Easy Horse Betting Method Could Come to California

It looks like a video game. It contains clips of 250,000 horse races run over the past several years. And, according to the owners of Arkansas' only thoroughbred racing track, it saved the thoroughbred industry there.

Instant Racing, a new way to wager on horse races, is permitted in just two states: Arkansas and Oregon. But California could become the third if a new bill by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, is approved by the Legislature.

AB 2409, which is due for a hearing in August, has drawn the ire of the San Mateo City Council, whose members oppose the idea of expanded gambling at Bay Meadows Racecourse. Proponents argue that the bill will provide a financial boost to California's beleaguered racetracks and stop the flow of talented horses out of the state, as owners and trainers seek bigger paydays at more lucrative venues.

Instant Racing is a game that allows bettors to place wagers on historical races. Built like a self-service betting terminal, but outfitted with flashy graphics, the machines show patrons handicapping information on anonymous 10-horse races, including the winning percentages of the jockeys, trainers and horses involved.

Once they place their bets, customers watch the actual race, with the option of viewing either the entire lap or the final furlong.

Oaklawn introduced Instant Racing machines in 2000 and has watched its revenues grow every year, said Cella, who estimated that purses for Oaklawn's live races will increase from a total of $12 million this year to $15 million in 2007.

July 2, 2006
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!