Simulcast Betting Rooms: Still Worth the Trip in a Digital Age?
In a world of tap-to-bet and autoplay odds, you’d think that no one would still be walking into a simulcast room to place bets like it’s 1991. But they do! The rooms, which are tucked inside racetracks, OTBs, and casinos, remain and draw crowds, especially on race day. You’ll see rows of bettors hunched over programs, screens glowing with races from every time zone, and the occasional hollers when someone’s trifecta hits.
Simulcast betting rooms allow you to wager on live horse and greyhound races that are happening all over the country (and sometimes the globe), and you can do it all from one spot. Before our smartphones made wagering feel like we were scrolling through our IG feeds, the rooms were the one and only way to catch and bet on out-of-town races. But now that gambling sites and sportsbooks are only a tap away, our question is this: Are the brick-and-mortar locations still worth showing up for, or are they just leftovers from a bygone era? We plan to find out if they’re worth the trip!
What Are Simulcast Betting Rooms?
Okay, we laid it out above, but the official definition of simulcast betting rooms is this, according to TwinSpires: “Coined in the 1940s, the term ‘simulcast’ is a combination of the words ‘simultaneous’ and ‘broadcast.’
“The word was originally intended for use when a program was transmitted on both television and radio in tandem. As television quickly grew in popularity, simulcasting referred to broadcasting an event on multiple channels at the same time.”
What does it look like on the inside? It’s a cross between a sports bar and a live track betting floor. Rather than one big screen that’s airing a game on TV, you have dozens of screens showing horse races from different tracks (and greyhound races or international events).
Patrons sit with their racing forms or programs, sipping a drink, and keep watch on the odds boards. When simulcast rooms first emerged in the 1980s, they revolutionized horse racing by letting fans bet on out-of-state and international races in real time. A bettor in New Jersey could place bets on the Kentucky Derby or a stakes race in England without having to get on a plane.
The rooms are typically found at racetracks (on days between live races), racinos (racetrack casinos), or standalone off-track betting (OTB) parlors in various cities. The atmosphere is usually bustling, and you’ll hear the murmur of collected bets, shouts when a race starts, and possibly the rustle of a newspaper as someone studies the next race’s lineup.
What You Can Bet On
What kind of races can you wager on in a simulcast room? Mostly horse races, like thoroughbred and harness racing from across the country, but a lot of them also feature greyhound races, although dog racing has dwindled in the US, and big international events.
On any given afternoon, one of these places could be showing a major stakes at Belmont Park, a mid-tier claiming race at a small track, and a late-night race from Hong Kong. It’s a hive of racing action. Over the years, some simulcast rooms have thrived in horse racing hubs. Places like Kentucky or Florida have long-standing OTB venues, and you can still find devoted crowds in certain states hanging out in these rooms. They’ve become a staple at many racetracks as well, keeping the facility active even when live racing isn’t happening on site!
The Experience: What You Get In-Person That You Don’t Online
We know what you’re probably thinking: Why on earth would anyone choose to leave the comfort of their home to spend an afternoon at a simulcast betting room when you can just use your device? One word: experience.
There’s a social component in these rooms that you will never get on an online gambling site. Rather than sitting alone with your phone, you’re surrounded by your fellow racing fans who are all cheering or groaning as the horses thunder down the stretch on screen. The camaraderie is real; you can high-five a stranger after a big win or commiserate about a loss.
Live Odds Boards, Multiple Screens & Real-time Action
The in-person experience comes with sensory elements and amenities that an app simply can’t give you. There are walls of live odds boards and multiple big screens showing different tracks at once, kinda like mission control for horse racing fans.
You can look up and see real-time odds fluctuations and instant results without toggling through tabs on a phone. There’s also the communal roar of the crowd (or at least a dozen excited bettors) when an underdog horse is making a surprising move. It’s the same reason people still go to sports bars: the social aspect and excitement is infectious.
Nostalgia and Tradition
We can’t omit the simple pleasures of being on-site. You have access to on-site tellers or self-service betting kiosks, meaning you place a bet with a human (or a machine) and get a real paper ticket and cash in hand when you win. No waiting for digital withdrawals—you can celebrate and buy the next round.
Most simulcast venues also have food and drinks available, usually in the form of a bar or cafe, so you can make a whole day of it. For longtime fans, there’s a lot of nostalgia involved, too.
It’s a ritual: going down to the local OTB, chatting with a familiar clerk, and settling into your usual seat with a coffee or beer and the Daily Racing Form. In a world that’s constantly changing, the rooms have a lot of old-school charm and tradition that some bettors dearly love.
The Digital Competition: Online Betting Platforms & Apps
We can’t talk about simulcast rooms without acknowledging the elephant in the room, which is the smartphone in our hands.
