A primary pari-mutuel state, Florida leads the country in greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing and is the only state to offer live Jai Alai. If you enjoy watching and wagering on a horse or greyhound then cheering it down the backstretch Tampa has you covered with not one, but two great venues: Tampa Bay Downs and TGT Poker & Racebook in Seminole Heights.
TGT Poker & Racebook - (8300 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa) – Ranking among the largest pari-mutuel sites for off-track betting on horses, dogs, and Jai Alai offers poker and poker tournaments. Known as the ‘Friendliest Card Room in Tampa Bay’ if you are new to the game reserve a table, invite eight friends and learn to play for free! Open Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am-2:00 am and Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-3:00 am wagering is accessible from the card room. Food is available tableside in the Card Room and in the Racebook. TGT is a smoke-free facility so grab a friend, head over to play cards or to cheer on your pari-mutuel winners!
Tampa Bay Downs (11225 Race Track Road, Tampa) – Celebrating their 90th birthday "The friendliest little track in America," evolved into a premier multi-entertainment destination. The opposite of ‘little’, at Tampa Bay Downs you can wager on pari-mutuels, enjoy Silks Poker Room, or perfect your swing and short-game on the 22 acre Golf Complex. Live horse racing begins November 26th through June 30th, 2016 on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or follow the tote boards and televisions in the simulcast area year-round. Be sure to stop into Legends Bar for the famous Seabiscuit exhibit, Seabiscuit captivated Depression-era racing fans with his rags-to-riches. When you are done pull up a stool and share a burger, hot dog, salad, or wings with a cold one!
Opening in 2003 Silk’s Poker Room sponsors multi-table tournaments while providing premier services like tableside massages, dining and exceptional views from every table. Check out the Promos and Tourney Calendars for more. Ready to pony up to the bar for signature cocktails, craft beers and yummy food or need to plan an event? Riders Up!, the Metro Deli, Sports Gallery, Skye Terrace Dining Room, Silks Bar and Grille and Legends Bar, named for past fans of The Downs Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and John Ringling, cater to everything from a hot dog and a beer for handicappers to fine food with a great view!
If you want to catch the ponies live as well as simulcast grandstand admission is free for weekday racing and $3 for weekend racing. Clubhouse admission is $3. General and preferred parking are free any day and valet is $5. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and post time for the first race is 12:25 p.m. The Silks Poker Room opens daily, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. The Range opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes daily at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. Odds are you are going to love Tampa Bay Downs!
We are fortunate in Tampa to have great choices to watch, wager and rein in Pari-Mutuel fun while enjoying great food, cold beers, sweet drinks and our friends! See you at the races!
