California Horse Racing Betting Sites

Advance deposit wagering (online horse racing betting) is legal and regulated in California. State law allows the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to issue ADW licenses to racing associations, fairs, and other qualifying entities.

Below is a complete list of licensed California horse racing betting sites, and readers can visit the CHRB website to confirm each operator’s license.

California Online Racebooks

• Twinspires
• TVG
• Xpressbet
• OffTrackBetting.com
• WatchandWager
• NYRA Bets
• Caesars Racebook
• DK Horse
• Iron Bets Racing

California law requires all operators to apply for licenses from the CHRB. This process includes obtaining a $500,000 surety bond, undergoing a background investigation, and securing agreements with local horse racing associations.

Additional regulations require California horse racing betting sites to document all financial transactions with their customers, submit to on-demand audits, process withdrawals within five business days, and much more.

The demanding licensing process establishes a high level of security for all authorized ADWs, but a few stand out from the rest in terms of overall quality and reputation. BettingUSA recommends the operators above because they have the most experience, handicapping tools, and promos.

For example, TwinSpires is the product of Churchill Downs, the nation’s most iconic racetrack dating back to 1875. The people behind TwinSpires have generations’ worth of experience.

TVG seems young by comparison at just 30 years old, but it too outranks most other ADWs in experience, especially when it comes to delivering odds and horse racing content to fans nationwide.

California Horse Racing Betting Deposits

California horse racing betting sites (ADW’s) accept a standard array of betting deposit methods, ranging from cash at local race tracks (in some cases) to debit cards and electronic bank transfers.

4 CA Code of Regs § 2076 authorizes licensed California ADWs to accept the following payment methods:

• In-person cash deposits
• Personal checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders by mail
• Credit cards and debit cards
• Electronic fund transfers

Additionally, state law requires operators to credit customers horse racing betting accounts immediately upon receipt of payments via cashier’s checks, money orders, and EFTs. Operators must also credit customers’ accounts for deposits made via credit and debit cards as soon as the issuer authorizes the transaction.

California Horse Race Tracks

California has four thoroughbred race tracks and multiple fairgrounds with annual race meets. Every racing facility also offers simulcast wagering on races held in-state and elsewhere. Minors can attend live races in California if accompanied by adults but may not enter dedicated wagering areas.

Del Mar

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, California 92014

Del Mar race track hosts live thoroughbred racing from July through September and November through December. The track boasts dozens of major stakes events, including multiple Breeders’ Stakes Challenge races and the Breeders’ Cup itself some years.

General admission at Del Mar is $8 for adults and free for minors. However, pricing ramps up quickly for premium seating options like trackside tables and the best grandstand viewing areas. Parking is an extra $10 per vehicle.

Trackside restaurant seating requires reservations in advance. Concessions are also available at the racetrack.

Golden Gate Fields

1100 Eastshore Hwy
Berkeley, California 94710

Golden Gate Fields holds live thoroughbred racing from December through June each year, with race days typically spanning Fridays through Sundays. The track also offers simulcast wagering on select days.

Visitors can purchase walk-up general admission tickets for $5 during the week and $6 on weekends but don’t receive guaranteed seats. Self-parking for general admission visitors is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 per vehicle on weekends. Golden Gate Fields also holds Senior Day Fridays, with free admission and $5 parking for visitors 62 or older.

Alternatively, fans can reserve box seats in advance for $15 per adult and no charge for children. Visitors can also purchase Turf Club seats for $20, which include self-parking, reserved seating, and a daily racing program.

Dining options include The Turf Club Restaurant starting at noon and concessions on all floors.

Los Alamitos

4961 E Katella Ave
Los Alamitos, California 90720

The one-mile dirt racetrack at Los Alamitos hosts quarter horse races year-round and thoroughbred racing in September and December. The thoroughbred races occur on weekends with a 2 PM post time, while quarter horse races get underway in the evenings.

Fans can also visit Burgart’s at Los Alamitos for daily simulcast wagering, drinks, 60+ TVs, and pool tables in a classic bar-style atmosphere. Entry is $10, but Burgart’s drops the cover charge after 10 PM on race days.

