AB 2536CALIFORNIASession 20252026

AB 2536 expands satellite horse racing wagering locations and removes site testing requirements

Original title: Horse racing: satellite wagering facilities: authorizations.

August 30, 2026

Horse Racing Gambling State Regulation Business Licensing Horseracing authorizations satellitewageringfacilities

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The Frame

What this does

This bill changes the geographic and regulatory requirements for opening off-track betting locations, potentially increasing the number of satellite wagering sites available to residents statewide.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Horse racing associations

These entities gain expanded authority to contract with fairs statewide and may face fewer restrictions on the location of new satellite wagering facilities.

Fairgrounds

Fairs gain the ability to contract for satellite wagering operations with racing associations across the entire state.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

AB 2536 allows new satellite wagering facilities to open within 20 miles of existing tracks or facilities statewide and removes the requirement for a one-year impact test before licensing new sites. The bill also permits fairs to contract with racing associations for operations across the entire state.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

This bill changes the geographic and regulatory requirements for opening off-track betting locations, potentially increasing the number of satellite wagering sites available to residents statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it be easier to open a new satellite wagering facility under this bill?

Yes, the bill removes the one-year mandatory impact test and allows facilities to be located within 20 miles of existing tracks or facilities statewide, provided consent is obtained.

Does this bill change where fairs can operate satellite wagering?

Yes, it expands the geographic scope for fairs to contract with racing associations for from the to the entire state.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

otherHorse Racing Law“The existing body of law governing horse racing and wagering in California.”Map →

locationAlameda“County where the one-year test requirement is currently applicable.”Map →

locationSan Mateo“County where the one-year test requirement is currently applicable.”Map →

locationSanta Clara“County where the one-year test requirement is currently applicable.”Map →

locationSolano“County where the one-year test requirement is currently applicable.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance45
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy20
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz10
Current news / social attention level

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