VENTURA : Fair Officials Ask to Build Betting Center

Ventura County Fairgrounds officials have applied to the city of Ventura to build an off-track betting center.

The satellite wagering facility would be a two-story, 35,000-square-foot building that would house 60-inch television sets broadcasting live telecasts from major Southern California race tracks.

The building would be a permanent home for the off-track betting operations, which are housed in three buildings at the fairgrounds. During the fair, satellite wagering operations are moved to a tent, which have prompted complaints from patrons.

“It’s something that’s been prepared for a long time,” said Ventura County Fair Manager Mike Paluszak. “It’s something that’s been well-received by the community, and we don’t expect any opposition at all.”

The $6-million project has been delayed several times because fair officials said they were not sure that they would get the funding they need from the state.

This year, Paluszak said, “we’re confident the funding is in place.”

If everything goes on schedule, the facility will be ready for use next year, Paluszak said.

Off-track betting at the fairgrounds draws about 800 customers daily and accounts for about $2.5 million of the fair’s $5.9-million budget, officials said.