California Department of Justice agents seized slot-style “Racing On Demand” gaming machines from Santa Anita Park shortly after their installation, citing violations of state laws prohibiting certain forms of lottery or gaming. The DOJ issued a notice threatening to destroy the machines within 30 days unless Santa Anita takes legal action to recover them. The machines allowed fans to wager on horse-racing-themed games using pari-mutuel wagering, which Santa Anita claims complies with California law and tribal gaming exclusivity.

Santa Anita officials, including Los Angeles Turf Club senior vice president Scott Daruty, maintain that the machines operate legally under California’s pari-mutuel wagering system and are designed specifically to support struggling California horse racing by generating new revenue streams. Despite the DOJ’s challenge, Santa Anita is prepared to defend the legality of the machines, which were intended as an innovative alternative to “Historical Horse Racing” machines used in other states to boost purses and stabilize the industry.