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Off-track betting in New Jersey

On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about off-track betting in New Jersey, including the different off-track betting locations in NJ, how off-track betting works, how to place a bet at OTB locations, expert advice for off-track betting, and answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Johnny Covers By: Johnny Covers
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Outside of Nevada, no state in the Union is more gambling-friendly than the state of New Jersey. From the Boardwalk in Atlantic City filled with casinos and sportsbooks, to its friendliness to online gambling in general, New Jersey takes the cake in terms of East Coast gambling.

Off-track betting in New Jersey, which encompasses New Jersey horse betting off-site at the OTB, also has a storied past and continues to thrive to this day. Freehold Raceway, which is one of New Jersey’s nearly dozen off-track betting locations, is said to be the oldest horse racing track in the United States dating back to the early 19th century.

Let’s take a closer look at the off-track betting industry in NJ, and everything that comes with it.

Off-track betting locations in New Jersey


As of 2024, there are 11 off-track betting locations in New Jersey, each offering its own unique aspects for bettors across the state to get in on the action. Below is a snapshot of all of the OTB locations spread throughout the state of New Jersey.

OTB

Address

McLoone's Woodbridge Grille

3 Lafayette Road (Corner of Route 1 and Ford Ave.) Fords, NJ 08863

Meadowlands Racetrack OTB

50 Route 120 East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Freehold Raceway OTB

130 Park Ave, Freehold, NJ 07728

Monmouth Park OTB

175 Oceanport Avenue Oceanport, NJ 07757

Favorites at Gloucester Township

1300 Blackwood-Clementon Road Clementon, NJ 08021

Favorites at Toms River

1071 Highway 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755

Favorites at Egg Harbor

6055 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor, NJ 08235

Favorites at Hillsborough

150 Route 206 Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Favorites at Woodbridge

3 LaFayette Road Fords, NJ 08863

Winners Bayonne

400 Route 440 North Bayonne, NJ 07002

Off-track betting and how it works

Off-track betting, more commonly known as OTB, is a location where bettors can make wagers on horse races going on at a different location. Most commonly found at race tracks themselves or at sports bars, off-track betting locations take bets on horse races across the world and offer their patrons televisions to watch the races unfold live.

Also referred to as pari-mutuel Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), off-track betting is a way to bet on horses without being at the race itself. The off-track betting location makes their money by what is known as the ‘takeout’, otherwise known as the commission, which is simply a small fee out of every wager placed.

How do I place a bet at OTB locations in New Jersey?

For New Jersey residents (and visitors) who have never visited an off-track betting New Jersey location, placing a bet to get in on the action might seem like a tall task. It’s not, however, as we walk through the simple steps needed to place a bet at the OTB location in New Jersey using one of their self-serving kiosks.

  1. Find Your Race, Horse & Bet Type: Prior to walking up to the OTB betting machine, do your research to find the track name, race #, horse #, and the bet type you want to place your bet on. This can be done by looking at the betting boards near the machine, as well as purchasing a betting book with all the day’s races in it for a small fee.
  2. Insert Money: Put your cash in the machine (typically a minimum of $5).
  3. Place Your Bet: Once you’ve found your bet (step #1), note down the race track’s name, race #, and horse #, and approach the machine. From here navigate the touch screen by entering each of the above in sequential order, and you’ll be presented with a screen to review your wager. If it looks correct, confirm your bet.
  4. Print Your Ticket: Once your bet is confirmed, a ticket will be printed out from the machine with all of your bet information on it. From here, all that is left to do is watch the race to see if it’s a winner. Be sure to not lose your ticket, as you’ll need it for the final step.
  5. Redeem Your Winnings: If your bet is a loser, there is nothing left to do, and you can disregard your ticket. If it’s a winner, however, return to the betting machine and insert your ticket. In return, a voucher will be printed off with the amount of money you won (+ risked). Take that voucher to the cashier at the OTB to receive your cash winnings. Note, if you are unsure if you have a winner or not, insert your ticket into the machine anyway. At worst, the ticket will be rejected, and at best you will have yourself a voucher redeemable for cash.

Expert advice when off-track betting in New Jersey

Though it’s important to remember that off-track betting in New Jersey is just as risky as any other form of gambling, there are some tips of the trade that will increase your chances of picking winners. Based on years of experience, here is some expert advice when off-track betting in New Jersey.

  • Purchase a Tip Sheet: Typically available from the cashier of the OTB, tip sheets are cheat sheets from professional horse handicappers that give insights into the horses and jockeys racing that day. It will feature things like horse records, history on certain tracks, and much more. These handicapping aides also come cheap, typically no more than $10 for a day’s worth of tips.
  • Horse Demeanor: Viewing the pre-race on one of the many televisions spread throughout the OTB, you can often get a glimpse of the horses and their jockeys getting ready to run. Pay attention to whether or not the horse you’re about to bet on looks calm or agitated ahead of the big race.
  • Bet the Favorite: Despite having the smallest payouts on the board, the horses with the lowest odds are favored for a reason; because they’re the best. Getting creative with your bet types can still make betting the favorites a profitable endeavor.
  • Jockeys and Trainers: The longer you pay attention to horse racing, the more you will see time after time the same jockeys and trainers are always producing winning horses. Using the aforementioned tip sheets or your own research, note which jockeys and trainers have had success for a long time and ride them to victory at the OTB.

FAQ

Can I watch the races live at an OTB location in New Jersey?

Yes, you can watch the races live at an OTB location in New Jersey, both local races as well as races from throughout the country.

Are there any special promotions or bonuses for OTB bettors in New Jersey?

Yes, there are special promotions and bonuses for OTB bettors in New Jersey, all varying by location. Some of the most popular OTB bonuses are deposit matches and bonus bets for new bettors.

What are the tax implications of off-track betting winnings in New Jersey?

Off-track betting winnings in New Jersey are treated the same as all gambling winnings and are taxed accordingly. You should consult with a local tax professional to determine your exact tax implication.

Can I place off-track bets online in New Jersey?

Yes, you can place off-track bets online in New Jersey using one of the many Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) websites available in the state.

How can I find the nearest off-track betting location in New Jersey?

You can find the nearest off-track betting locations in New Jersey right here at Betting NJ. Scroll to the top of this page to find the full list of 11 off-track betting New Jersey locations.

What types of bets can I place through off-track betting in New Jersey?

All of the common horse racing bet types can be placed through off-track betting in New Jersey including win, show, place, trifecta, quinella, superfecta, boxing, and many more.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers is as a researcher and sports betting expert at Betting NJ. With nearly a decade of experience in the sports betting field, he specializes in analysis and handicapping. His extensive expertise has been featured in a variety of publications including All-In Magazine, Blitz Predict, FantasyPros, Betting Pros, Sportsbook Review, Golf Monthly, and OddsChecker.