Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.
Rillito Park Race Track Sportsbook Review
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor at Betting.us
Updated: August 24, 2021
Tucson track Rillito Park is known in the United States as the birthplace of Quarter Horse racing. The following is a full review of the Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook. Enjoy!
Rillito Park Race Track
| Official Name | Rillito Park Race Track |
|---|---|
| Type | Racetrack |
| Full address | 4502 N 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA |
| Rating: |
Rillito Park Race Track Sportsbook
Rillito Park Race Track’s long and illustrious history has warranted the track a spot in the National Register of Historic Places in the state of Arizona. It is known as the birthplace of Quarter Horse racing – i.e. the quarter mile race. Rillito Park Race Track season usually starts in January and runs through to March. Keep reading this Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook review to learn the details.
Rillito Park Race Track in Tucson is a highly specialized venue, focusing on horse racing alone. Besides the 14 live races held on the track during the season each year, the track remains open every Saturday and Sunday providing an opportunity for local and visiting bettors to place wagers on simulcasted races from other tracks.
Popular Sports to Bet at Rillito Park Race Track
| Triple Crown | Belmond Stakes, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes |
|---|---|
| Pegasus World Cup Championship | Gufstream Park |
| Breeders’ Cup | Juvenile Turf, Juvenile Fillies Turf, Juvenile Turf Sprint, etc. |
| Arkansas Derby | Oaklawn Park |
| Santa Anita Handicap | Santa Anita Park |
| ...and many more | |
What Types of Bets Can I Make at Rillito Park Race Track?
Most betting types familiar to the experienced horse-racing punter are available at Rillito Park Race Track. The standard Win, Place, and Show can be used on all races with a minimum of $2 stake. Some exotic bets like Pick 3 and Daily Double are limited only for certain races, while Quintella, Trifecta, Exacta, and other are freely available.
Rillito Park Race Track Sportsbook Details
Before each season, patrons have the option to purchase a season table. Prices start from $550 for a Grandstand Window Box and culminate at $1000 for a Premium Saddle Club Table. You can pay via credit and debit cards or simply visit the establishment during operational Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook hours and pay there.
| Open Hours | Mon – Fri: Closed, Sat – Sun: 10:00 AM – 18:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Betting Operator | Rillito Park Race Track |
| Live Betting | Available |
| Mobile Betting App | Not Available |
| Simulcast/Off-Track Betting Offered | Yes |
| Betting Limits | $1 – Undefined |
| Gambling Legal Age | 21+ |
| Seating Places | N/A |
| Entrance Fee | Grandstand $5 Clubhouse $10 |
| Number of Screens/Info Tables | 100 |
Explore Rillito Park Race Track
Rillito Park Race Track Racetrack
The amenities in the facility are all built to provide extra comfort for visitors. Besides the Grandstand area, the clubhouse offers tables with a clear view of the track and well-made food from the facility’s restaurant. A wide variety of drinks are sold. Furthermore, the establishment is multi-functional, offering 11 soccer fields – 9 with flood lights – for anyone who wishes to kick a ball.
Over 14 live races occur on the five-eighth-mile oval race track at Rillito Park. It has a 660-feet homestretch, with the first-row seats in the grandstand and clubhouse almost within touching distance of the passing horses. The facility administration recently installed a new dirt surface aiming to reduce injuries to racing horses.
| Length of The Track | Five-Eighths Mile |
|---|---|
| Types of Races | Thoroughbred, Quarter House |
| Types of Bets | Straight, Daily Double, Pick 3, Quintella, Superfecta, Trifecta, Twin Trifecta, Race Book, Exacta |
| Capacity/Seating Places | 1,000 |
| Race Schedule | www.rillitoracetrack.com |
| Entries and Results | www.rillitoracetrack.com |
| Entrance Fee | Grandstand $5, Clubhouse $10, U12s Free |
Casino at Rillito Park Race Track
Due to its specialized nature, Rillito Park Race Track does not provide casino games for patrons. Thankfully, there are plenty of casinos in and round Tucson that can fulfill the need for slot spin or hearing the catchphrase ‘Blackjack’. The El Casino Ballroom, Casino Del Sol, and Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment are all decent options to consider.
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0 Slots
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0 Table Games
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0 Poker Tables
How to Get to the Rillito Park Race Track?
You can find the Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook sandwiched between Rillito River and Santa Catalina Mountains in northwest Tucson. If you are driving from out of town, from the East, you get on I40 and exit south on I17 to Phoenix. Then drive on I10 to Tucson. From San Diego, drive on I8 and then I10 to Tucson.
