To bet on horse races in Wisconsin, bettors must use offshore sportsbooks for two main reasons. Firstly, the state lacks horse racing tracks and corresponding betting facilities. Secondly, Wisconsin’s gambling laws prevent locally-regulated online sportsbooks from operating.
Over 80% of the national sports betting handle is generated through online or mobile platforms, underscoring the significance of these options for market potential. Without mobile betting, a sports betting market cannot fully thrive. With no local online betting options available, Wisconsin’s horse racing enthusiasts have long relied on offshore betting sites. This guide will explore the key differences between offshore and regulated sports betting sites.
Moreover, these offshore platforms offer more than just horse race betting; they also provide opportunities to engage in online casino games and place sports wagers, creating a comprehensive gambling environment for Wisconsin residents.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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1996
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$1,000 Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2014
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50% Free Play
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Is horse racing betting legal in the state of Wisconsin?
Horse racing and online gambling have not been legalized as of yet in Wisconsin. However, bettors in Wisconsin can use offshore sportsbooks to bet on race tracks from all over the country. These offshore sportsbooks allow bettors to wager on sports and to enjoy casino gambling as well, all with great odds.
To get more acquainted with all of the gambling options in the Badger State, we recommend checking out our guide to online betting in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Horse Racing FAQs
Is there horse racing in Wisconsin?
There are currently no track betting locations operating in Wisconsin. However, you can watch horse races online and enjoy online horse betting with an offshore betting site.
Where can I bet on horse racing in Wisconsin?
Can I use TwinSpires in Wisconsin?
TwinSpires is not available in Wisconsin because there are no local tracks. You can bet on horses online via offshore sportsbooks.
Can you bet on the Derby in Wisconsin?
You can bet on the Kentucky Derby and other major horse races using sites like BetOnline in Wisconsin.
Where is horse racing most common?
Horse racing is the biggest in Kentucky, New York and California.
Top 10 Horse Racing Betting Sites in Wisconsin Ranked
Here are the top ten sites for horse racing betting according to our experts:
- BookMaker – Pros and recreational players welcome
- Heritage Sports – Top-level service for horse bettors
- Bovada – Racebook has fantastic incentives for horse bettors
- BetOnline – Competitive odds on all offerings
- BetAnySports – Sportsbook has reduced juice
- Everygame – Racebook has good variety
- JustBet – Fixed odds on big-name races
- BetUS – Race previews available on site
- WagerWeb – Crypto-friendly racebook
- SportsBetting.ag – Fixed-odds markets and higher limits available
All ten of these sites are located in offshore markets. They all offer several services under one roof, which makes things a lot easier for you. Instead of having to open a separate account for sports, casino, poker and horse racing, with all ten of these recommended offshore sites, you can get access to a multitude of gambling services with just one account.
All of these sites are located outside the U.S., which means they do not fall under state and federal jurisdiction. These sites have been providing Wisconsin horse bettors with elite gambling offerings for years.
Reviewing the Best Wisconsin Horse Racing Betting Sites
Below you can find the five best sportsbooks with horse racing platforms available in Wisconsin:
1. Racebook Has Great Deals: BookMaker
Key Features
- Racebook-specific rebates available
- Loyalty program available
- Early odds get you access to best prices
As one of the best-known names in the online gambling world, Bookmaker.eu has the sort of reputation you expect of a company that has been in the space for decades. After all, you won’t last as an offshore sportsbook for that long unless your reputation is impeccable.
They offer sports betting, casino games and of course horse racing betting, all in one single account. One of the best deals available at the racebook is the 3% discount for win, place and show bets. Another is the 8% discount they offer on exotic bets.
On top of the savings you get with the racebook, if you are looking to bet on sports, you’ll get deposit-related bonuses there as well. You’ll also enjoy some of the industry’s most competitive pricing since BookMaker is known to release their odds earlier than most competitors. You will truly enjoy an all-around gambling experience from the racetrack all the way to your favorite team.
2. Full Track Odds A Great Feature: Heritage Sports
Key Features
- Full track odds available
- Reduced juice cashback promo
- Daily doubles are available
For those unfamiliar with what reduced juice is, you need to understand the concept of juice in the industry. There are two types of wagers you can make, moneyline bets and spread bets. In horse racing, there are no spread bets, so all wagers appear in the form of moneyline (American odds) or fractional. For the two most popular leagues to bet on in the U.S., the NFL and NBA, betting on the spread is more popular.
For sports like horse racing, baseball, hockey, soccer and UFC, moneyline bets are most common. On the spread sports, you are charged -110 as the price for your wager and that price is industry standard. This is where Heritage Sports stands out as they offer spreads at -108, which is 20% cheaper than most of their competition through their reduced juice offerings.
