You don’t have to spend the day at a racetrack to feel the thrill of live horse racing. At WinStar Casino, guests can watch, wager and win on races from across the country, all without ever leaving the casino floor. This exciting feature, known as Off-Track Betting, brings the fast-paced energy of horse racing directly into the gaming experience.
In this guide, we’ll explain what off-track betting is, how it works, what kinds of wagers you can make and how to get started at WinStar.
What Is Off-Track Betting (OTB)?
Off-track betting (OTB) lets you experience the excitement of horse racing without being at the track. It’s a way to place bets on live horse races from licensed venues or online platforms while the races happen elsewhere. OTB gives fans a convenient way to enjoy the thrill of wagering, follow races from across the country and be part of the action no matter where they are.
Each wager made at an OTB location is part of the same betting pool as the bets placed at the actual racetrack. You’re not betting against the house; you’re betting alongside fans at the track and other players across the country.
At WinStar, the races are broadcast live on large screens in the dedicated OTB area, creating an atmosphere that feels just like being at the track. The sound of hooves, the excitement of the crowd and the anticipation before the finish line all come to life inside the casino.
How Off-Track Betting Works
Learning how off-track betting works starts with learning how the pari-mutuel wagering system operates. In this system, all bets of the same type are pooled together. Before the race begins, a small percentage called the “takeout” is removed to support track operations and racing organizations. The remaining pool is divided among all winning bets.
Unlike table games, where odds are fixed, the odds on off-track betting constantly change based on how much money is wagered on each horse. This means payouts can fluctuate right up until the race begins. Once the race becomes official, the total payout is calculated and winning tickets are paid according to the final odds.
Playing Off-Track Betting at WinStar Casino
The Off-Track Betting experience at WinStar is designed to capture the full energy of a day at the races. You’ll find a dedicated area featuring multiple screens showing tracks from around the country, updated odds and live results.
When you’re ready to play, simply walk up to the betting counter or kiosk, review the list of current races and select the event you’d like to wager on. You’ll choose your horse, decide what type of bet you want to make and then settle in to watch the race unfold live. If your pick finishes as predicted, you can cash in your ticket right at the counter.
It’s horse racing excitement without ever leaving the comfort of the casino.
Bet Types in Off-Track Betting
One of the most exciting aspects of horse racing off-track betting is the variety of wager options available. Whether you’re looking for an easy entry point or want to test your racing instincts, there’s something for everyone.
Basic Bet Types:
These are perfect for beginners and keep the action simple:
- Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.
- Place: Your horse must finish first or second.
- Show: Your horse can finish first, second or third.
Exotic Bets:
If you’re ready for more complex wagers and higher payouts, these options add extra excitement:
- Exacta: Predict the first and second place horses in the exact order.
- Trifecta: Choose the top three finishers in exact order.
- Superfecta: Pick the top four finishers in exact order (available on some races).
- Boxed Bets: Cover every possible finishing order for your chosen horses.
- Wheels: Select one main horse and pair it with multiple others for more coverage.
Multi-Race Bets:
For a challenge that spans several races, multi-race wagers let you stay engaged longer:
- Daily Double: Pick the winners of two consecutive races.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 or Pick 5: Predict winners across three or more consecutive races for a bigger payoff.
Each of these options offers a unique balance of risk and reward, making off-track betting one of the most dynamic ways to enjoy horse racing.
How OTB Odds and Payouts Work
In off-track betting, odds are based entirely on how much money is placed on each horse. Favorites with more money in the pool pay smaller rewards, while long shots with fewer backers offer larger potential payouts.
When the race ends and becomes official, the results are posted and the total pool (minus the takeout) is divided among all winning tickets. Updated payout results appear instantly on the screens in the OTB area, so you can see how your selections performed.
Enjoy the Thrill of the Races at WinStar Casino
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering horse racing for the first time, off-track betting at WinStar Casino delivers nonstop excitement and an authentic racing atmosphere. Watch live races from across the country, place wagers on your favorites and feel the rush of cheering your horse down the stretch, all without ever leaving the casino floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does off-track betting mean at a casino?
It’s a way to wager on live horse races from across the country while watching the action inside the casino.
How does off-track betting work at WinStar?
Guests choose a race, pick a horse and place their wager at the betting counter or kiosk. The odds adjust until the race starts, and payouts are based on the final pool of bets.
What are the best bets for beginners?
Win, Place and Show bets are ideal for newcomers since they’re easy to understand and have more frequent payouts.
Are there specific Off-Track Betting rules I should know?
Yes. Each location follows Off Track Betting rules that outline how wagering closes, how payouts are handled and how tickets are validated. Always check with the teller if you have questions.
Where can I find Off-Track Betting in Oklahoma?
WinStar Casino proudly offers one of the best Off-Track Betting experiences in Oklahoma, featuring live broadcasts and betting opportunities from major tracks nationwide.