Online betting sites and apps have totally changed the game. Nowadays, any racing fan can whip out their phone, open an app, and place bets on races that are happening anywhere in the world—no driving, no paper forms, no fuss. The convenience factor is off the charts. You could be lounging on your couch, on a break at work, or sneaking in a bet just before you go to sleep; as long as you have an internet connection, you’re in on the action. Mobile apps give us 24/7 access to wagering, which means if you feel like betting on a 3 a.m. race from Australia, you can do it from anywhere.
Advanced Analytics & Betting Tools
The digital platforms also come pre-loaded with tools and features that cater to the modern, tech-savvy bettor. You get advanced analytics, stats, and betting tools at your fingertips. Most gambling sites have detailed past performance data, expert picks, real-time speed figures, and even AI-driven tips to help you make smarter bets.
Comparing odds or payouts is only a click away. And while simulcast rooms have a ton of screens, an app lets you live-stream the races right on your phone or tablet (you can also cast it to your TV) with surprisingly high quality. You’ve got a personal race broadcast center wherever you go.
Bonuses, Promos, and Loyalty Programs
Another huge draw of online betting: the bonuses, promos, and loyalty programs. This is something that you can’t get in traditional simulcast rooms. There are sign-up bonuses, deposit matches, free bets, cashback deals, and loyalty points that are all available through online betting sites to attract and keep customers.
Platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing all have weekly promotions or special bonuses during big events. Regular online bettors rack up reward points that can be converted into wager credits or other perks, which is a level of VIP treatment that the local OTB just isn’t going to give you.
In terms of variety, online platforms might even edge out physical venues. They can list every race under the sun, some that a local betting parlor might not bother showing if there isn’t enough interest. And you can usually manage your bankroll more flexibly online – depositing funds or withdrawing winnings without dealing with cash (though for some, that cash-in-hand feeling is part of the thrill). With all these advantages, it’s no surprise that a huge share of horse racing wagers have moved online in recent years.
In fact, in a major racing state like California, only about 7% of bets are placed in person at the track these days – the vast majority flow through simulcast sites and especially online wagering platforms. With the digital competition so strong, simulcast rooms have had to justify their existence by leaning into the one thing apps can’t truly deliver: a live, social betting experience.
Pros and Cons: In-Person vs. Online Betting
If you’re wondering which of the two is better, it all depends on the person! Look below for the pros and cons of in-person vs online betting:
| Feature | Simulcast Room | Online Betting |
|---|---|---|
Atmosphere | Social and energized | Quiet and solo |
Convenience | You have to show up in person | Anywhere, anytime |
Rewards & Bonuses | Limited (if any at all) | Constant promos and loyalty perks |
Sensory Experience | Real crowd reactions and a fun atmosphere | Silent and all screen-based |
Betting in person is more of an event, especially on big race days or with your friends and fellow racing lovers. But if you’re chasing value, shopping odds, or betting daily? The app life is probably a better fit for you.
Are They Still Worth It?
And that brings us to the question of the day: Is it worth getting into the car and driving to a simulcast betting room in the age of apps? The honest answer is “it depends.” There are certain scenarios where the trip is absolutely worth it, and others where you might as well save your gas money.
Here’s when it makes sense to go in person:
- Big race days or events: If it’s the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup, or any major race day, being in a simulcast room will feel pretty close to being at the track. The excitement is off the charts when a big race is on, and people dress up in team colors or derby hats, bets are flying left and right, and the collective cheer for that final stretch can give you goosebumps. It’s a party that you won’t get in your living room.
- Group outings and social bets: If you’re planning a day out with friends who like to bet? A simulcast room is a super fun group activity. You can all bet on different races, roast each other about picks, eat some apps, and celebrate or lament together. It makes betting a social event, and that’s something you can’t really do if everyone is just on their own phone at home.
- Nostalgia and atmosphere: If you’re the type who loves the old-school vibe, like maybe you have fond memories of going to the track or OTB with a parent or grandparent, then the atmosphere itself is worth the trip every once in a while. There’s a comfort in the routine: getting a printed racing form, talking with the regulars at the venue, and hearing the commentator over the loudspeaker. For some fans, it’s not about the betting; it’s about being there and basking in that tradition.
And here’s when it probably isn’t worth it:
- Everyday or casual betting: If you’re just looking to make a quick bet on a random Thursday or you have a passing interest, going to a physical location each time is way more of a hassle than it’s worth. For daily betting or spontaneous wagers, online wins on ease alone. You can place that bet in seconds online rather than planning a whole trip.
- Tech-savvy or data-driven bettors: For the serious bettor who uses multiple screens of data, follows live X (Twitter) feeds for last-minute tips, or likes to line-shop for odds, you’ll get way more freedom online. The digital platforms give you more tools and faster updates if you’re a person who’s really into the nitty-gritty. If you want to squeeze out an edge with stats and timely bets, the app is your BFF.