That means that while playing at Heritage Sports, you will get to make more bets because you are paying less. Additionally, Heritage Sports has a number of excellent bonuses available.
When you bet on horses, you will be getting paid at full track odds, which again, is not the standard. Some horse racing sites in Wisconsin use adjusted track odds which are not usually close to the track odds. All of these little things amount to big savings and this is why Heritage Sports is so popular among horse racing bettors in Wisconsin.
3. Get Fixed Odds on Important Races: BetOnline
Key Features
- Get access to fixed odds for the industry’s biggest events
- Save money on certain types of wagers at the track like exotics
- Specific racebook promos
We’ve established in this guide that most horse racing in Wisconsin is paid based on pari-mutuel betting. This can be foreign to a lot of inexperienced horse bettors who only have sports betting experience. In most other forms of gambling, including poker and casino games, you know the odds before you play.
BetOnline has a lot of Wisconsin horse bettors as customers and one of the things they enjoy the most is the fixed odds on big races. In fact, BetOnline offers fixed odds on both the Breeders’ Cup as well as the Triple Crown, which is the biggest event in the business.
If you are just getting started with horse racing betting, BetOnline has an ongoing promo offer that entitles you to a one-time risk-free $25 wager. There is also a selection of other promo codes at BetOnline that bettors can take advantage of.
4. Known for Great Betting Options: Bovada
Key Features
- Welcome bonus available for horse racing
- Access to one of the country’s busiest poker rooms
- Virtual races available
Another brand with all-around offerings, Bovada is known for being one of the most innovative online betting sites. They offer all gambling services under one roof and they do it at an elite level.
One example of that is their poker room, which is known as one of the busiest in the country. The reason that’s so impressive is their reputation was built on their sportsbook offering, yet they still manage to be a leader in another space in the gambling world.
That is a testament to the quality of all of their offerings, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised it’s one of the top online horse racing betting sites in Wisconsin. Bovada does have a welcome bonus for horse racing bettors as well. The promo codes at Bovada can help quickly boost your bankroll.
5. Racebook Discounts a Favorite of Wisconsin Bettors: BetAnySports
Key Features
- Both racebook discounts and traditional bonuses available
- Racebook rebates for straight bets and exotics
- Reduced juice and fast payouts
While racebook discounts don’t seem as glamorous as straight-up bonuses, in the long run, they are probably more valuable. With bonuses, you can’t cash out until you risk a certain amount, which is far from a guarantee. Essentially, the purpose of bonus money is to give you more action than you would otherwise be able to get with just the funds you deposited.
Racebook discounts mean you spend less money. At BetAnySports you get different racebook promos, including a 3% discount on straight bets and 6% on exotics. BetAnySports also offers a more traditional bonus for those of you who prefer that in the form of a 25% bonus with a maximum deposit of $2,000. Whatever your preference, you’ll see that just like the other Wisconsin bettors that have accounts there, BetAnySports has something that will appeal to you.
Comparing the Best Horse Racing Sites for Wisconsin
Fixed Odds in Horse Racing
Horse racing betting sites in Wisconsin will offer pari-mutuel odds.
The only time you are likely to find fixed odds is for future bets and big events like the Triple Crown.
Betting Markets in Horse Racing
Due to the fact that most sites that provide horse racing use a similar provider, the betting markets are relatively the same. The one major difference might be the exotic bets they offer as well as the tracks that you have access to.
Bonuses in Horse Racing
The truth about horse racing promotions and bonuses is that they are only good for players who want to play for extended periods. The norm for horse bettors is to go to a track, make their bets and cash out whatever winnings they have.
Leaving money in your account might be a foreign concept if you do not have much experience with online betting. If you prefer to cash out your winnings immediately, then bonuses are not designed for your playing style.
We recommend bonuses for players who plan on playing long-term or, better said, not cashing out every time they make a profit. Bonuses offered by online sportsbooks come with cashout restrictions. You should always speak to a customer service agent about bonuses and their requirements before claiming one.
Common Tools for Horse Racing
In the horse racing industry, there are tools that can be found online that will provide you with historical data. This data is available on the horses, the track as well as the jockey and much more.
Welcome Bonus in Horse Racing
Some sites will offer a welcome bonus for horse bettors, but before you accept one, you need to decide how often you plan on cashing out.
This one decision determines whether or not a welcome bonus is worth it. In fact, it applies to all bonuses of any kind. If you want to cash out at any time, then bonuses are not for you. If you plan on playing for long stretches before asking for a payout, then bonuses can be a great way to start off with more betting power.
