A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..
Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 49F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: April 12, 2026 @ 12:00 am
Bay Meadows, Artichoke Joe's and Lucky Chances contributed well over $2 million in the last month to Proposition 68, the state gambling initiative that could add thousands of slot machines to card clubs and racetracks.
To date, the campaign for Proposition 68 collected more than $26 million, more than half coming in since July 1. Of that money, Bay Meadows has contributed $2,664,944.
If passed, the Gaming Revenue Act would require Indian tribes with casinos to consider signing a compact allowing the state to collect 25 percent of its revenues. If they refuse, 16 existing racetracks and card clubs in California could be allowed to install slot machines.
Two years ago, Bay Meadows announced plans to close the racetrack and replace it with a massive transit-oriented development. However, the company is keeping its options open by contributing huge sums of money to the proposition. Bay Meadows officials claim they have no plans to scrap the development.
On Friday, Bay Meadows Main Track Investors LLC contributed $220,000. A month earlier, on Sept. 3, it contributed $1,408,000. On Sept. 10, Artichoke Joe's Casino in San Bruno contributed $297,550 and on Sept. 24, Lucky Chances in Colma gave $400,000.
If Proposition 68 passes in November, Bay Meadows could scrap plans to sell the land to developers for commercial and residential space. The proposition would allow up to 3,800 slot machines to be added to the racetrack, making it the only "racino" in the Bay Area.
City officials fear the rare combination of racing and slots would catapult the quiet race track into a statewide destination and derail plans for the proposed transit-oriented development. The proposal includes 1,250 residential units, 1.25 million square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail space.
Located conveniently near State Route 92, the racetrack would have easy access from both Highway 101 and Interstate 280. It's also near the site of the proposed new police station. Initial designs for the station were drawn on the assumption that the proposed development happens. If it doesn't - and Bay Meadows remains open - it's unclear if Franklin Parkway will be developed into a public street. The city could be forced to pay for the streets development, adding more costs to an already tight budget.
By adding slots to the racetrack, however, the city could rack in anywhere from $3 million to $15 million a year. The price they'll have to pay for added law enforcement and traffic relief isn't worth it, officials said. The council unanimously opposes the proposition, which is also opposed by the California Police Chief's Association.
Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com
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