Betting on the Breeders Cup 2011

Betting on the Breeders Cup 2011 online should be a seamless process this year…well, sort of.

That’s because US citizens can now place bets legally with the fine folks at Churchill Downs (the same folks who run the Kentucky Derby).  Their TwinSpires.com website is legally licensed in the US.

There are a few exceptions.  Some states, New Jersey being one, have chosen to opt out of allowing its residents to place horse bets online at this time.  There are just over a dozen states in this category.  We’ve made things a little easier for readers by publishing these states below but want to advise that this list is subject to change as some states are known to opt in and opt out routinely and there is always the chance that one of these states could allow horse betting online prior to this year’s Breeders Cup.

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, Canada

*Betting on the Breeders Cup 2011 in Prohibited States Alternative Here

*Canada, Europe, Non-USA Breeders Cup Betting Alternatives Here

One of the great things about betting with TwinSpires.com is that they do accept credit cards and eChecks along with GreenDot cards.

In 2006, the US Government passed a measure that prohibits banking institutions from knowingly allowing online gambling transactions from “unauthorized” companies.  The online horse racing industry was exempt from this law.  Due to the fact that this was an unfunded mandate, the banks have chosen not to distinguish between “unauthorized” and “authorized” (TwinSpires being among those “authorized”).  As a result, some credit cards will not immediately go through online.  They do have better than a 90 percent success rate via the phone or online chat, however, so TwinSpires.com encourages customers to try those options when necessary.

The other great thing about TwinSpires.com is that they also offer live streaming online for most races including a number outside the US along with killer stats and sports handicapping picks via their Brisnet product platform. 

Remember, as with any US licensed online gambling establishment, documentation must be provided during the registration process to ensure player identity and protect against fraud.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com