Arizona naturally supports equestrian life. The beautiful and open landscape seems made for it, and in fact, it was equines that made western and southwestern ranching possible.
These days, the interest in horses is less Clint Eastwood and more Churchill Downs. The history of horse racing in Arizona began in the 1950s, and recently experienced a skyrocketing interest with the passage of a legal sports betting bill in 2021.
This creates considerable opportunity for local venues and the small businesses that surround them.
Here’s how horse racing is changing Arizona communities.
Historical Roots of Horse Racing in Arizona
Horse racing is an established, though by the standards of the sport still relatively recent, element of Arizona culture.
It was introduced legally into the state in the 1950s with the development of Prescott Downs. Prescott Downs would later be renamed Arizona Downs, but it has hosted thoroughbred racing since 1959.
The Turf Paradise racecourse is another flagship venue, having opened in 1956. Both venues are still in operation and playing an important leadership role in growing interest in the sport.
The Legal Landscape of Horse Racing in Arizona
The legal landscape has been a little more complicated. Historically, there has been parimutuel betting on live races for a long time, but it wasn’t until 2002 that simulcast wagers were made possible.
Since then, legal betting in Arizona has expanded. Sports betting legalization in Arizona is a topic on the minds of many, particularly with the Kentucky Derby nearing.
If you’re interested in learning more about the odds, you can do so here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds/
The thing is, broad sports betting legalization is very recent in Arizona, not being signed into state law until 2021.
The new law, passed with House Bill 2772 in April of 2021, allows both online and in-person sportsbooks to be regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Naturally, this has an enormous impact on both racing and the broader Arizona economy.
Arizona is now a hotbed for legal sports betting in the United States. Consequently, the culture surrounding sports betting has developed into an economic staple.
It’s not just that horse tracks produce lots of revenue on race day—they also bring in tourists, which supports local hotels, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Challenges Facing Horse Racing in Arizona
Even though horse racing in Arizona has a lot going for it, there are still challenges. One of the undoings of many historic venues over the years has been the prohibitively high cost of operation.
Horse tracks typically generate lots of revenue, but the problem is that many of them are open only four months out of the year, give or take. Many will supplement with other types of events.
For example, there are racetracks that host rodeos, ostrich racing, mascot days, and other events throughout the year to drive attendance, fill seats, and continue to encourage tourism.
All of that said, it’s relatively hard for tracks in some communities to maintain year-round revenue. That’s a problem because the venues themselves are very expensive.
Maintenance is a year-round consideration. There’s also a constant need for people to take care of and support the animals themselves. These factors all combine to create an incredibly expensive operational environment.
Arizona Downs and Turf Paradise are both noted for struggling with operational costs amidst fluctuating attendance. These factors can create a difficult environment for the continuation of legal horse betting in Arizona.
Nevertheless, there is a wider interest in equestrian culture—factors that will keep interest alive in Arizona, even when people aren’t wagering on races.
Equestrian Culture Is More Than Just Racing
Horse racing gets a lot of attention when people talk about the economic impact of equines. Nevertheless, it’s only one piece of the pie.
Hobbyist activity is a considerable revenue-driving force. It’s not as impactful at the community level as a track or casino, but it can drive tourism and foster a continuing interest in horses at large.
There are many places to participate in riding, jumping, and guided trots throughout the state. Phoenix is a particularly prominent location for people who enjoy horse racing as a hobby.
A Bright Future?
Horse betting is big business, and big business is hard. Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that the future of horses in Arizona is promising.
Tracks all over the world are still trying to figure out how to thrive in the 21st century without a legacy brand, as you’ll find at Churchill Downs. It can be a little tricky.
Nevertheless, Arizona is well-positioned to make it work. Yes, the costs are high. Yes, there is a sense of uncertainty.
All the same, legal support and genuine interest are working in the state’s favor. And of course, it’s not just betting—Arizonians love sports, love horses, and have already proven an interest in supporting them locally through a variety of means.