- Time constraints and convenience: Not everyone has a simulcast venue that’s close by! If you have to drive an hour each way or cut out a whole day to go bet in person, it’s hard to justify it unless it’s a special occasion. Busy schedule? Last-minute impulse to bet? Online is open 24/7, 365, with zero travel time. Time is money, and the convenience of online betting usually outweighs the benefits of the in-person experience for most routine wagers.
Simulcast betting rooms are totally worth it for the experience on special occasions or for those who love the ambience. But for the average bettor making everyday picks? The practicality of online betting will win out every time.
The Future of Simulcast Betting Rooms
What does the future hold for the brick-and-mortar betting halls? Are they a fading nostalgia act, or can they adapt and survive in the digital era? The trend in recent years has certainly been a winnowing down, as a lot of old off-track betting parlors have closed as attendance dropped.
New York City used to have a ton of busy OTB parlors, but shut them all down back in 2010. It’s obvious that simulcast rooms aren’t the default betting choice that they once were, especially for the younger generations who grew up with smartphones.
But hang on, fading doesn’t mean they are extinct. The surviving simulcast venues are finding ways to adapt and stay relevant. One strategy is to bring more of a modern entertainment vibe, which means they are turning simulcast rooms into part of a broader social or gaming venue.
Some racetracks and casinos are creating hybrid spaces that are a combo of sports bars, restaurants, and simulcast betting all in one spot. The idea is to make the outing about more than betting alone: come for the races, stay for the food and atmosphere (or vice versa). You’ll see comfy lounge chairs, big LED video walls, and complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations so people can use betting apps on-site alongside the traditional tellers.
There’s also a potential for hybrid betting models. A simulcast room could have app-based betting terminals, so even if you’re physically there enjoying the scene, you would be able to place your bets via a tablet or kiosk that ties into an online system.
A mix of in-person excitement and digital convenience could be a way forward. Some regions have started licensing smaller venues like bars or social clubs to host “mini-OTB” setups, which double as community hangouts instead of standalone betting halls. They want to meet bettors where they are comfortable, whether that’s on a barstool or through a screen.
Another big factor is regional differences. In areas with a strong horse racing culture, like Kentucky and parts of California and New Jersey, simulcast rooms still draw decent crowds, especially older bettors who don’t want to use apps. These are the regions that will probably keep their OTB traditions alive longer, and maybe even invest in making them more attractive.
In tech-centric areas or places where racing interest is low, they’ve mostly let the old parlors fade away. You can expect to see fewer simulcast rooms overall, but the ones that do survive will focus more on being an experience—food, drinks, events, and tech upgrades. They’re not going to compete with online betting in terms of scale or tools; it’s not possible. But as long as people want the energy of a live betting crowd, they’ll have their place, especially on big race days.
Conclusion: Old-School Vibes or Outdated Relic?
Simulcast betting rooms have to straddle the line between their charming old-school vibes and being, frankly, quite outdated in our ultra-connected age.
They still give you a slice of betting culture that you won’t ever get from an app—the social interaction, the thrum of a live crowd, and the tactile feeling of holding a ticket. But their appeal is becoming an increasingly niche one as more and more bettors welcome the convenience of online platforms.
If you’re the type who loves to make a whole day of it with friends, drinks, and a wall of odds boards, they’re absolutely worth it. Just know what you’re walking into. It’s a throwback, not hub or modern tech, at least not yet.
Here’s a quick recap of everything you need to know about simulcast betting rooms:
- Unique experience, niche appeal: Simulcast rooms give you a one-of-a-kind social betting atmosphere, but they mostly attract a specific niche of enthusiasts, who are usually an older demographic who are lifelong racing fans.
- Everyday bettors go online: The casual and regular bettors are overwhelmingly switching over to online betting because it’s quick, easy, and has lots of extras that physical venues can’t compete with.
- Smaller, entertainment-focused future: We’ll likely see less simulcast venues going forward, and the ones that remain will double down on the entertainment factor by combining betting with dining and social events in order to stay relevant.
- Worth a visit (with tempered expectations): If you’ve never been to a simulcast betting room, it’s always worth checking out on a big race day or simply for a nostalgia boost. It’s a really fun throwback experience, but you won’t get any tech conveniences or promos that you’d get online.
Is a simulcast betting room worth the drive? That all depends on what you want out of a betting experience! For some people, nothing compares to the cheers and the atmosphere of the halls. And for others? The future of betting is grasped in the palm of their hand, tapping away on an app. But that’s the beauty of today’s betting landscape—you can choose your very own adventure!
