CA OTB Sorely Lacking

[Jeff P]

I recently relocated from Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA.

Last weekend I made my first trip to the Surfside Race Place at Del Mar (about 12 miles from my new digs) where they offer wagering on simulcast races.

Although the facility was first class I was sorely disappointed/appalled at what I found-

First, even though there was no live racing going on, admission was $5.00 and $6.00 a head, depending on where you wanted to sit.

Then I found out that while you could bet the full card at SA and GG- the California tracks- they were only accepting bets on selected races from the other tracks that they chose to carry that day.

Example: AQU races 6-9 only. LRL races 8-9 only. FG races 3-10 only. GP races 3-10 only. No other tracks. No other races. Period.

This to me seems backward and archaic. Even in Arizona where I came from you can bet the full card from the dozen or so tracks that they carry each day.

It sure looks like I'm going to have to get myself a phone account.

So my question is this? What other options are there for California players? Any guidance in the area of recommending a reliable phone or internet betting service available to California residents would be most helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thx.

[SAL]

The limit on out of state races at the off track facilities is 20, I believe. I myself have given up on going to the races live anymore, what with $6 parking, $3 admission, another $6 for the clubhouse, $2 for a program, and $5 for the form. I use Youbet for all my internet betting, it's selection of tracks can't be beat by any other pari-mutuel outfit. And if you have broadband the video quality is damn good.

[howardjim]

Another thumbs up on YouBet which I've used for over a year with
broadband.Either via their site or Verizon's servers there have been a few times a connection was delayed.If getting shut out is
not an option,a second A/C,America Tab/TSN works well,is a reasonable precaution.

[DJofSD]

First, welcome to San Diego.

Surfside is located on the grounds of the 22nd agriculture district. They lease the racing facilities to the DMTC for the summer meeting. The 22nd runs the Surfside. It's two different organizations involved in the racing related activites.

Here's the URL for Surfside: http://www.surfsideraceplace.com/

The admission is $3.00 for general admission. The $6.00 is for admission to the Saddle Club which is roughly the equivalent to the Turf Club for live racing. Additional bucks will get you a program. But if all you want to do is watch the races and wager, $3.00 is the price.

On the weekend, there are other activities at the fairgrounds. Parking is $7.00. Tell them you are going to satelite wagering. They'll give you a different chit which you exchange at the ticket both for admission and a program. Obviously it costs more on the weekend since you can't park for free and just pay the $3.00 you'd normally pay during the week when the parking is free.

You can park elsewhere and hoof it in. Do not park in the lots of the nearby hotels or resturants. Eventually, you'll get towed. Having typed that, you can, if you are quick, park close by in one of the aforementioned no-no locations, go make your bets then leave, returning to your car before it gets towed. Admission will still cost you $3.00.

There are indian casinos in S.D. county. Tell me where you live and I'll tell you which casino is closest to you. Generally, the casinos are no better or worse than Surfside. If you don't like cigaret smoke, they're worse. If rubbing elbows with riff-raff that a $3 admission more or less keeps out then casinos are worse.

The limit of 20 races sounds familiar. I believe that was true years ago but whether or not it still applies is not clear.

One change from years past that still rubs me the wrong way is when Woodbine was dropped. Loved the grass races from up north.

I've just started looking at using an advance deposit account. It's as clear as mud what companies I can patronize for what tracks, whether I am limited to telephone wagers only or if I can bet via the internet.

DJofSD

P.S. One more option is Mexico - Tia Juana. It's been well over 10 years since I was last in TJ for betting on the races, so I don't have anything I can tell you about that option.

[Hosshead]

Jeff, One reason the Ca. OTB's only have part of the race cards from back East is because of the post times. If they were to offer the entire card from Aqu., they would have to open the facility hours earlier, while only taking action on just those tracks. Considering the money it takes, to just get to the betting point at an OTB, (as stated by Sal), it makes Youbet or Offshore much more enticing. Not to mention rebates.

[lousycapperII]

Forget paying to play the ponies...use offshore whenever possible...they pay you. Maybe the Governator will put somebody in charge of racing that doesn't have his/her head up and locked. I doubt it, however, even in my lifetime.

-LCII

[Stillriledup]

So, 9 years later, it appears that Ca has expanded their simo calendar, but i still dont see full card simulcasting. Surfside promotes themselves as a 'las vegas style' racebook but last time i checked, LV didnt charge admission to get into one of their books. Also, in LV, its fairly easy to get a DRF for free at some places also.

Sorry for the old bump.

[BlueShoe]

Originally Posted by Stillriledup

So, 9 years later, it appears that Ca has expanded their simo calendar, but i still dont see full card simulcasting.

Sorry for the old bump.

California has gotten a little better since 2004, and has expanded their simo schedule, and mini satellites are the trend for the future. 50 out of state races are permitted to be aired now, and for some reason races from Canada, South America, and Australia do not count against that 50, thus we get the 50 plus Woodbine, which ends next week, at the present time. Still annoying is the chopped schedule, with wagering on the Eastern tracks starting on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th race. Usually we get the entire card from the Mid West tracks.

At most otb sites parking is usually free, although admission is often charged, often as high as 5 or 6 bucks. Fairplex, which is a full sevice facility, is the notable exception, with both parking and admission free. At mini sattelites, a growing trend, admission and parking are free. The Commerce Club, just east of the downdtown LA area, is the most successful, with pretty good crowds each day. There is otb at 4 Indian casinos, and minis at Santa Maria, Santa Clarita, San Clemente, with more planned.
www.calracing.com/racetracks.

[jimmy m]

I love the new Fairplex park finish line grill big improvement from that cold grandstand, when i visit so cal from Iowa i visit the tracks but during the week the traffic prevents that so i go to fairplex free to get in food was good if i lived there i could see myself making that my home base.