SALINAS, Calif. -- An off-track horse race means just that. Watching the races on TV. Not live.
The Monterey County Fairgrounds said it hasn't had any trouble in the 20 years its been running an off-track betting facility and said its new facility in Salinas, should be no different.
If you go into the Monterey County Race Place, you wont hear much. For a room taking bets, you would think there would be more ruckus.
"When somebody thinks of a gambler they might think of Vegas or horse racing, they'll think of someone at the live race track. Here its quieter because its horse racing by satellite," said Kelly Violini, Monterey County Fairgrounds CEO.
Violini said the quiet room isn't a sign of slow business but just what you get at an off-track horse race betting facility.
"This is a very quiet place, people get excited when the horse race starts and they want to win their bets, that is as loud as it gets," said Violini.
It's also popular. So popular the fairgrounds teamed up with Bankers Casino in Oldtown Salinas to open up an off-track betting room there.
"We are governed by the State of California, so our location in Salinas is under all those levels of security measures that we have to abide by, put forth by the fairgrounds, Golden Gate Fields and the California Racing Board," said Violini.
Violini added the nature of the business attracts an older crowd not a rowdy one and the new facility will have a security guard at all times.
The new betting room in Salinas will give the city an estimated $15,000 in revenue.
