Arlington Heights Things to Do Tips by deecat

Wagering on the Races at Arlington

I think that horse racing is one of the most excing sports because it features the beauty of these magnificent thoroughbreds, their speed and strength, and the agility of the jockeys.

Horse racing can also be a way to make some bucks if you know how to wager.
When you go to the teller's window, do this:

1. First, tell what track you are wagering on (Arlington Park simulcasts racing from all over the world!)

2. Give the race number (there are usually 9 or 10 races)

3. Give the amount of the wager.

4. Give the type of wager

5. Give the number or numbers of the horse(s) you are wagering on.

Here's an example:

"At Arlington Park, in the 2nd race, I would like $2.00 to win on Number 8."

You can wager any of these types:

Win: you collect only if your horse finishes 1st.

Place: you collect if your horse finished second or first.

Show: you collect if your horse finishes 3rd, 2nd, or 1st. (conservative bet, pays the least)

Across the Board:
Betting an equal win, place and show bet on your horse. You collect the show payoff if your selection runs 3rd; the place & show payoff if your horse runs 2nd; and all 3 payoffs if your horse wins.
(I often use this one, $2.00 show, place, win so it costs $6.00)

My husband Allan plays the Daily Double (picks the winners of 2 consecutive races...pays pretty big); Trifectas (he selects the 1st 3 horses to cross the finish line in exact order...pays big); Boxed Superfectas he selects the 1st four horses to cross the finish line in exact order but because he boxed it, they can come in 1,2,3,4, in any order (more expensive but pays big.)

Arlington just started a Dime Trifecta Box, which only costs $2.40. (it pays 1/10 of what a Dollar Box Trifecta pays. This is the one that I use.

Don't be intimidated. After awhile, you'll get acquainted with all the "lingo" and do just fine.

See the Races from the Wonderful Million Room

Click the photo to get a great view.
Top photo: entrance to the Million Room with it Green and White motif.
Bottom Photo: inside Million Room looking out on the race track

We always watch the races from the Million Room which is on the 4th level and has a glorious view of the track, is air-conditioned, has personal monitors at the tables, and serves drinks and lunch/dinner.

This is by reservation. We usually call a week in advance, but we've been able to get in on a day's notice also.

The advantages are many. It costs $5.00 seating charge because you have a personal monitor, the lines here are not long, you have clean, nearly empty bathrooms, and it's air conditioned.

You do not have to eat; most people do. See my restaurant tip. The food is excellent.

You can walk out on the balcony on the other side and see the horses and jockeys as they prepare for the next race.

We go to the Million Room because it is so relaxing. When you are outside in the summer, by the last race, you find yourself exhausted.

Directions: Located on level four

Phone: 1(847)385-7410

Go Out to the Paddock Area

I recommend that you go outside to the Paddock area to see the horses and jockeys up close. You can see the size of the horse, how calm or skittish the horse is, if the horse is wearing blinders or not, and if his/her legs are taped.

Also, if you love horses, you will simply enjoy seeing these beautiful creatures.

The Paddock Area is the area where the Jockey and the Horse Meet up before the race. The Jockey's Quarters are to the left of the Paddock Area.

The one in the photo is a gray roan named Fort Prado who was running in the 7th race on Memorial Day when we were there. It is the horse that won the race, ironically.
I just happened to take this photo BEFORE the race to have an example of a horse.

Directions: Paddock Area