Off Track Betting Locations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized harness-race betting in 1963 and thoroughbred wagering in 1968, which makes the state a relative newcomer to that form of gaming, but the history of horse racing in the state goes all the way back to the 17th century. Legend has it that the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, raced his horses in the streets of Philadelphia (which he also founded). The state's connection to horses was immortalized in the Stephen Foster song "Camptown Races." Both Smarty Jones, winner of the 2004 Kentucky Derby, and Barbaro, who captured the prestigious competition in 2006, were born in Pennsylvania stables. 

Penn National Race Course (located in Grantville), Parx Racing (Bensalem Township) and Presque Isle Downs (near Erie) are the thoroughbred meccas; the Meadows (Washington), Pocono Downs (Wilkes-Barre) and Harrah's Philadelphia (in Chester) are the harness capitals. The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission was formed in February 2016 to administer the sport and to organize funding. Given that the state shares borders with five others where the Sport of Kings is also popular (Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and New York), the group will likely look at how to gain an edge on the competition from those areas.

Online Racebooks to Bet Pennsylvania Horse Racing

If you can't find a Pennsylvania OTB, you can still bet the races with one of these online racebooks. 

Rank	Racebook	Bonus	Review	Link to site
#1		$250 Free Bet on Props + Head-to-Heads		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#2		100% Sign Up Bonus - Up to $500		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#3		50% up to $1,000 + $25 Risk Free Bet + 7% Rebates		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#4		100% sign-up bonus up to $300 + 8% rebate		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#5		Up to 13% Weekly Loyalty Rewards		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#6		50% sign-up bonus up to $250		VISIT RACEBOOK!
#7		$100 Free Bet on Props + Head-to-Heads!		VISIT RACEBOOK!

* REMINDER! - you must be of legal age in your state or province to legally wager on thoroughbred or harness horse racing. Please bet responsibly!

Off-track wagering and simulcasts are offered at 17 locations in the Keystone State: the Downs outlets in Carbondale, East Stroudsberg, Hazleton and Lehigh Valley in Allentown (currently the state's largest OTB at 28,000 square feet); the Brandywine Turf Club in Concordville; Philadelphia's Brandywine Turf Club, Center City Turf Club and South Philadelphia Turf Club; the Turf Club in Upper Darby, the Valley Forge Turf Club in Oaks; four Penn National bureaus in Chambersburg, Lancaster, Reading and York; while the Meadows has five outlets located in Coraopolis, Greensburg, New Castle, Pittsburgh and West Mifflin.

Wagering on races in Pennsylvania and around the world are available at our recommended racebooks.

List of OTB Locations in Pennsylvania