Betting On OTB California Online

California has been one of the hotspots for horse racing in the United States for decades. Some of the biggest racing events in the world happen in this state, ranging from high-profile Breeders' Cup events to vital prep races for the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

The Breeders’ Cup has a long and celebrated history in California, which has hosted the championship more often than any other state. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia leads the way with a record eleven editions, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic racetracks in the world. Hollywood Park, before its demolition in 2015, also contributed to that legacy by staging three memorable runnings. In recent years, Del Mar has emerged as a marquee Breeders’ Cup venue as well, with its seaside setting providing a distinctive West Coast atmosphere. Together, Santa Anita and Del Mar ensure that California remains at the heart of the Breeders’ Cup rotation.

California is home to a plethora of OTB venues which offer pari-mutuel wagering services throughout the year. Read on to find out where they are!

OTB California Betting Sites

When you're unable to make it to the track, offshore racebooks provide an easy way to get in on the action for all of the biggest horse racing events in California. The best betting sites cater to their patrons by offering a solid array of bonuses and rebates, in addition to secure racing services. Here are five of our trusted partner offshore racebooks:

California Horse Race Tracks

The Alameda County Fairgrounds, located in Pleasanton near the San Francisco Bay, is home to the oldest one-mile racetrack in the United States. Built in 1858, the Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack remains an active venue during the annual Alameda County Fair, continuing a legacy that stretches back more than 160 years. While its racing calendar is limited to the summer fair meet, the track’s historic character makes it a treasured part of California’s racing heritage.

The centerpiece of California racing, however, is Santa Anita Park. Originally part of Rancho Santa Anita, the track opened on December 25, 1934, in Arcadia and quickly set new standards for the sport. Just a few months later, in February 1935, Santa Anita hosted the inaugural Santa Anita Handicap, the first Thoroughbred race in the United States to carry a $100,000 purse. Since then, Santa Anita has become synonymous with top-class racing, hosting many of the state’s premier events and regularly welcoming the Breeders’ Cup.

California Horse Races

The Santa Anita Handicap, known as the “Big Cap,” was the first marquee Thoroughbred race in California and quickly established itself as one of the state’s signature events. In 1940, the legendary Seabiscuit capped his career with a dramatic victory in the Big Cap, a moment that cemented the race’s place in American sporting history. Over the decades, it has drawn some of the finest horses, trainers, and jockeys in the world. While the race retains its prestigious Grade 1 status, the purse has been reduced in recent years and currently stands at $300,000, reflecting broader shifts in the California racing landscape. Even so, the Big Cap remains one of the most tradition-rich events at Santa Anita Park and a cornerstone of the West Coast racing calendar.

The Breeders’ Cup remains one of the crown jewels of international horse racing, and California continues to play a central role in its history. In recent years, the event has rotated between Santa Anita Park and Del Mar, with Del Mar set to host the 2025 edition on October 31 and November 1. Today, the Breeders’ Cup features 14 Grade 1 championship races spread over two days, with purses ranging from $1 million to $6 million. These races consistently attract the top Thoroughbreds, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe.

The road to the Kentucky Derby also runs prominently through California. Santa Anita Park is home to the Santa Anita Derby, one of the nation’s most influential prep races for three-year-olds. The Grade 1 event currently offers a $500,000 purse and awards 100 Derby qualifying points to the winner, ensuring that it continues to shape the Kentucky Derby field year after year.

Off Track Betting in California

Off track betting in California takes place under the authority of the California Horse Racing Board, which was created by the state in 1933. As an independent body, they sanction horse racing and wagering activity surrounding these competitions. OTB betting locations allow you to legally enjoy gambling when you're unable to attend the facility that's running the race.

As of 2025, the following locations are licensed by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to offer simulcast/off-track betting:

  • Antelope Valley Fair, Lancaster
  • Commerce Casino, City of Commerce
  • The Derby Room, Sports Grill & Turf Club, Norco
  • Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio
  • Firehouse Restaurant, Bakersfield
  • Glen Arden Club, Glendale
  • Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood
  • Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino, Lake Elsinore
  • Lake Perris Sports Pavilion, Perris
  • Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona
  • Monterey County Fair, Monterey
  • National Orange Show, San Bernardino
  • OC Tavern, San Clemente
  • Sammy's Restaurant and Bar, Mission Viejo
  • San Bernardino County Fair, Victorville
  • San Joaquin County Fair, Stockton
  • San Mateo Events Center, San Mateo
  • Santa Clara County Fair, San Jose
  • Santa Clarita Lanes, Santa Clarita
  • Solano County Fair, Vallejo
  • Tilted Kilt, Thousand Oaks
  • Ventura County Fair, Ventura
  • Viejas Casino & Turf Club, Alpine

Disclaimer: Several of these facilities operate as “mini-satellite wagering sites,” which provide limited simulcast services compared to full-scale OTB venues. Operating hours and amenities may vary.