decades-old reputable racinos or new gambling venues with refreshing new casino games – explore them and take the best of both worlds.

What Is a Racino?

Dating back to the 1600s, horse racing and gambling games have a long history in the USA. For the following centuries, gambling evolved so much that a new phenomenon was born – racetrack casinos. Following the concern of insufficient revenue from betting on horse races, in 1990, West Virginia was the first state to allow casino gaming at pari-mutuel racetracks.

Many other states followed the example. Today, there are numerous US states where you can play legally at racinos. Originally, gambling games were limited to slot machines, which is no more the case. At the beginning of the 2000s, many racinos started introducing table games like roulette and blackjack, finally expanding the options to sports betting.

Besides betting on horse races, racetrack casinos started to offer players’ preferred gambling games – table games, slots, progressive jackpots, video lottery, and sometimes even sports betting. If your state doesn’t allow playing at US online casinos, visiting a casino and racetrack will open new entertaining opportunities. Check the legal point of view of racetrack casinos in the US before you plan to head to one of them.

US States Where Racinos Are Legal

Depending on the US state you visit, the racetrack casinos may differ in the gambling games on offer. The first one to introduce video lottery terminals (VLT) at racetracks was MTR Gaming Group in West Virginia. Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in Chester was the first casino and racetrack in America, setting the tendency for many other gaming venues to follow. Below, you can check the complete list of US states that legalized racinos.

Except for Oklahoma and Rhode Island, in all other states listed above, you can find racino casinos. Depending on the venue and the state, different games are available. In the best racinos in the USA, players can choose from betting on slot machines, table games, live dealer games, video lottery, and, of course, horse races.

The most competitive racinos, just like the best online gambling sites in the USA, offer sports betting, video poker, bingo, and other options. Most of the gaming venues on our list are casino resorts, where you can spend a weekend or stop by to play your favorite games, watch a race, attend a live music event, and explore many promotions.

Top 10 Racinos in the US

Gulfstream Park, Florida

Gulfstream Park is a historical racetrack based in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Famous for the Thoroughbred horse racing, the racino is home to the world’s greatest championships like the G1 Florida Derby or the innovative Pegasus World Cup. As a first-class gaming destination, Gulfstream Park also offers slot machines, electronic table games, and sports betting.

With over 1200 slot machines and dozens of electronic table games, Gulfstream Park is on top of the best racinos in the USA. Wheel of Fortune, Diamond Lotto, Stinkin’ Rich, Buffalo Link, and other fan favorite slots will give you a chance to make a winning. In the meantime, electronic blackjack, craps, and roulette offer a thrilling gaming session. Live music events take place every weekend, so fun time is guaranteed.

In the Sunshine State, Gulfstream Park isn’t the only gambling destination you can visit. Residents and visitors can take on casino cruises in Florida, an enjoyable gaming experience in the ocean. Slots and table games are available, while the duration varies from several hours to one week.

Horseshoe Indianapolis

Based in Shelbyville, Indiana, Horseshoe Indianapolis is owned and operated by the Caesars Entertainment Corporation, the owner of one of the most famous resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. Formerly known as Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Horseshoe Indianapolis features over 1600 slot machines, 92 table games, and an exclusive promotions program.

Previously known as Indiana Downs, the racetrack of Horseshoe Indianapolis opened in 2009. It offers live Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in the period from April through October. Home to Indiana Derby and Indiana Oaks, the racetrack also hosts stakes races like Sagamore Sired Stakes, Shelby County Stakes, Indiana Grand, Indiana Futurity, and many others. A Caesars Sportsbook is also open to all visitors above 21 years old.

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Another distinct US casino and racetrack is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Since 1905, the racetrack has been running important G1, G2, and G3 competitions like Apple Blossom Handicap, Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Handicap, Rebel Stakes, and Fantasy Stakes. In 2019, the gaming venue also started offering live table games, slot machines, and sports betting.

With the amendment of the Arkansas gambling laws in 2019, you can now enjoy playing your favorite slot machines and table games at this and other local racinos. The Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort will surprise you with weekly slot tournaments and bonuses for new members. The base includes a hotel with pools, Spa, a shopping area, bars, restaurants, and lounges.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel

Louisiana’s Delta Dawns casino and racetrack opened its doors in September 1973. The Thoroughbred racing season starts in November and ends in April, while the Quarter Horse meet takes place from April to mid-July. Grade 1, 2, and 3 races are hosted at the Delta Downs racetrack. The racino includes only slot machines because of the Louisiana gambling laws restrictions.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel also offers a premium sports betting area supported by FanDuel. It’s located on the casino floor and accepts bets on all major sports leagues. In addition, a multi-level loyalty club, Boyd Rewards, is open to all members. Don’t miss exploring the hotel base, which features a relaxing outdoor swimming pool.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Located close to Altoona, Iowa, Prairie Meadows is one of the pioneering racetrack casinos in the USA. Two years after its opening in 1989, the racetrack filed for bankruptcy. After the 1994 local referendum, voters approved the inclusion of slots at Prairie Meadows. The racino re-launched in 1995, and in the year to follow, its owners managed to pay back the debts, thanks to revenue from slot machines.

