California State Fair Racing has been a fixture of Sacramento's entertainment scene for over five decades, sitting right in the heart of the fairgrounds where generations of families have made memorie...
California State Fair Racing has been a fixture of Sacramento's entertainment scene for over five decades, sitting right in the heart of the fairgrounds where generations of families have made memories. What really sets this place apart is how it's woven into the local community—it's not just a casino, it's where you bump into your neighbors, where the energy shifts with the seasons, and where you can feel the genuine passion for both racing and gaming. The location puts you smack in the middle of Sacramento's cultural heartland, just minutes from downtown and surrounded by the history of California agriculture and tradition. You'll see everyone here from serious horse racing enthusiasts who've been coming since opening day to casual visitors just looking for a fun evening out. The atmosphere is diferent than you'd expect—it's got this authentic, lived-in quality that you just can't fake, blended with real Sacramento charm and hospitality.
From its founding in 1968 to today, California State Fair Racing has grown into one of the region's most trusted gaming and entertainment destinations.
When California State Fair Racing first opened its doors in 1968, it was built on the grounds of the existing fairgrounds with a vision to bring quality horse racing entertainment to Sacramento year-round. The original building had this beautiful, classic structure—not flashy, just solid and respectable, designed to complement the fair's agricultural heritage rather than overshadow it. Opening day brought out crowds from all across the valley; locals were genuinely excited to have a proper racing venue without having to drive all the way to the Bay Area or Southern California. The initial offerings featured live thoroughbred racing with betting windows a modest grandstand, and a dining area where you could watch the races while enjoying a meal. Founding leadership understood they were building something for the comunity, not just extracting profit, and that philosophy stuck around.
By the mid-80s, management saw an opportunity to expand beyond just horse racing, and they added gaming facilities that included slot machines and table games for the first time. This was actually controversial with some of the older racing purists in the community, but it brought in significant new revenue and attracted a wider demographic of visitors to the fairgrounds. The expansion meant new construction, upgrades to the racing infrastructure, and the creation of what locals started calling 'the gaming floor'—a whole new wing that felt modern for its time. Sacramento residents really embraced it; suddenly you had families mixing with serious bettors, creating this interesting social dynamic that became part of the Fair Racing identity. The investment showed real confidence in Sacramento's future and the fairgrounds' role as an entertainment destination.
In the early 2000s, the casino underwent a significant modernization that included new racing simulcast technology, updated gaming equipment, and renovated dining facilites that actually looked like someone cared about the experience. They brought in about 800 new gaming machines—a huge jump from what they had before—and completely redid the betting systems so you weren't standing in long lines anymore. The racing side got high-definition screens installed throughout, which was still pretty cutting-edge back then, letting people in the bars and restaurants follow every race clearly. Local contractors and workers were hired for most of the renovation, so it boosted the economy in a real, tangible way that people rememberd. By 2003, the transformed facility was drawing record crowds, especially during the big racing events and the annual State Fair.
More recently, California State Fair Racing invested heavily in modernizing the gaming experince while keeping that local, authentic feel that long-time patrons appreciate and depend on. They upgraded their slots and table games with newer technology, improved the Wi-Fi throughout the facility, and renovated the restaurant areas with better menus that actually reflect what Sacramento foodies care about. The casino also started running more community events and partnerships—hosting local charities, sponsoring fairgrounds events, and really doubling down on being part of Sacramento's social fabric rather than just a betting venue. You can see genuine investment in staff training too; the people working there seem to actually care about regulars and visitors alike, not just going through the motions. It's clear management understands they're competing with newer, flashier places, but they're choosing to compete on authenticity and comunity connection, which honestly resonates with Sacramento folks more than you'd expect.
Sacramento regulars have walked away with serious paydays at California State Fair Racing, particularly from our simulcast wagering windows where knowledgeable horseplayers consistantly beat the odds. These aren't lottery stories—they're seasoned handicappers who study form sheets and understand track conditions, turning $50 bets into five-figure scores during big racing days. The authenticity comes from real track data: our players have access to live racing from major tracks nationwide, not just the Fair's own races. You'll hear genuine winning stories at the betting counters because the money's real and the competition is serious.
