Quick Fact – A Regular For Years

California, Casino History, Del Mar Racetrack (Del Mar, CA), Del Mar--California, Did You Know?, Gambling, Gambling History, Games / Races, Games / Races: Horse Racing, Gaming History, Law Enforcement / Judicial System: U.S. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Quick Facts, United StatesLeave a comment

Former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was such a rabid fan of horse racing that every summer, when in nearby La Jolla for his annual physical exam, he visited Del Mar in California, where he had a designated parking space and a private Turf Club box. Along with spectating, he wagered, frequently as much as…

A Man and His Dream: Bing Crosby Opens Horse Racetrack

Bing Crosby, California, Casino History, Casino: Openings, Crimes / Violence / Punishments, Crimes / Violence / Punishments: Attempted, Del Mar Racetrack (Del Mar, CA), Del Mar--California, Gambling History, Gambling: Parimutuel, Games / Races, Games / Races: Horse Racing, Gaming History, It Really Happened, Publicity Stunts / Promotions / Advertisements, United StatesLeave a comment

1937 An armored truck, accompanied by three deputy sheriff cars, was moving $262,000 (about $4.5 million today) the 15 miles from the Del Mar racetrack in California down the coastal highway to a San Diego bank. The money was the track’s share of one day’s parimutuel handle, or total amount wagered. This amount, from that…