Betting Info Needed for Santa Anita
I used to go to the racetrack a lot so know the basics of researching picks. However I haven't been to a live horse race in about 20 years and I'm assuming things will look a lot different! Our family (2 adults and 2 kids in early 20s) is going to Santa Anita Sunday May 25. I can't find the minimum bet on the Santa Anita website, and there's also no information about the process of placing a bet (or redeeming a winner). Is it still possible to go up to a window to place a bet or is this only done through an app? Or perhaps the app is better?? Not sure if it matters, but we're in reserved box seats. Appreciate any information about how to make our day seamless. We'll be driving from Marina del Rey that morning and after the race staying in Old Pasadena. Thank you!
Visiting Santa Anita Park after a long hiatus is exciting, and while some things have modernized, the basics of betting and enjoying the races remain accessible. Here’s a detailed overview to make your day seamless, especially since you’ll be in reserved box seats and driving from Marina del Rey with plans to head to Old Pasadena afterward.
Minimum Bet and Placing Bets:
- The minimum bet at Santa Anita is still generally $2 for standard win/place/show bets, which is consistent with most U.S. racetracks.
- You can place bets in several ways:
- At the Track: There are still teller windows where you can walk up and place bets manually. Staff are helpful and can guide you if you’re unsure about the bet types.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Many racetracks now have touchscreen kiosks where you can place bets digitally but still physically at the track.
- Apps: Santa Anita partners with apps like TVG or XpressBet, allowing you to place bets from your phone. This can be convenient, especially if you want to avoid lines at windows. You will need to create an account and fund it ahead of time.
- Since you’re in reserved box seats, either method works. Some prefer apps for speed and convenience, while traditionalists enjoy the window experience.
Redeeming Winning Bets:
- If you bet at a window or kiosk, you can redeem winnings at any payout window in the track. Just present your ticket.
- If you bet through an app, winnings are automatically credited to your account.
Tips for Your Day:
- Arrive with enough time to park, get tickets, and familiarize yourself with the track layout. From Marina del Rey, plan for roughly a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic.
- Bring cash if you plan to use windows, although most kiosks accept cards or cash.
- Since you’re in reserved box seats, check ahead if there’s any early entry or amenities included like food service, so you can plan around betting times and races.
- If this is your first live race in 20 years, consider asking the track staff for a brief rundown of current wagering types—they now include exactas, trifectas, superfectas, and other multi-race wagers, which can be fun for your group.
- After the races, traffic toward Old Pasadena can be heavy, so leaving a bit before the final race or using ride-share apps may save time if you want to avoid congestion.
Summary:
- Minimum bet: $2 standard bets.
- Betting options: track windows, self-service kiosks, or apps.
- Redeeming winnings: payout windows for physical tickets or app account for digital bets.
- Tips: Arrive early, consider traffic, bring cash if using windows, and enjoy learning new betting types.
Following this approach, your day at Santa Anita should be smooth, enjoyable, and memorable, giving your family the full live racing experience while minimizing stress over betting logistics.
