The sunny climate of Florida makes it an ideal state for racing in the winter, providing a warm home for thoroughbreds while the rest of the east coast freezes. Beyond its year-round appeal, Florida delivers some of the best racing action in the U.S., attracting fans and bettors alike. The state is also home to the famous Harborview Farm, which raised Affirmed—the legendary champion who claimed the Triple Crown before American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought. With world-class tracks, historic victories, and a tradition of excellence, Florida has cemented its place as a premier destination for horse racing.

OTB Florida Betting Sites

If you don't get a chance to make it out to Florida to experience a few of the high-profile races in person, offshore racebooks provide an excellent way to get in on the action from anywhere. These trusted wagering service providers make it easy to place bets online, offering secure platforms, fast payouts, and a wide selection of betting markets. To stand out in a competitive space, they entice both new and experienced bettors with generous welcome bonuses, ongoing rebate promotions, and loyalty rewards. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the Florida Derby or looking for daily action from tracks around the globe, offshore racebooks deliver the convenience and value that modern horseplayers demand. Take a look at five of our favorites below:

Florida Horse Race Tracks

Most of the biggest races in Florida take place at the Gulfstream Park race track at Hallandale Beach. During January, Gulfstream Park teams with Santa Anita Park to host the Sunshine Millions series of races. This unique arrangement has half of the series run at both locations, with entry restricted to thoroughbreds from California and Florida. Gulfstream Park also is the site for significant prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Tampa Bay Downs is another well-regarded horse racing track in the Sunshine State. Opened in 1926, its popularity during the 1950s resulted in this facility being dubbed the “Santa Anita of the south”. This track also features an important tune-up on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Florida Horse Races

As a Grade One event with a million-dollar purse, the Florida Derby stands as the premier race in the state. Hosted at Gulfstream Park, it consistently produces top contenders for the Kentucky Derby, with winners almost always securing enough points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard to earn a place in the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

The Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs is another significant Kentucky Derby prep race. Despite the race rewarding half the points of the Florida Derby, winning the Tampa Bay Derby places thoroughbred racers in a superb position to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

Another standout Floridian event is the Sunshine Millions, a unique series of races created by noted horseman Frank Stronach. With purses totaling over $1 million, the series showcases top thoroughbreds from Florida and California, adding regional pride and rivalry to the excitement.

Launched in 2017, the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park quickly made headlines as one of the richest races in the world, debuting with a record $12 million purse. Today, it remains a Grade 1 showcase that attracts elite horses, trainers, and owners from around the globe. What sets the Pegasus apart is its innovative entry system, where owners purchase slots in the starting gate, creating a unique blend of high-stakes competition and investment. Each January, the race continues to deliver star-studded fields and headline-making performances, solidifying its status as a marquee event on the international racing calendar.

Off Track Betting in Florida

Florida is one of the most popular states for off track betting in the United States, with plenty of locations catering to horse wagering aficionados. Some of the most popular OTB venues that are operating in 2025 include:

  • BestBet Jacksonville and Orange Park
  • Bonita Springs Poker Room OTB
  • Club 52 Poker OTB
  • Daytona Beach Racing
  • Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room
  • Gulfstream Park OTB
  • Harrah’s Pompano Beach Racing
  • Hialeah Park OTB
  • Magic City Casino
  • One-Eyed Jack’s OTB
  • Palm Beach Kennel Club
  • Pensacola Greyhound Track & Poker Room OTB
  • Tampa Bay Downs OTB
  • The Big Easy Casino
  • TGT Poker & Racebook
  • Win Derby