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.
Pocatello Downs Sportsbook Review
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor
Updated: September 18, 2024
With its shorter schedule and unique history, Pocatello Downs in Pocatello, Idaho, offers a great experience for horse racing fans. Our team of experts has carefully examined it, checking details on the track’s condition, post-times, and more. Read on to learn more about one of Idaho’s top racetracks.
Pocatello Downs
| Official Name | Pocatello Downs |
|---|---|
| Type | Racetrack |
| Full address | 10560 Fairgrounds Rd, Pocatello, ID 83202, USA |
| Rating: |
Pocatello Downs Sportsbook
Sports betting is illegal in Idaho, but you can still bet on horse racing at Pocatello racebooks. Pocatello Downs is one of the most popular ones as, aside from its simulcast events, it has live events during the summer. These include Bitterroot Futurity for younger horses, Speed Index Stakes for horses with a speed index of 89 or less, and more.
Popular Sports to Bet at Pocatello Downs
| Horse Racing | Thoroughbred |
|---|---|
| ...and many more | |
What Types of Bets Can I Make at Pocatello Downs?
Pocatello Downs provides an extensive selection of betting options, similar to the top Idaho sportsbooks. Aside from standard ones like place and win, you can place trifecta bets, where you guess the exact order of the top three. You can also try daily double, wagering on the winner of two consecutive races, or pick 4 where you guess the top 4 horses in any order.
Pocatello Downs Sportsbook Details
Entrance fees for the Pocatello Downs racetrack vary, so it’s best to check their schedule. For example, they might organize a Mother’s Day event where mothers and kids can enter for free. The racebook is typically open from 8 am to 5 pm during the week. Meanwhile, live races usually occur from May to September, although exact dates vary.
| Open Hours | Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 17:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Betting Operator | N/A |
| Live Betting | Not Available |
| Mobile Betting App | Not Available |
| Simulcast/Off-Track Betting Offered | Yes |
| Betting Limits | N/A |
| Gambling Legal Age | 18+ |
| Seating Places | 1500 |
| Entrance Fee | No Entrance Fee |
| Number of Screens/Info Tables | N/A |
Explore Pocatello Downs
Although Pocatello Downs only has a few quarter and thoroughbred events, there are a few other things you can try. The racetrack is next to the Bannock County Event Center, which frequently hosts concerts.. The fairgrounds also feature feature car shows, food stands, and inflatables during events, so visitors of all ages can participate.
Pocatello Downs Racetrack
The Pocatello Downs race track is a mile long with a dirt surface. As the most common surface type in the US, it's popular among jockeys as it's less affected by weather. It's also preferred by players as horses have more consistent performances, making wagers more reliable. While it's not as comfortable for the horses as turf tracks, the races are faster.
| Length of The Track | 1 Mile |
|---|---|
| Types of Races | Thoroughbred |
| Types of Bets | Win, Place, Exacta, Quinella |
| Capacity/Seating Places | 1500 |
| Race Schedule | Can be seen on Facebook |
| Entries and Results | www.winningponies.com |
| Entrance Fee | $2 Entrance Fee |
Casino at Pocatello Downs
Unfortunately, there aren't any slots or table games available at the Pocatello Downs sportsbook. There isn't a casino zone, as the place offers only off-track betting on a rich selection of horse racing events. The whole property is more focused on the racetrack and the events center.
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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 Pocatello Downs?
If you start your trip at Twin Falls, you need to head east and get onto I-84 E from Jerome County. Then, follow the road for 39 miles and then left to get onto I-86 E. Keep following i-86 until you reach i-15, drive along it, and then turn left at Pocatello Creek Road. After a mile, turn left again at Olympus Drive and turn left again when you reach Fairground Drive. Follow the road to reach the track.
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City Bus Lines
The nearest bus stops are Olympus at Fairway and Highland High School. You can travel using bus C or E, but keep in mind that bus E doesn't stop at Olympus at Fairway. Fortunately, both bus stops are easily accessible for people with disabilities.
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Airport Shuttle
The Pocatello Regional Airport is only 10 miles away from Pocatello Downs, but there isn't a shuttle service to the track. As usual, you can find a car rental company at the airport. You can also call a taxi, and if you're staying at a hotel like the Red Lion Hotel, there are shuttle services.
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Parking
The racetrack has a parking lot with 150 spots, so you may need to get there early if you're traveling by car. However, it also has an RV park with 120 spots. The RV park has all the necessary amenities, such as a bathhouse and restrooms, so you can get refreshed.
About Pocatello Downs Hotel
Pocatello Downs is a racetrack with a racebook located on the Bannock County Fairgrounds. The current track has been around since 1964, although a separate one was built closer to the airport before being abandoned in 1968. Pocatello Downs can seat up to 1500 people, hosting live events throughout the summer. As it is located on the fairgrounds, you can also catch other events, such as car shows and rodeos.
Pocatello Downs Amenities
Unfortunately, there aren't any dining options at Pocatello Downs. You will have to go into town and find a restaurant or store if you're looking for food and drinks. However, if you visit during event days, such as on 4th of July, you can find food trucks and bars. The RV park also allows tents, so campers have decent options.
| Accommodation | N/A Hotel Rooms |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | N/A, |
| Bars | N/A, |
| Address | 10560 Fairgrounds Rd, Pocatello, ID 83202, USA |
|---|---|
| pocdownsracing@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 208-989-8618 |
| Website | www.facebook.com |
| Social Networks | Facebook, YouTube |
Our Opinion About Pocatello Downs
In our opinion, the Pocatello Downs provides a great experience for fans of horse racing. While it doesn't have many amenities, with food stalls only available during events, it has live races during the summer, with its stands also being recently refurbished. If Pocatello Downs wishes to provide further details or corrections, they can always contact us.FAQ
What types of bets can you make at Pocatello Downs?
As Pocatello Downs focused on its OTB, you can expect a decent selection of betting options. For example, you can place win bets or try the daily double, where you try to guess the winner of two consecutive races. Make sure you check the statistics for each horse to make better predictions.
What amenities and entertainment options does Victoryland offer?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many other amenities at Pocatello Downs. The Bannock County Event Center frequently hosts concerts, while the fairgrounds also host events like fairs and rodeos. They even have food stalls, although there is no permanent restaurant. However, the RV park has a bathhouse and allows you to camp with tents.
What is the minimum age to visit Victoryland sportsbook?
While discussing the Pocatello Downs details, we mentioned that anyone can visit and watch the races. However, to place bets you will need to be at least 18 years old according to Idaho gambling laws. If you’re underage, you can instead visit the event center or catch any of the other events at the fair.
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.