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City Bus Lines
If you are Tucson-based, use public transport to get there. Routes 6 and 15 will get you within comfortable walking distance from Rillito Park Race Track sports betting establishment. From outside of town, you can use Tufesa, Greyhound and Busbud buses to get to Tucson. Then use public transport or catch a cab to get there. -
Airport Shuttle
Unfortunately, there is no Rillito Park Race Track shuttle service in place from Tucson International Airport. Since the airport is located in the southern part of the city, and the track is the north part, you will need to come to terms with spending a few extra dollars on a cab ride to get there – likely around $15. -
Parking
The Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook parking lot is on the South side of the building. The spacious parking is free and can accommodate thousands of vehicles. For special guests and those willing to pay $5, a valley will park your car in a designated spot, where it will be safe until you return.
About Rillito Park Race Track Hotel
Rillito Park Race Track holds an honorary place in US horse racing history. The track was originally a private endeavor by one Rukin Jelks in 1943. An avid horse lover, Jelks built a straight racing track in his backyard for his horses. Over the following years, the track gained traction in the local community and beyond.
Many of the concepts we see today in Quarter Horse racing originated at the Rillito Park Race Track: photo finish and the chute system, just to name a few. In 1953, a five-eight oval track was built next to the straightway and Thoroughbred race format was introduced. Today, the track faces the threat of closure, prompting local supporters to create the Rillito Park Race Track foundation.
Rillito Park Race Track Amenities
There are two main areas at the Rillito Park Race Track Tucson sportsbook: the grandstand and the clubhouse. Both are near the finish line. The grandstand has a main seating area, two priority rows of seating and special tables in a designated area near the track. A grill stand that sells tasty snacks and various drinks is at the feet of the stand.
The clubhouse consists of a comfortable seating area, restaurant with a dining area, three bars, smoking patio, clubhouse patio and a Winners Circle, the latter two of which are right beside the track. Admission costs $10, but you may have to pay an additional fee to use the prime areas – around $60.
| Accommodation | N/A Hotel Rooms and Suites |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Clubhouse Restaurant, Three Separate Bars, Grill Stands, |
| Bars | 3 Bars, |
| Address | 4502 N 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA |
|---|---|
| info@rillitoracetrack.com | |
| Phone | 520-745-5486 |
| Website | www.rillitoracetrack.com |
FAQ
What sportsbook does Rillito Park Race Track use?
Rillito Park Race Track is race book that offers betting opportunities on on-location live horse races and on simulcasted races from across the country. The season stretches from January to March every year, with over 14 live races held on the track. For the remainder of the year, off-track betting is available every Saturday and Sunday.
How to get free drinks at Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook?
While free drinks are not offered by this establishment, a rich variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshers can be purchased from the bars on the premises. The drinks are affordable and a mandatory addition to the betting experience during the 70-degree day-long betting spells around January and February.
What are Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook opening hours?
During the season, the track stays open every day of the week. In the off-season, normal Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook hours are: Monday – Friday (closed), Saturday and Sunday (10:00 AM – 18:00 PM). Bear in mind that opening hours may change. It is best to contact the establishment before your visit.
Are children allowed at the Rillito Park Race Track sports betting establishment?
All persons below the age of 21 can pay a visit to Rillito Park Race Track and enjoy most of its amenities. However, there are no dedicated child areas, so you won’t be able to leave your child to the attendance of trained professionals.
What types of bets can you make at the Rillito Park Race Track sports book?
You will not feel restricted. The bigger chunk betting package is supported for both on-track and off-track horse races. This includes straight bets like Win, Place, and Show, and exotics like Parlays, Quintella, and Trifecta. The Daily Double and Pick 3 bets are only available for certain races, so you should check with the staff.
What is the Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook address?
Rillito Park Race Track is squeezed between Rillito River and Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson. The address is 4502 N 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85718. GPS coordinates are Latitude: 34.289624; Longitude: -110.960989. You can find details about how to get there in our directions section, or simply scroll back to further up this Rillito Park Race Track sportsbook review.
Are there any other gambling services besides sports betting at Rillito Park Race Track?
Rillito Park Race Track is a venue with firmly establishment traditions in horse racing. As such, it provides a horse betting platform only. The upside is that the experience is unique and the coverage deep. Brick-and-mortar casino lovers can opt to try the nearby El Casino Ballroom, Casino Del Sol, and Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment.
What is the minimum age to visit Rillito Park Race Track sports betting?
To be able to bet on horse racing, you need to be at least 21 years of age, as per Arizona legislature. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t visit or bring your children along with you to Rillito Park. You and your children will still be able to use most of the venue’s amenities.
Disclaimer: In regards to any changes related to the information of sportsbooks, we won't be held responsible if such differences occur. We advise our readers to double-check the official site of the betting location for most accurate information.