Santa Anita has sued the California Department of Justice, seeking the return of the “Racing On Demand” gaming machines that state and local law enforcement officers removed from the Arcadia racetrack on Saturday.

In a 23-page complaint plus exhibits filed in L.A. Superior Court, Santa Anita contends the DOJ and California Horse Racing Board had chances to say they believed the machines are illegal before seizing them.

The terminals, which look like casino slot machines but offer parimutuel-style gambling on past races, had been installed in the Santa Anita grandstand on Thursday.

They are a version of the “Historical Horse Racing” machines that tracks in other states, with more favorable gambling laws, have used to boost revenue and race purses.

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