Santa Anita unveiled slot-machine-style gambling on past horse races Thursday, hoping it will be California’s answer to the “historical horse racing” gaming that has boosted track revenue and purses in other states.
Fans arriving for the afternoon’s live races saw about two dozen colorful “Racing On Demand” machines on the main floor of the grandstand. Santa Anita had hosts on hand to instruct users but made no public announcement about the new feature on day one.
Because the gambling is parimutuel, with patrons essentially wagering against each other in a common pool instead of against the “house” as at a casino, Santa Anita believes the innovation doesn’t violate the law or California tribal gaming exclusivity.
