California horse racing, struggling to stay afloat, got a stark reminder how uphill its battle is to add a new form of supplemental income this month when state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta ruled against daily fantasy sweepstakes.
The decision underscored the power of Indigenous tribes when it comes to gambling in California.
Bonta’s ruling upholding tribal sovereignty, in conjunction with rare public comments from an influential tribal leader, puts the idea of Southern California getting Historical Horse Racing machines to bolster purses in worse shape.
The sport has been in decline nationally. Dwindling foal crops, shrinking purses and a stagnant and aging fan base has pointed to California racing being on the edge of extinction.
