Illinois boasts some of the most exciting and thrilling horse racing in the world, making off track betting (OTB) for Illinois tracks a grand venture for any gambler. Horse racing wasn't always beloved here, though. Between 1905 and 1922, horse racing was banned in the city of Chicago. Several pioneering track promoters started suburban tracks during that time that flourished and still remain today.

Many firsts were set at tracks in this state. Hawthorne was the first track to use an electric timing device, and Arlington set several firsts as well. This track was the first to install an all-electric totalisator, which displayed bet amounts automatically for each race and added credibility to wager practices. As well, Arlington installed Chicago's first photo-finish camera, called The Eye in the Sky.

Other firsts at this track include being the first in the country to install an electric starting gate, as well as the first track to introduce Trifecta wagering, which has skyrocketed in popularity worldwide. Finally, Arlington Park was the first track in the world to hold a million-dollar race, with their inaugural in 1981.

For local Illinois action, VIPhorses is a superb choice for OTB betting. This website is safe and secure, as a leader in online sports and gaming since 1997. They cover over 60 worldwide tracks, several of which are in Illinois. These include Arlington, Hawthorne, and Sportsman's Park in the Class A Major division. Their roster also includes smaller, Class B Minor tracks like Balmoral, Fairmount, and Maywood Park.