Meanwhile, the upscale Vessels Club offers fine dining, patio seating overlooking the track, TVs, and pari-mutuel wagering. Entry is $10, and the Vessels Club enforces a dress code.

Los Alamitos is also home to the LA County Fair every mid-June through mid-July.

Santa Anita Park

285 W Huntington Dr
Arcadia, California 91007

Santa Anita Park is another prestigious California race track, with weekend thoroughbred races every September through June. Fans can also visit the track for daily simulcast wagering.

The track also hosts numerous high-profile races every year, including the Santa Anita Derby, the Santa Anita Handicap, the American Oaks, and the American Pharoah Stakes. Santa Anita has also hosted the Breeders’ Cup more times than any other race track.

General admission is free on Fridays and $10 for weekend packages that include parking and a race program. Children always receive free general admission entry. Alternatively, fans can get infield tickets for $5.

Reserved seating starts at $20 for box seats, trackside dining, FrontRunner, and Silks. Reservations include admission, a program, and general parking.

Live Horse Racing at California Fairgrounds

Authorized state and county fairgrounds may conduct horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in California, subject to state law. In addition, fairgrounds may act as off-track betting locations to provide year-round simulcast wagering.

The California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) represents fairgrounds and assists member fairs in various business activities. Readers can visit CARF online to read more and for info on upcoming events.

Alameda County Fairgrounds

4501 Pleasanton Ave
Pleasanton, California 94566

The Alameda County Fair at Pleasanton runs from mid-June through mid-July and offers horse racing at 1:45 PM, Friday through Sunday. In addition, the Alameda County Fairgrounds offers year-round simulcast wagering. General admission is $5, while access to the Turf Club Patio restaurant is $8.

California Exposition & State Fair (Cal Expo)

1600 Exposition Blvd
Sacramento, California 95815

Cal Expo harness races run on Fridays at 6:45 PM and Sundays at 5 PM from mid-November through April. The fair also hosts thoroughbred racing every July.

The Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand offers simulcast wagering year-round, with a $5 admission fee and free parking. Trackside seating is also available at the Clubhouse and Turf Club.

Humboldt County Fair

1250 5th St
Ferndale, California 95536

The Humboldt County Fair hosts two weekends of thoroughbred racing every August, with 2:15 PM post times Friday through Sunday. Fair entry tickets include admission to the races.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds

1350 Bennett Valley Rd
Santa Rosa, California 95404

Each August, the Sonoma County Fair hosts two weekends of thoroughbred racing, with post times of 2:15 PM on Friday and 1:45 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission to the fair’s live races starts at $3 for grandstand seats and $5 for preferred or box seats. That’s in addition to fair admission.

The Sonoma County Fairgrounds suspended simulcast wagering in March 2020 due to COVID-19. It remained closed through 2022 as the facility converted to a testing site, vaccination center, and alternate jury selection location. The Sonoma County OTB remained closed even longer as the fairgrounds underwent a round of renovation projects.

Fresno Fairgrounds

1121 South Chance Ave
Fresno, California 93702

The Big Fresno Fair hosts seven days of live racing over two weekends every October, starting at 1:45 PM each day.

Guests get free first-floor access to the races with fair admission. Reserved seating starts at $6 and increases from there for premium seating at the Turf Club and Luxury Deck.

California Off-Track Betting Locations

California OTB locations may operate on or near county fairgrounds and accept customers 18 or older.

• Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center: 2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster, California 93536
  Simulcast wagering is available at the Turf Club Bar and Grill. Open Wednesday through Sunday, admission is $5 with free parking.
• Fantasy Springs Casino: 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, California 92203
  There is no admission fee for the Triple Crown room. Located inside the casino, simulcast wagering is available Wednesday through Sunday. For players 21 and older, the casino floor has 1,800 slot and video poker machines and 40 table games. The property also has an 18-hole golf course, a 24-lane bowling alley, and multiple dining options.
• Glen Arden Club: 357 Arden Ave, Glendale, California 91203
  The Derby Room at Glen Arden Club offers off-track betting, dining, and drinks. There is no charge for admission. The property also hosts event space, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a hookah patio.
• Hollywood Park Casino: 3383 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, California 90303
  In addition to simulcast betting, the casino offers poker and table games. There are also three bars and one restaurant. Parking fees and availability vary during special events. 
• Monterey County Fairgrounds: 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, California 93940
  The Monterey Bay Race Place is located at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The OTB has food and a full-service bar. Open Thursday through Sunday. Daily admission is $9 or $3 after 3:30 PM, Friday through Sunday. 
• National Orange Show: 930 S Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, California 92408
  Located near the event center is a Derby Room satellite wagering center. The sports bar is a full-service restaurant with more than 60 TVs.
• Pomona at Fairplex: 2201 N White Ave, Pomona, California 91768
  Formerly the Finish Line Sports Grill, Pomona at Fairplex offers off-track wagering. Food and beverage are available at this Los Angeles County Fairground location.
• San Bernardino County Fair: 14800 Seventh St, Victorville, California 92395
  The Derby Room offers off-track wagering at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds. It hosts over 70 TVs, a full bar, food menu, and smoking patio. Open Thursday through Sunday, general admission is $5. Entry is limited to guests 18 years of age and older.
• San Joaquin County Fair: 1658 Airport Way, Stockton, California 95206
  Winners Gaming and Sports Emporium at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds offers simulcast wagering. A $5 general admission grants guests access to the San Joaquin or Champions room with over 100 TVs, concessions, a full bar, and outdoor patio.
• San Mateo Jockey Club: 2495 S Delaware Ave, San Mateo, California 94403
  The Jockey Club is open for simulcast betting from Friday through Sunday. The San Mateo Events Center has a smoking patio, food options, and a bar. General admission is $10.
• Santa Clara County Fairgrounds: 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, California 95111
  Fairdowns OTB is located on the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The facility features more than 100 TVs showing live horse racing and sporting events, a restaurant, and bar.
• Solano County Fairgrounds: 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, California 94589
  Solaro Race Place offers off-track wagering at the Solano County Fairgrounds. The satellite horse racing facility has over 70 TVs, outdoor patios, a restaurant, full bar, and free parking. Open Thursday through Sunday, admission is $6 before 4 PM and $3 after. 
• Southern California Fair & Event Center: 18700 Lake Perris Dr, Perris, California 92571
  The Derby Room offers simulcast betting at the fairgrounds. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, with food and drinks available.
• Ventura County Fairgrounds: 10 West Harbour Blvd, Ventura, California 93001
  The Derby Room offers off-track wagering at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Food and beverages are available.
• Viejas Casino & Turf Club: 5000 Willows Rd, Alpine, California 91901
  In the Oak Ballroom inside the casino, simulcast wagering is offered Wednesday through Sunday. VIP guests can access the Viejas off-track betting area and viewing lounge from Friday through Sunday. In addition, the casino has bingo, electronic table games, slot machines, and table games. Other property amenities include restaurants, outlet shopping, a spa, two hotels, and an RV park. Hotel, casino, and dining guests must be at least 21. The bingo and slot parlor is open to players 18 or older.

California also permits mini-satellite wagering sites subject to additional restrictions, including a minimum age of 21 for entry.

• Commerce Casino: 1621 Telegraph Rd, Commerce, California 90040
  The racebook at Commerce Turf Club is open for simulcast betting Wednesday through Sunday. There is also a 24-hour casino with over 270 table games, a restaurant, and a nine-story 200-room hotel. Casino players must be at least 21 years of age.
• The Derby Room, Sports Grill & Turf Club: 3230 Hamner Ave Unit 402, Norco, California 92860
  Off-track wagering is available at this full-service restaurant and sports bar.
• Firehouse Restaurant: 2905 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield, California 93312 and 7701 White Lane, Bakersfield, California 93309
  Both sports bar locations have billiard tables, bowling lanes, and off-track wagering. 
• Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino: 20930 Malaga Rd, Lake Elsinore, California 92530
  This 24-hour casino deals live poker and table games, while CJs Sports Grill & Turf Club has over 50 TVs airing sports. The racebook is open Wednesday through Sunday. There is also a restaurant and hotel with a pool for overnight guests.
• OC Tavern: 2369 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, California 92672
  The sports bar has more than 60 TVs, live music, food, and simulcast horse wagering with live tellers.
• Sammy’s Restaurant and Bar: 23221 Lake Center Dr, Lake Forest, California 92630
  The off-track betting facility has six cashier counters, over a dozen kiosks, 120 TVs, and multiple betting carrels with individual TVs. Admission and parking are free. Food and drinks are available.
• Santa Clarita Lanes: 21615 Soledad Canyon Rd, Saugus, California 91350
  Off-track betting is available Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the bowling alley has a restaurant and bar.
• Tilted Kilt: 1345 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, California 91362
  The Tilted Kilt sports pub and restaurant located in Thousand Oaks offers off-track betting.