Please do not claim any bonus until you’ve read and understood the terms and conditions that apply to required play though, maximum cashouts and possible restrictions on bet types. If you need additional help understanding this, we suggest reaching out to the customer service team.
User Experience at Betting Sites
Most of the sites that offer horse racing in Wisconsin use the same provider, which means a very similar look and feel between brands. Therefore, each brand has to work hard to separate itself from the crowd.
The reason that offshore sportsbooks are so popular with Wisconsin bettors is that they offer a unique user experience. These sites offer horse racing, sports, casinos and poker rooms. These are all very different types of customers and require a very strong overall understanding of the gambling industry. These sites offer superior service because their employees are required to have a strong overall product knowledge.
Live Streaming of Horse Races
This isn’t available at every site, but BetOnline does offer live streams on the top races in the industry. Wisconsin players really enjoy catching the action live from the track.
Best Betting Sites for Horse Racing in Wisconsin
Below are the rating criteria used by our betting experts when making this list. These are things that you should be considering when choosing what Wisconsin horse racing betting site is right for you.
Brand Prestige
We have reviews on over 100+ offshore sportsbooks that offer various types of gambling services. Although we’ve limited this guide to 10 choices, all of them have an A+ grade in our rankings. You can only achieve such a rating based on years of excellence which earns you that reputation and prestige.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Any online betting site with limited deposit options is not worth your time. They should at least have credit cards, cryptocurrency and person-to-person transactions. For larger amounts, you can also use bank wires in some cases.
In terms of withdrawals, the options are usually more limited, but cryptocurrency and bank wire should be the bare minimum option. Person-to-person transactions are also common banking methods as well.
Safety & Security
Cyber security is an increasing concern in this digital age and online betting sites have been at the forefront of this. Their ability to protect your personal information is directly related to their reputation and is something they take great pride in protecting and maintaining.
Online Interface
This is important in the sense that if the online interface is difficult to navigate, that will directly affect your ability to enjoy the betting journey. With horse racing betting being time sensitive, a user-friendly interface is very important.
Customer Support
While 24-hour customer service is ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re receiving quality support. While the majority of the recommended sites in this guide do have 24/7 customer service, the ones that don’t, still meet our betting experts’ very high standards.
Overall Value on Offer
Here is a checklist that will help you determine the value on offer:
- Do they offer races at tracks I like?
- Do they offer international races?
- Can I livestream major events like the Belmont Stakes?
- What is the size of their market?
- Are there bonuses for horse racing specifically?
- Do they offer promos or bonus codes for specific events?
Betting on Horse Races in Wisconsin
There are no live horse racing tracks in Wisconsin. Wisconsin horse bettors can sign up for an account at an offshore site where they will have access to tracks from around the world.
How does horse racing betting work in Wisconsin?
There is no horse racing available in Wisconsin, therefore the only option is online. Most online betting sites pay on a pari-mutuel basis. This is the opposite of fixed odds, which are available before the event.
Betting Odds in Horse Racing
Most horse racing odds are displayed in either fractional or American odds. Below we’ve gone over examples of each so you have a better understanding of the odds being displayed.
Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Wisconsin
Fixed odds that are displayed in the American format have a minus sign in front of them for a favorite and a plus sign for an underdog. Another way to look at it is if the odds start with a minus sign, you will risk more than you will profit. If the odds have a plus sign, your profit will be bigger than your risk amount.
- If your odds are +300, a $100 bet would earn you a profit of $300
- If the odds are -300, a $100 bet would earn you a profit of $33
An example of fractional odds and their payouts:
- If your odds are ¼, a $100 bet will earn you a profit of $25
- If your odds are 4/1, a $100 bet will earn you a profit of $400
When you make a bet and win, you get the profit + the risk amount put in your balance.
Pari-Mutuel Betting
This is how most horse races are paid out. The money is pooled together and then divided among the winning bettors after the track takes their cuts.
Some tracks will have what is called a tote board that displays payouts for the market.
An example of that is the tote board for the 2022 Kentucky Derby:
- A $2 win bet on Rich Strike paid $163.60
- A $2 place on Rich Strike paid $74.20 and a $2 show paid $29.40
- A $2 place on Epicenter paid $7.40 and a $2 show paid $5.20
- A $2 show on Zandon paid $5.60
- A $1 exacta paid $2,050.60
- A $0.50 trifecta paid $7,435.35
- A $1 superfecta paid $321,500.10
Wisconsin Horse Races and Pool Betting
Pool betting refers to the same concept as pari-mutuel betting. This is just another term that may be used in its place.