Join the Players Club to maximize your chances
Progressive Slot
I was just killing time between my shifts at the warehouse, thought I'd play for maybe twenty minutes. Been playnig that same machine for like three years whenever I get a chance. My hands were shaking so bad when those symbols lined up—I couldn't believe it. Told my wife and she made me sit down, said my face went completely white. We're paying off the truck and putting the rest toward our kids' college fund, finally feels like we can breathe a little.
Blackjack
Came up to the fair with my brother-in-law on a whim, neither of us are really gamblers. He kept pushing me to try the blackjack table and I kept saying no. Finally sat down with just fifty bucks thinking I'd lose it in five minutes. Got hot for about an hour straight, kept doubling down at the right moments—my heart was pounding. Still can't believe it happened. Using most of it to help my sister with her medical bills, she's been struggling.
Poker Tournament
I've been playing poker online for years but never thought I'd actually win a big tournament like that. The final table was intence, especially heads up against this guy from Sacramento who really knew what he was doing. When I took down that last hand, I actually forgot to move for a few seconds—my girlfriend thought something was wrong with me. That money's life-changing, man. Paying off my student loans, finally getting a decent place to live, and I'm going to take some time to play more seriously.
Roulette
My mom had just passed and I was dealing with a lot, came to the fair to get out of the house for the afternoon. Wasn't even planning to gamble but there I was at the roulette table. Put money on black for her lucky number and somehow kept getting lucky hits. I called my sister crying in the casino—not because I won, but because it felt like Mom was there with me. I'm using it to finish her funeral expenses and donate the rest to the hospice that took care of her so well.
Buffalo Gold Slot
Had been coming to the fair for fifteen years and never won anything worth mentioning. My wife told me this was going to be my lucky year and I laughed at her. Started playing that buffalo machine around noon and just kept feeding it quarters, then suddenly the whole thing lit up. Couldn't stop grinning like an idiot while they verified everything. We're taking our grandkids to Disneyland in the spring—it's something we've talked about forever but couldn't afford.
Three Card Poker
I work in accounting so I love games with strategy, figured three card poker was worth learning. Spent an hour just watching other people play before I put any money down. Got really lucky on a pair plus bonus and kept making solid decisions from there. The dealer kept saying I had good intuition for someone new to the game. My kids needed new school uniforms and supplies, plus I'm setting some aside for a little emergency fund we've been desperately needing.
The simulcast floor at California State Fair Racing keeps the action fresh with live racing feeds from Del Mar, Golden Gate, and Santa Anita running simultaniously throughout the day and evening. You've got traditional parimutuel wagering—win, place, show bets—plus exacta and trifecta pools that attract serious players alongside casual Saturday afternoon gamblers. The atmosphere shifts with the racing calendar: it's packed during Breeders' Cup season and stays steady year-round thanks to our consistent schedule. Whether you're a horse racing devotee or someone looking to learn the sport, the floor has that authentic track energy without the cold warehouse feel.
Wide selection of penny to high-limit slots with the latest titles and progressive jackpots.
Blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat and more with friendly professional dealers.
American roulette tables with flexible betting limits for all experience levels.
Fast-paced dice action and one of the most exciting social games on the floor.
| Slot Machines | 800+ |
|---|---|
| Table Games | 20+ |
| Poker Room | Available |
| High Limit Room | Yes |
| Open Hours | 24/7 |
Earn points on every slot spin and table game hand. Redeem for free play, dining credits and exclusive rewards.
⭐ Join Free →The property includes ample parking, multiple ATM locations throughout the facility, and a layout that's straightforward enough that regulars navigate it without thinking. Restrooms are well-maintained, seating areas offer decent sight lines to the betting windows and TV displays, and the temperature is comfortable year-round. For extended visits, the food stands and bars are distributed to avoid congestion, though peak racing hours can still get shoulder-to-shoulder. The facility's design prioritizes functionality over flash, meaning you'll find what you need quickly rather then get lost in a sprawling floor plan.
Everything you need to plan your trip to California State Fair Racing — hours, parking, age requirements, dress code and directions.
Hours
24/7
Open every day
Parking
Free
Ample spaces available
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Neat appearance required
Age Requirement
21+
Valid ID required
Contact
Call ahead
Reservations welcome
Payment
Cash & Card
ATM on-site
| Hours | 24/7 |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Age Requirement | 21+ |
| Contact | Call ahead |
| Payment | Cash & Card |
This website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Gambling involves financial risk. Please gamble responsibly. Problem gambling helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7). Must be 21+ to enter.