California Horse Racing – Tracks, Events & Wagering Info

Horse racing betting is legal in California under a regulated pari-mutuel wagering system. Unlike most other forms of sports betting, which remain restricted at the state level, horse racing operates under long-standing statutory authorization.

For a broader overview of legal betting options in the state, visit our California sportsbooks guide.

This page explains how horse racing betting works in California, what wagering options are permitted, and how pari-mutuel betting differs from fixed-odds sports betting.

Is Horse Racing Betting Legal in California?

Yes. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in California at licensed racetracks and approved wagering facilities.

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) regulates live racing, simulcast wagering, and advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms operating within state guidelines.

However, traditional statewide online sports betting has not been authorized. For more on the broader legal landscape, see Is Sports Betting Legal in California?.

How Pari-Mutuel Betting Works in California

California uses a pari-mutuel wagering system, meaning:

• All wagers of the same type are placed into a shared betting pool.
• The track deducts a percentage (known as the takeout).
• The remaining funds are distributed among winning bettors.

Unlike fixed-odds betting, payouts are not locked in when the wager is placed. Final odds are determined by the total amount bet on each horse prior to post time.

Because wagering pools remain open until the race begins, odds can shift in the minutes leading up to the start.

Types of Horse Racing Bets Available

Licensed California racetracks and wagering platforms offer standard horse racing bet types.

Win, Place, and Show

• Win: The horse must finish first.
• Place: The horse must finish first or second.
• Show: The horse must finish in the top three.

These bets are the most straightforward and are tied directly to the horse’s final finishing position.

Exotic Wagers

More complex wagering options may include:

• Exacta: Select the first- and second-place finishers in exact order.
• Trifecta: Select the first three finishers in exact order.
• Superfecta: Select the first four finishers in exact order.
• Daily Double: Pick the winners of two consecutive races.
• Pick 3 / Pick 4: Select winners across multiple consecutive races.

Exotic wagers generally offer larger potential payouts but involve lower probability outcomes.

Major California Racetracks

California is home to several prominent racetracks that host live meets and simulcast wagering.

Major venues include:

• Santa Anita Park (Arcadia)
• Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Del Mar)
• Los Alamitos Race Course (Cypress)
• Golden Gate Fields (historically in Northern California)

These facilities conduct seasonal meets and also offer wagering on out-of-state races through simulcast agreements.

Racing calendars vary by season, with thoroughbred, harness, and quarter horse events held at different times of year.

Simulcast and Interstate Wagering

California law permits licensed facilities to offer simulcast wagering on races conducted in other states.

This allows bettors to wager on nationally significant events such as:

• Kentucky Derby
• Preakness Stakes
• Belmont Stakes

For additional background, see our guide to the Triple Crown.

Simulcast wagering expands betting access beyond local racing meets and contributes to larger wagering pools.

Online Horse Racing Betting in California

California permits online horse racing wagering through licensed advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms that operate in compliance with state regulations.

These platforms allow users to fund accounts and place pari-mutuel bets remotely on live and simulcast races.

Because statewide online sports betting is not currently authorized, horse racing remains one of the primary regulated online wagering options available to California residents.

For general betting guidance in the state, see our How to Bet in California page.

Age and Regulatory Requirements

To place pari-mutuel wagers in California, individuals must:

• Be at least 18 years old (subject to venue or platform requirements)
• Comply with identity verification procedures

The California Horse Racing Board oversees licensing, compliance, and wagering regulations.

Responsible gambling measures, including voluntary self-exclusion programs, may be available through participating operators.

Differences Between Horse Racing and Sports Betting in California

Horse racing wagering occupies a distinct legal category under California law.

Key differences include:

• Horse racing betting is authorized under pari-mutuel statutes.
• Traditional statewide sports betting has not been legalized.
• Oversight is handled by the California Horse Racing Board rather than a general sports wagering authority.

Because of this separate regulatory framework, horse racing has maintained legal continuity even as broader sports betting proposals have faced voter rejection.

The Future of Betting Legislation in California

Sports betting initiatives have appeared on statewide ballots but have not yet resulted in legalization.

Horse racing remains one of the most established and regulated forms of wagering in California.

Future legislative efforts may revisit broader betting expansion, but pari-mutuel horse racing currently operates under a defined and active regulatory structure.