If you’re a fan of sports betting living in California, you’ll know that it’s a bit tricky with the legal framework. Still, despite all of this, betting on horse racing in California is a pretty popular pastime – and the state does, indeed, offer a variety of legal ways to enjoy some of the action.

So, whether you’re new to the world of horse racing or you’re looking for ways to expand your betting options, you need to make sure you understand the legal landscape – and how you navigate those horse racing odds and bets safely and legitimately.

The Legal Framework Surrounding Horse Racing Betting in California

First, let’s look at the laws that currently surround horse racing in the state. Well, in California, parimutuel betting on horse racing is legal – and it has been since 1933, following a voter referendum.

This is a system that pools all bets together and the payouts will then be determined by the total amount that’s been wagered and the odds that have been assigned to each horse. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), which was established in the same year, is responsible for overseeing and regulating all horse racing and betting activities in the State.

Betting Options Available

So, with that being said, Californians have a number of avenues available to them to place bets on the horses:

On-Track Betting: If you actually attend a live race at one of California’s racetracks, then you’ll be able to bet on those races directly. Some of the best venues to visit include:

Santa Anita Park: This track is located in Arcadia – and is one of the most famous tracks in the country.

Del Mar Racetrack: Found near San Diego, this is a track that offers plenty of races, especially in the summer.

Golden Gate Fields: This track serves the San Francisco Bay Area with races taking place all throughout the year.

Satellite Betting Facilities: If you can’t get to a live race, or it’s just not convenient, California also offers a number of off-track betting (OTB) sites. These basically broadcast live races from the various tracks – and let you place your bets remotely. An example of this is the Surfside Race Place, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Advance-Deposit Wagering (ADW): With this method, you can put money into your account in advance and then place your bets either online or via phone. California legalized this form of betting back in 2002 and there are a number of licensed providers who operate within the state.

How to Choose an ADW Platform

When you’re looking to choose an ADW platform, here are the main factors you need to consider:

Licensing and Regulation: Make sure the site is licensed by the CHRB so you’re confident that it’s compliant with all state regulations.

User Experience: Does it have a user-friendly interface? You want to enjoy a great betting experience that makes it easy to navigate races and place your bets.

Betting Options: Look at those that offer a decent selection of betting types – including exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and daily doubles etc.

Promotions and Rewards: Go for a platform that offers things like bonuses, promotions, or loyalty programs so you get great value for money.

The Different Bet Types

Before starting, you need to make sure you’re familiar with the most common wagering options:

Win: Betting on the horse to finish first.

Place: Betting on your horse to finish either first or second.

Show: Betting on a horse to finish first, second, or third.

Exacta: Predicting the first and second-place horses in the exact order.

Trifecta: Predicting the first, second, and third place horses in the exact order.

Superfecta: Trying to predict the first four finishers in the exact order.

Responsible Gambling

Before getting started, you need to make sure you always bet responsibly:

Set a Budget: Decide how much you want to bet – and stick to that limit.

Stay Informed: Read up on horses, jockeys, trainers, and track conditions so you can make more informed bets.

Don’t Chase Losses: Losses are all part of betting – so accept them and don’t try to recoup them through big, impulsive bets.

The great news is that betting on horse racing in California is both legal and accessible. You just need to do your research, gamble responsibly and have fun.