Published on: January 16, 2026, 02:52h.

Updated on: January 16, 2026, 02:52h.

• Santa Anita Park introduces gaming machines resembling slots at the popular California racetrack
• Historical horse racing (HHR) machines are based on prior horse races
• California tribes claim Santa Anita is infringing on their exclusive slot machine rights

California tribal leaders have raised concerns regarding historical horse racing (HHR) gaming machines after the state’s renowned racetrack unveiled over 26 slot-like terminals.

Recently, Santa Anita Park, famous for hosting the Breeders’ Cup and Santa Anita Derby, activated 26 HHR gaming machines, allowing patrons to place bets on past horse races.

Referred to as racing on demand, these terminals, branded as “Final Stretch,” offer a unique parimutuel wagering experience. Participants wager $1 on a three-by-three format, where the details of the races remain concealed. Players select their horses based on the original odds from the race day.

The machines then simulate race outcomes, and winning payouts depend on how well the player’s selected horses perform relative to the established parimutuel odds.

“These are the same legal horse racing bets that have been available at California racetracks for years, including existing multi-race wagers, all governed by the same rules and oversight,” stated Scott Daruty, senior vice president of the Los Angeles Turf Club. “We’re merely offering it on-demand instead of waiting for specific race schedules. This provides fans the chance to bet at their convenience.”

The newly introduced gaming machines replaced the previous Horse Wizard Lounge located on the grandstand’s ground level. These HHR machines were crafted by PariMAX, a division of The Stronach Group (1/ST), which also owns the racetrack.

1/ST further manages the Elite Turf Club, a computer-assisted wagering platform, the Xpressbet betting system, and venues like Gulfstream Park in Florida and the Maryland Jockey Club.

Tribal Opposition

The rise of HHR and on-demand racing machines challenges the distinction between parimutuel betting and casino gaming, the latter being regulated by federally recognized tribes in California. Tribal representatives expressed their disapproval of the new HHR gaming terminals at Santa Anita.

“This creates a direct conflict with the tribes,” commented Victor Rocha, conference chair of the Indian Gaming Association, to the Los Angeles Times. “They understand the implications of their actions; they are highly intelligent, yet this is gambling. There will be political repercussions.”

Rocha emphasized that HHR machines should be classified as gambling games rather than parimutuel, as defined legally in California.

“If illegal gambling machines were placed in a liquor store, that establishment would be shut down. If Santa Anita is operating illegal machines, they should be forced out of business. California did not agree to racinos,” Rocha stated.

He further remarked that the current trend in gambling mirrors issues with sweepstakes casinos and online prediction markets, indicating a spiraling insanity regarding gaming regulations.

“Everyone is seeking loopholes. This is undoubtedly a breach of state compacts,” Rocha concluded.

Legality of HHR 

Several states with HHR gaming have enacted legislation to permit these machines, including Kentucky and Virginia. Other states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, have also established HHR laws.