New York was one of the earliest states to expand wagering options beyond the racetrack, establishing a long-running off-track betting (OTB) system that once included a large network of betting parlors across the state. While the landscape has changed over the years and the availability of physical locations varies by region, off-track betting remains accessible through a mix of regional operators and authorized wagering channels.
New York Off Track Betting Sites
Many bettors still enjoy visiting in-person OTB locations where available, but wagering online has become an increasingly popular and convenient option. The offshore racebooks featured below allow you to place bets from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet, providing a simple way to follow the action from anywhere.
New York Horse Race Tracks
Although the availability of local OTB locations can change over time, New York racing fans still have several well-known venues where they can watch live action throughout the year. The state is home to prominent thoroughbred and harness racing tracks, as well as major facilities located just across the border in neighboring states, giving residents multiple options within easy reach.
Across New York, racegoers can also visit historic and regional tracks located in different parts of the state, offering a variety of live racing experiences for both casual fans and dedicated bettors.
OTB in New York State: A Brief History
Off-track betting (OTB) in New York was created as a regulated alternative to illegal bookmakers, giving residents a way to wager on horse racing away from the track while generating revenue for local governments and the racing industry. The system began with individual municipal operations and later evolved into a network of regional, government-owned corporations, each responsible for managing OTB services within a defined group of counties or cities.
These corporations traditionally operated betting parlors, teletheaters, and simulcast centers, and later expanded into self-service terminals, telephone wagering, and online platforms. Most followed the standard parimutuel model, channeling the majority of betting pools back to winning bettors while distributing the remainder toward operational costs, local governments, racetracks, and industry support.
Over the years, some regional OTB corporations have continued to operate steadily, while others have faced financial or administrative difficulties. A few have ultimately shut down, including New York City OTB, once the largest operator in the system, and Catskill OTB, which previously served multiple upstate counties. Their closures led to the consolidation or transfer of customer accounts and responsibilities to other regional operators.
Despite these changes, off-track betting remains an established part of New York’s wagering landscape. The remaining regional corporations continue to offer a mix of in-person and remote wagering options, maintaining the state’s long-running connection to horse racing while adapting to evolving technology, consumer habits, and regulatory considerations.