Betting horses is becoming increasingly difficult in California. That includes Los Alamitos, where the cost of betting increased significantly for the three-week fall meet that began Thursday.

Takeout on win, place and show wagers increased more than 8 percent – from 15.43 cents per dollar to 16.77 cents.

Takeout on daily double wagers increased more than 11 percent – from 18 cents per dollar to 20 cents.

Takeout on exacta and quinella wagers increased nearly 6 percent – from 22.68 cents per dollar to 24.02 cents.

Takeout on other exotic wagers increased slightly more than 1 percent – from 23.68 cents per dollar to 24.02 cents.

The rate hike was a statutory requirement according to Jack Libeau, vice president of Los Alamitos. The meet is categorized a “Fair meet,” hence the increase. It is unclear how the Fair-meet takeout requirements made it into law, and unclear why a meet in Orange Country somehow remains affiliated with the Los Angeles County Fair.

Anyway, it is getting tougher for bettors in California.

The pick six was not hit Thursday at Los Alamitos. The carryover into Friday is $10,765. New money into the Friday pool should be more than $40,000 based on the carryover-divided-by-takeout formula ($10,765 divided by 24.02 percent = $44,816).

The pick six covers races 3-8. Preview …

Race 3 – Zipman (6) worked well following his fourth-place debut prep; Mr Vargas (2) is the speed. That pair should lock up this maiden special-weight sprint for older.

Race 4 – Foxy Lover (5) enters this $8k claiming starter allowance sprint with a huge speed-figure advantage. The 9-5 favorite, she looks like an even-money single.

Race 5 – Steph Being Steph (9) chased a fast pace and tired in her debut, she is likely to improve. But there are a host of first- and second-time starters in this special-weight for 2yo fillies. Contenders include Sea My Moves (1), Unaffordable U (2), Divine Mercy (3), Line Drive (4) and Factorofwon (8).

Race 6 – Pace-pressers Little Jack (8) and Parliamentarian (3), along with closers Warren’s Cole (5) and Badasmywifeletsmeb (4), are the principals in this $6,250 claiming sprint, non-winners this year.

Race 7 – Divine Spark (2) returns from a layoff with respectable speed figures and solid works over the Los Alamitos track. Bob Baffert is 7-for-9 at Los Al with favorites off six months or more.

Race 8 – Maiden-20 fillies and mares go one mile; favorite Warrior Vixen (12) is on the also-eligible list. Mysteriousmagician (1) drops from special-weight and stretches out as the likely pacesetter; Gift Giver Linda (9) drops and moves to dirt.

First post Friday is 2 p.m.