California comp bill passes Senate

Legislation that would increase the takeout on exotic bets placed on California races to offset workers' compensation insurance paid by horsemen passed the California Senate by a vote of 31-6 on Thursday.

The bill will now go the Assembly. It is expected to be heard next week. If approved by the Assembly, it will be forwarded to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The legislation would raise the takeout on bets other than win, place or show from 20.18 to 20.68 percent. The move is expected to generate $10 million annually that would go toward the cost of insuring stable staff and jockeys, which has grown substantially in recent years.