Types of Horse Racing Bets in Wisconsin
Below we explain the common types of bets used in horse race betting:
Win
A bet on a horse to win the race (finish in 1st).
Place
A bet on a horse to finish 1st or 2nd.
Show
A bet on a horse to finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
Exacta
An exotic bet where you need two horses to finish in the exact order you choose in a single race. Unlike win or place, the order does matter, which is why these bets pay more if you win.
Trifecta
Similar to an exacta with the difference being three horses instead of two.
Superfecta
Similar to an exacta and trifecta with the difference being it involves picking four horses.
Daily Double
Another exotic bet that lets you try and predict the winners of two horses on that day.
Pick 3/4/5/6
A bet where you try to predict the winner in 3-6 consecutive races.
Wisconsin Horse Racing Glossary
Here is some important horse racing lingo that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Across the board: Three bets in total. The three best are: win, place and show.
- At the post: A last-minute bet. Usually, when the horses are lined up to start the race, most tracks stop taking bets. There is a possibility that the track might take live bets as well.
- Blinkers: Headgear that is used to restrict the horse’s field of vision.
- Claiming Race: Every horse in the race is up for sale.
- Dead Heat: This refers to a situation where two horses tie.
- DQ: A horse that has been disqualified from a race.
- Exotic bet: Bets that involve multiple outcomes. Exactas and trifectas as the most popular exotic bets.
- Fixed Odds: The opposite of pari-mutuel betting. The odds are set pre-race which lets you know how much you profit from a win.
- Favorite: The horse that is expected to win by oddsmakers. This horse also pays out the least amount of money for a winning bet.
- Furlong: An eighth of a mile on a racetrack.
- Length: Describes both margin of victory and the length of a horse. In close races, specific body parts are used to describe how much the race was won by.
- Morning Line: Track handicappers provide predictions on what they believe the odds will be on a pari-mutuel race. These are usually not 100% accurate.
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: All money from bets on a specific race goes into a pool with a pari-mutuel wager system. The track takes a cut and the remaining money is divided by the winning bettors.
- Purse: Prize money issued to the owners of the various horses. The owner of the winning horse earns the largest purse.
- Tote Board: Displays the payout for each market and all of the races for the day.
- Triple Crown: The most famous races in the U.S. and the most important. The three races consist of; the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
- Wager: Another word for a bet.
Calculating Horse Racing Betting Odds
This isn’t something that you’ll be expected to do. Most horse racing events involve pari-mutuel wagering so you won’t know the odds until after the race is done. You can get odds from track handicappers but they aren’t going to be 100% accurate.
As for fixed odds, you can simply use the bet slip on any horse racing site in that case. Similar to sports betting, you can enter your risk amount in the bet slip and the system will calculate your potential profit for you.
Wisconsin Horse Racing Odds Chart
We’ve provided you with a little bit of extra help below with our odds on horse races chart. The reason that the chart uses $2 as the bet amount is because that is usually the track minimum bet amount. We put both American and decimal odds since that’s what most tracks around the world will use.
We advise you to pay attention to the implied odds which is the price converted to win probability:
| Horse Racing Odds | $2 Wager Payout | Implied Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 (-500) | $2.40 | 83.33% |
| 1/4 (-400) | $2.50 | 80% |
| 1/3 (-300) | $2.60 | 75% |
| 1/2 (-200) | $3.00 | 66.67% |
| 4/6 (-150) | $3.33 | 60% |
| 1/1 (-100) | $4.00 | 50% |
| 2/1 (+200) | $6.00 | 33.33% |
| 3/1 (+300) | $8.00 | 25% |
| 5/1 (+500) | $12 | 16.67% |
| 10/1 (+1000) | $22 | 9.00% |
| 50/1 (+5000) | $102 | 1.96% |
This is a much simpler way to read the price being offered and will help you make better decisions.
Betting Bonuses for Horse Racing in Wisconsin
Not every site offers bonuses, but the ones that do commonly offer the following bonuses and promotion types:
Welcome Bonus
These usually attract customers because they are the biggest bonuses a company is willing to offer. If you are primarily betting on horses, you need to speak to customer service to see how welcome bonuses apply to betting on horses.
Also, bonuses come with cashout restrictions, which aren’t always appealing to those betting on horses. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of any bonus you take, especially how much action is required.
Deposit Bonus
Deposit matches (or deposit match bonuses) are where a site will give you bonus money based on the amount of money that you fund your account with. Sometimes you will need to enter a bonus code to get this perk, while other sites will automatically apply this bonus.
Risk-Free Bet
Risk-free bets for horse racing are quite rare. They are bets that don’t carry any terms, which is even rarer still. These would usually be given for a big event.
