Californian Race Wagering

Pari-mutuel wagering in California consists of live horse racing and simulcasting.

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel betting at licensed California racetracks.

The CHRB was established in 1933 as an independent agency of the State of California. The CHRB watches over authorized California horse races to protect the public from fraudulent operations. The CHRB also acts as a liaison with other states' horse racing boards and helps facilitate offtrack betting with other racetracks.

Wagering options include telephone and online wagering on horse races taking place in California by anyone in any state with any OTB in any state.

In November 2004, Proposition 68, which would have placed 30,000 gaming devices at 16 racetracks in exchange for 25% of their revenue, was rejected by the voters.

In May 2005, legislation was passed that set 1 January 2008 as the date by which any association that operates four weeks of continuous thoroughbred racing in a calendar year must have a polymer synthetic-type racing surface.

In December 2008, the CHRB approved offtrack betting expansion. The expansion included allowing offtrack betting in card rooms, sports bars and other facilities around the state.

In April 2013, the CHRB created an Ad Hoc Committee on Racing and Marketing Initiatives to work with the industry on creative ways to enhance the sport in California.