Horse Racing

Horse Betting Odds: Gamblers wanting to play the ponies can now do so without leaving the comfort of their home after the Illinois Racing Board today gave permission to three companies to host online horse betting.


The decision means gamblers can place bets on horses through approved Web sites or by phone, interactive television or mobile devices. Previously, wagers could only be placed at a track or at an off-track betting parlor. Both have seen a decline in business in recent years.


Horse Bet: Online Betting could be available as soon as Wednesday, since all three companies already have systems set up to handle Internet betting in other states. Racing board officials said they hope the changes will make it easier for people to place bets, while also attracting a younger, Web-savvy clientele.

Gamblers must register with a company online before they will be allowed to place bets.

While state law allows 18 year olds to gamble, two of the companies offering online betting require participants to be 21. Each transaction will be taxed 1.75 percent, which the board estimates could generate an extra $1 million a year for state coffers. Remaining profits will be split among tracks and purses for horsemen.

The legislation was pushed through by Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. He had long wanted to legalize online betting and got the political muscle to do so after he took over leading the Senate earlier this year.