Major California Horse Races

• American Oaks: $ 300,000 purse, open to 3yo fillies, held in late December at Santa Anita Park
• American Pharoah Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 2yo thoroughbreds, held late September at Santa Anita Park
• Awesome Again Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo+ thoroughbreds, held in September at Santa Anita Park
• Beholder Mile Stakes: $500,000 purse, open to 3yo+ fillies and mares, held in March at Santa Anita Park
• Bing Crosby Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in late July at Del Mar
• Clement L Hirsch Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo+ fillies and mares, held in late July or early August at Del Mar
• Del Mar Debutante Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 2yo fillies, held in early September at Del Mar
• Del Mar Futurity: $300,000 purse, open to 2yo thoroughbreds, held in September at Del Mar
• Del Mar Oaks: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo fillies, held in August at Del Mar
• Frank E Kilroe Mile: $500,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in early March at Santa Anita Park
• Gamely Stakes: $400,000 purse, open to 3yo+ fillies and mares, held in late May at Santa Anita Park
• Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes: $400,000 purse, open to 3yo+ thoroughbreds, held in May at Santa Anita Park
• La Brea Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo fillies, held in late December at Santa Anita Park
• Malibu Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in December at Santa Anita Park
• Pacific Classic Stakes: $1,000,000, open to 3yo+ thoroughbreds, held in August at Del Mar
• Rodeo Drive Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 3yo+ fillies and mares, held in early October at Santa Anita Park
• Santa Anita Derby: $400,000 purse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in April at Santa Anita Park
• Santa Anita Handicap: $650,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in early March at Santa Anita Park
• Santa Anita Sprint Championship: $200,000 purse, open to 3yo+ thoroughbreds, held in September at Santa Anita Park
• Shoemaker Mile Stakes: $500,000 purse, open to 3yo+ thoroughbreds, held in late May at Santa Anita Park
• Starlet Stakes: $300,000 purse, open to 2yo fillies, held in early December at Los Alamitos

California Horse Racing Betting Law

California legalized horse racing betting and established the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) via Prop 3 in 1933.

The CHRB oversees all horse racing and wagering throughout the state, with its primary mission being to ensure the integrity, viability, and safety of the state’s horse racing industry. The Board does so by overseeing wagering, breeding, the physical safety of the animals, and the promotion of horse racing.

CHRB officials later expanded the rules to authorize online horse racing betting. As a result, in-person and online racing betting are legal in California for fans 18 or older. However, some facilities attached to casinos enforce a minimum age of 21.

Key California Horse Racing Laws

• Horse Racing and Wagering Law: CA Bus & Prof Code §§ 19400-19668
• California Advance Deposit Wagering Law: CA Bus & Prof Code § 19604
• California Horse Racing Regulations: 4 CA Code of Regs
• California Advance Deposit Wagering Regulations: 4 CA Code of Regs Art. 26
• Pending & Recently Approved Regulations: See CHRB Website

California Greyhound Racing Betting

California has not formally legalized greyhound racing betting.

However, in 1919, the country’s first commercial greyhound track opened in Emeryville despite a lack of a legal framework for greyhound racing. Emeryville’s track was also the first to use mechanical lures, which fans generally found more palatable than live lures.

Law enforcement officials shut down California’s first greyhound track after only a short time in operation, and that effectively put an end to California’s greyhound industry.

Proponents initiated referendums to regulate greyhound betting in 1946 and 1976, but voters rejected both.

Live greyhound betting remains prohibited in California, but fans of the sport may wager on greyhounds through licensed ADWs that cover greyhound tracks elsewhere.

California Horse Racing Betting FAQ