Loyalty & VIP Programs
Every online website has a loyalty program, which can also be called a rewards or VIP program; however, they are not created equally. Every time you make a bet, you collect points that can be redeemed for bonuses and other perks.
Racebook Rebates
This is usually the best bonus you can get as a horse racing bettor in Wisconsin. Most of the recommended sites in this guide offer them for both straight bets and exotics.
Terms and Conditions at Wisconsin Horse Racing Betting Sites for Bonuses
Bonuses and promotions can be exciting but you will have to deal with terms and conditions if you’d like to claim them.
All types of bonuses will have their own requirements. As an example, deposit bonuses typically require a minimum deposit amount in order for new players to be eligible to receive this bonus on their initial deposit.
There is a wide range of bonus options out there for you to claim and it is important to understand the terms to make sure that you will actually be able to take advantage of a particular bonus.
Rollover Requirements
This is just another way of saying playthrough requirements. This is usually based on your deposit amount plus the bonus money you received. These are multiplied by a predetermined amount.
An example of this would be a 100% bonus with a 25-time playthrough. If you deposit $100 and take that bonus, you will get $100 in bonus plus the $100 you deposited. That would give you a starting balance of $200, which you would then multiply by the playthrough requirement, in this case, 25 times, which gives you $5,000 in required action.
History of Horse Race Betting in Wisconsin
- December 2001: Geneva Lakes Kennel Club officially closes on December 31.
- December 2001: The final races at Dairlyand Greyhound Park were held on the 31st. The racetrack ultimately closed due to a decline in attendance, which has been attributed to competition from nearby casinos.
- October 2001: The final races were held on the 14th at Geneva Lakes Kennel Club.
- 2000: Geneva Lakes Kennel Club files for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties and a decline in attendance.
- June 1996: On the 6th, the first horse races were held at Dairyland Greyhound Park.
- 1995: Dairyland Greyhound Park’s owners decide to add horse racing to the existing tracks.
- 1994: Geneva Lakes Kennel Club decides to offer horse races in addition to greyhound races.
- 1990: Dairyland Greyhound Park officially opens, offering greyhound racing.
- 1989: Geneva Lakes Kennel Club officially opens, offering greyhound racing to Wisconsin residents.
- 1987: The Wisconsin State Legislature passes a bill allowing for pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, making it the only legal form of sports betting in the state. Today, there are several horse racing tracks in Wisconsin, including the popular Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. In addition, off-track betting facilities are also available for those who wish to place bets on horse races from other states.
Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Wisconsin
Since there are no in-person horse tracks in Wisconsin, the only option for virtual horse racing betting is at an offshore sportsbook.
Wisconsin Horse Racing Betting Apps
There are no dedicated sports betting apps for Wisconsin horse racing betting. Offshore sites have mobile platforms, compatible with iOS and Android, where you can make those bets.
Start Betting at Horse Racing Sites in Wisconsin
It’It’s easy for horse racing fans to get started wagering on horse racing in Wisconsin:
- Choose the best Wisconsin racebook after carefully reviewing our guide.
- You will either see a “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button. Click whichever one you see and complete the registration form.
- Please review the terms and conditions of your bonus before completing your deposit.
- Pick a deposit method and fund your account.
- There will be a specific section for horse racing. It is usually referred to as the “Racebook” although it could also simply be titled “horse racing”.
- Review available races and odds.
- If you want a straight bet, pick a win, place or show.
- Exotic bets are made separately. You’ll need to create a tab for your exacta, trifecta or superfecta.
- Put our risk amount in the bet slip to see what your potential profit is. If you like what you see and want to make the play official, click “Place Bet.”
- You should see your pick under pending wagers.
Other Types of Gambling in Wisconsin
There are no commercial casinos in Wisconsin, though in-person sports betting was launched in 2021 which was great news for sports fans in the state. Retail sports betting is one of the few forms of in-person betting that is legal in the whole state. Additionally, there is the Wisconsin lottery. Online sports betting and other forms of online wagering are still not legal, though residents can legally bet online with an offshore casino or an offshore mobile app.
Most forms of gambling in Wisconsin are controlled by local tribes with all casinos on tribal lands. A tribal casino can operate in a state where gambling is illegal because tribal lands follow Federal law, not state gambling laws. All of Wisconsin’s tribal casinos are operated by the Oneida Nation.
What is the best site for horse racing betting in Wisconsin?
There is no horse racing site that is significantly better than the rest. Instead, there is a group of sites that offer various services at an elite level. According to our betting experts, the best ones for horse racing fans are:
- Heritage Sports
- Bookmaker
- Bovada
- BetOnline
- BetAnySports