Today, Prairie Meadows ranks among the best racinos in the USA and hosts stakes and handicaps during the season from April to October. The casino floor will offer you popular slot machines – Buffalo Link, Dune, Willy Wonka Dreamer of Dreams, Game of Fortunes, and others.

The live table games selection includes blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Poker players will feel at home as multiple variations of their favorite game are available – Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Mississippi Stud. The racetrack casino offers a variety of electronic table games as well.

Mohegan Sun Pocono

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania or get the chance to visit the state, make sure not to miss Mohegan Sun Pocono. The former Pocono Dawns racetrack offers live harness racing and gives you a chance to sign up for a Racing Rewards card. The gambling venue was the first in the state to include slot machines in 2006. Later, in 2010, live table games with professional dealers entered the casino and racetrack

From 2019, the Mohegan Sun Pocono racino partners with Unibet and features a sports wagering venue. You can make straight bets, parlays, fixed odds, money lines, prop bets, and other wagers. Slots, poker, and table games fill the 82,000-square-foot casino floor. Over 1700 slot machines at Mohegan Sun Pocono compete with the best PA online casinos.

Delaware Park Horse Racing

Delaware Park Racing is a staple in the history of horse racing in the USA. In the state of Delaware, it’s the only Thoroughbred horse racing track and hosts competitions from May to October. Thanks to the addition of casino games, the revenues of Delaware Park Racing increased drastically. The gaming venue disposes of over 2000 slot machines, including the branded Monopoly Millionaire and James Bond slots.

You can play classic table games or innovative poker variations at Delaware Park Horse Racing. The racino offers a Player Rewards club with three levels – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While playing your favorite games, you earn bonus points, which you can exchange later for other prizes or discount

Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack

Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack welcomes you to New Mexico and offers many winning possibilities. Here, you can bet on live and simulcast quarter horse and Thoroughbred races. Over 750 of the hottest slot machines are available and offer you the most fun gaming experience. Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack also offers table games.

Like most racetrack casinos in the US, Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack has an accommodation base with stylish and comfortable suites. A steakhouse, restaurant, and bar are open to all visitors. As a bonus, the members of the racino also receive free access to play games at a dedicated social casino with various table games, slots, keno, and video poker.

Before you head there, remember that the New Mexico gambling laws authorize only players 21 years old and above to visit land-based gaming venues. Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack also partners with the New Mexico Gambling Crisis Hotline and other responsible gambling organizations.

Saratoga Casino Hotel & Raceway

We couldn’t miss including Saratoga Casino Hotel in our list of the best racinos in the USA. In 1941, it started operating as a facility for American harness racing and was the third in the US to offer pari-mutuel wagering. Its half-mile standardbred racetrack has hosted some of the biggest names in horse racing history.

The slots selection includes Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, Quick Hits, Lock it Link, and other fun options. There is also a slot machines area dedicated to high rollers where the minimum bets per spin range from $5 to $25. Video lottery, video poker, and electronic table games offer a thrilling casino environment. The promotions section is regularly updated, while a mobile app is available on App Store and Google Play.

Miami Valley Gaming

If you are looking for racinos in Ohio, we recommend Miami Valley Gaming. Offering live and simulcast wagering on horse races, it’s a premium racino with over 1000 slot machines. A loyalty program, named MVG Club, allows new members to take advantage of free bets, while regular players benefit from other promotions.

To provide the ultimate user experience, Miami Valley Gaming organizes regular live music events. Many seasonal promotions are available – free play, cash prizes, and others. Players who enjoy making higher stakes will feel in the right place as a high-limit gambling area is reserved for them.

Best Racetrack Casinos in the US – Final Overview

We believe there are plenty of appealing options for US players to enjoy racino-style gambling. We created our top 10 racetrack casinos list to help you make the most suitable choice, depending on your location and preferences. Enjoy some of the most spectacular horse races and have fun with lots of slot machines. Live casino games, video poker, video lottery, and sports betting are also available at the best racinos in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our review of the best racetrack casinos in the US is coming to an end. Before you leave, make sure to check our FAQ section, where we answer readers’ queries about racinos and their features. Check games at the US racetrack casinos and explore gaming venues of the highest level.