Off Track Betting Massachusetts

Massachusetts, like much of New England, was once a hotbed for horse racing. The state legalized pari-mutuel wagering in 1935, leading to the opening of the Marshfield Fair track and the rapid rise of a popular fair circuit across the state. That same year, Suffolk Downs in East Boston also opened its doors.

Plainridge Park, a harness racing venue, joined the circuit in 1999. But over time, tracks began to close. The last of the fair tracks, the Three County Fair in Northampton, held its final meet in 2005. When Suffolk Downs closed permanently in 2019, Plainridge became the only track in Massachusetts still hosting live racing.

Even with just one live racing venue, horseplayers continue to have off-track betting options. Simulcast wagering is offered at Plainridge Park, while Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park—a former greyhound track where dog racing is now prohibited—operate as simulcast facilities.

Recommended Online Racebooks

Though there are still three places to go and bet in Massachusetts, not everyone lives near them, and not everyone who wants to make a wager has time to head out to the OTB. The good news is, there's an even better option: playing the races at an offshore racebook.

Offshore racebooks let you place all the bets you can make at an OTB, and more. Especially on major races like the Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Derby, they offer fixed-odds futures wagering and even some prop bets on the races. And, you can do so at home or on the go, from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Offshore racebooks also offer lucrative bettor benefits that you won't find at the racetrack or OTB. These include generous sign-up and deposit bonuses, referral benefits, and horse racing rebates that pay you cash or betting credit for every wager you make.

Check out these trusted offshore betting sites, find the ones that suit your betting needs, and get ready to bet horse racing in Massachusetts and all around the world!

Horse Racing in Massachusetts

Live harness racing in Massachusetts is held at Plainridge Park in Plainville, about a half hour’s drive south-southwest of Boston. The meet runs from mid-April through late November, with 110 live racing days scheduled in 2025. Post times vary over the season, and the track typically races three to four days a week during that period. The 2026 calendar has not yet been released, but it is expected to begin in mid-April and conclude in late November, following the usual seasonal pattern.

Massachusetts Horse Races

Plainridge’s signature race day takes place in mid-July and is highlighted by the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot, which in 2025 carried a purse of $250,000. The card also includes the Clara Barton Distaff Pace for fillies and mares, which had a purse of $100,000. These races draw top-level trotters and pacers from across the country to compete in Massachusetts.

OTB Locations in Massachusetts

In 2025, Massachusetts offers three main options for off-track betting. In addition to simulcast wagering at Plainridge Park, bettors can visit Suffolk Downs in East Boston, a former Thoroughbred track, or Raynham Park in Raynham, a former greyhound track now operating as a simulcast facility.

These venues provide a social setting to watch and wager on races from around the world, often with food, drinks, and occasional betting seminars. For those who live outside these areas or prefer the convenience of wagering from home, online racebooks remain a practical alternative.