Santa Anita Park just rolled out a bold new way to gamble on horse racing, turning heads with machines that let fans bet on past races like slot machines. This “Racing On Demand” setup launched quietly on Thursday, promising to pump up track earnings without breaking California’s strict gaming laws. But will it save the struggling industry or spark legal fights?
Fans showed up for Thursday’s live races at Santa Anita Park and spotted something fresh on the grandstand’s main floor. About two dozen bright “Racing On Demand” machines stood ready, offering bets on old horse races in a slot-machine style. Track hosts helped newcomers figure out how to play, but there was no big announcement or fanfare on day one.
This move marks California’s push into historical horse racing gaming, a trend that’s already lifting tracks in places like Kentucky and Virginia. The machines, built by PariMAX, let players wager on random past races using a “Three by Three” bet approved by state regulators back in 2024. It’s all parimutuel, meaning bettors pool their money and share winnings, just like traditional horse bets.
The launch ties into Santa Anita’s winter meet, with live racing underway. Officials hope it draws more crowds and cash, especially after tough years marked by horse deaths and falling attendance. One fan told reporters it felt like a casino thrill mixed with racing nostalgia, betting on races from years ago without knowing the winners upfront.
Why This Could Change Horse Racing in California
Horse racing in California has faced rough times, with tracks closing and revenues dropping. Santa Anita, a historic spot in Arcadia, saw 30 horse deaths in 2019 alone, leading to safety reforms and public outcry. Now, this new gaming option aims to turn things around by copying successful models from other states.
In Kentucky, historical horse racing machines have generated billions, boosting purses for races and keeping tracks alive. Virginia tracks report similar wins, with handle – that’s the total bets placed – jumping 20% in some spots. California officials believe “Racing On Demand” can do the same here, without needing new laws since it’s tied to existing parimutuel rules.
Industry leaders say it’s a smart fix. A recent report from the Thoroughbred Daily News noted that these terminals could add millions to Santa Anita’s bottom line. But not everyone’s sold. Some worry it blurs the line between racing and slots, potentially upsetting tribal casinos that hold exclusive gaming rights in the state.
Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up:
| State | HHR Revenue Boost | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Over $2 billion yearly | Higher purses, more jobs |
| Virginia | 20% handle increase | Track expansions |
| California (projected) | Millions in new funds | Stabilize racing scene |
This table shows the potential, based on data from state gaming commissions through 2025.
Legal Hurdles and Tribal Concerns
The big question is legality. California tribes have a lock on casino-style gaming, thanks to voter-approved deals. But Santa Anita argues “Racing On Demand” is different because it’s parimutuel, not house-banked like slots. No direct odds against the track, just players versus players.
State regulators, including the California Horse Racing Board, gave the green light after reviewing the setup. They point to the 2024 approval of the “Three by Three” wager as the foundation. Still, critics fear lawsuits. Tribal leaders have stayed quiet so far, but past fights over gaming expansions suggest tension could build.
One legal expert, speaking anonymously, said the parimutuel angle might hold up in court. It’s not about beating the house; it’s about shared pools from past races. Players pick symbols tied to horse finishes, with results revealed after the bet, mimicking a quick race replay.
Fan Reactions and Future Outlook
Early users at Santa Anita mixed excitement with confusion. Some loved the fast-paced action, dropping quarters or dollars for instant thrills. Others missed the live race vibe, calling it a gimmick. On social media, posts buzzed about the launch, with racing fans sharing photos of the machines.
Track officials plan to expand if it catches on. They might add more terminals or tweak the games based on feedback. For now, it’s limited to the grandstand, but success could spread to other California tracks like Golden Gate Fields, if it survives its own closure threats.
Looking ahead, this could mean bigger purses for jockeys and trainers, drawing top horses back to the state. A 2025 study by the Jockey Club found that higher earnings keep the sport competitive, with California lagging behind East Coast hubs. Fans might see better races, but only if the revenue flows as hoped.
One thing’s clear: this innovation taps into a growing trend where tracks blend old-school racing with modern gaming to survive.
Santa Anita’s dive into “Racing On Demand” could be the lifeline California’s horse racing needs, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement to fight declining crowds and cash. It tackles real problems like low revenues and legal limits, offering hope for a sport that’s thrilled fans for decades.
