NYC’s Aqueduct Racetrack to Close After 132 Years, Betting to Remain
New York’s iconic Aqueduct racetrack is closing after more than 130 years as one of America’s most famous courses.
The track held its last race at the weekend, fittingly called “It Was a Good Run”.
While the sound of thoroughbreds tearing around the Big A has stopped, the noise of cheering bettors continues. The Aqueduct racetrack will continue to offer simulcasting services, allowing gamblers to bet in person on televised races.
At a Glance:
- Aqueduct Racetrack has operated since the late 1800s
- It was the scene of celebrated horses, including Seabiscuit
- It has operated as a racino since 2011 following Resorts World NYC opening
- Its fortunes have changed since sports betting was legalized in NY
Highway Harmony celebrates win on Big A’s last day
There was late drama on Aqueduct Racetrack’s final day of racing. Highway Harmony won the $150,000 John Hettinger on Sunday. What’s more, the Amelia-Green-trained horse did it in a record time.
Over 10,000 racegoers celebrated the win on the final day of racing, witnessing a track that has hosted races since 1894.
For local racing fans, the wait for a new track to visit is nearly over. The reconstructed Belmont Park is set to open in September. The Belmont Stakes, one of the biggest races in the U.S. racing calendar, returns there when the track gears up for its full relaunch.
Legalized sports betting still available in NY
New York legalized sports betting sites in 2022, with wagers on football, basketball, and other sports permitted for 18+ fans.
Online sportsbooks don’t offer racebooks. However, you can bet via Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platforms. The New York Racing Association operates its own horse racing betting site, NYRA Bets, and accepts wagers online.
New York betting expansion speeds up closure
The closure of Aqueduct Racetrack has been accelerated by the liberalization of casino gambling in New York State.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo ended caps on casino gambling limits back in 2011. Racinos like Aqueduct — which had slot machines — lobbied to expand into table games.
Resorts World NYC opened in Queens in April, becoming the first casino in New York City to offer table games. The site based at Aqueduct offers over 240 table games, and slot machines are also available.
New York casinos in 2026
- Resorts World New York City (NYC)
- Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
- Empire City Casino (Yonkers Raceway)
New York continues safe gambling maneuvers
The relatively young sports betting industry in New York State is undergoing rapid change.
Last month, lawmakers moved to crack down on gambling advertising that targets an under-18 audience.
Additionally, NY officials are studying whether to introduce biometric ID verification to restrict underage gambling in the state.
