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Economic Analysis: HHR To Help Grants Pass Downs Have $10.7 Billion Impact Over Next 30 Years

The highly anticipated gaming, entertainment and dining venue, The Flying Lark in Grants Pass, Ore., has released an economic impact study analyzing the horse racing industry in partnership with Grants Pass Downs. Independent agency Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP) identified a significant positive impact in job creation, tax and earnings impact to the local economy, as well as the opportunity to provide funding and stability to the equine industry throughout the region.

The Economic Impact Analysis identified the positive impact to Southern Oregon over the next 30 years, including:

$10.7 billion in net new spending
$3.6 billion in net new earnings
2,007 net new full-time jobs
$361.9 million in tax impact to Oregon

HSP conducted market research and interviews with representatives from local, regional and national organizations to understand the horse racing industry and its impact through three primary components: Grants Pass Downs and the Flying Lark, fair meets, and horse-related spending. The study was designed to determine the economic impact of the horse racing industry in Oregon with the Flying Lark in operation and determine the value of the Flying Lark and Grants Pass Downs within the industry in Oregon.

“The local community was surprised to learn of the significant economic impact the horse racing industry had in Oregon back in the 2012 economic impact study,” said Randy Evers, President of Grants Pass Downs. “While horse racing struggles to survive in other states, today the vision of leaders at both Grants Pass Downs and The Flying Lark will be a major factor for economic growth and stability, most importantly for Southern Oregon, but also the entire state.”

The study discloses the positive impact as industry-changing. The Flying Lark has the unique opportunity to create a legacy, putting Grants Pass and the Josephine County Fairgrounds on the map as a year-round destination. In collaboration with Grants Pass Downs, together they will help restore the horse racing industry, including horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, jockeys, and a wide range of partners, vendors, and suppliers across Oregon. There is a positive cycle of spending and impact between gaming and horse racing.

Historic Horse Racing (HHR) revenues will supplement the industry, including:

Larger purses from pari-mutuel wagering,
Boosted interest in the sport due to greater race quality,
Rising visitation stemming from growing interest,
Improved foal crops as horse ownership becomes more profitable, and
Overall positive trends within the industry.

“The Flying Lark will have a substantial impact on Thoroughbred breeding in Oregon,” said Lynnelle Fox Smith, Executive Director for the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “By knowing the purses will be sizable and the facility will be successful, breeders will continue investing in broodmares, stallions, and breeding to support Oregon's agriculture.”

The Flying Lark was founded by Grants Pass Native, Travis Boersma, with a commitment to horse racing and Southern Oregon, opening in the winter of 2021. The 35,000 square-foot destination has something for everyone; including Jacks, a full service family restaurant, Longshots sports bar, the Winner's Circle bar located in the center of the state-of-the-art historical horse racing (HHR) terminal floor, based on pari-mutuel wagering, and banquet facilities.

Known for its beautiful natural scenery, parks, outdoor recreation, and wineries in Southern Oregon, The Flying Lark will also open The Wonder Walk. This world-class equine-based art walk will beautifully surround the facility and feature pieces by regional artists that celebrate horses' majestic nature, power and beauty.

About The Flying Lark

Proudly from Grants Pass, Oregon, The Flying Lark is Southern Oregon's premier gaming and entertainment destination, including an inviting family culinary dining experience and the inspiring Wonder Walk outdoor art display, featuring regional artists. The Flying Lark, named after one of the most famous stallions in Oregon's history, was designed for our customers, community and team members to celebrate the past, present and future, with the magic and beauty of horses. For more information and regular updates, visit: TheFlyingLark.com

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Arizona Racing Legislation Introduced

Legislation has been introduced in Arizona to modernize gaming at tracks and OTBs in the Grand Canyon State. Senate Bill 1794, introduced by Sen. David Gowan, would authorize historic horse racing [HHR] and stands to generate up to $140 million in new tax revenues. The bill is set to be heard in a Senate committee on Tuesday.

Since 2004, according to savearizonahorseracing.com, Arizona has seen pari-mutuel handles drop by $55 million a year and purses drop by $5 million a year as live racing attendance has dropped 45%. During the same time period, tribal gross gaming revenues have increased from $1.3 billion to $2 billion.

The bill would modernize Arizona wagering laws while limiting the number of HHR terminals to just 15% of tribal gaming positions. Pari-mutuel wagering was legal in Arizona before tribal gaming compacts began, so their authorization would not violate those state agreements.

“The modernization effort led by Senator Gowan will save the horse racing industry in Arizona and help keep horsemen in our state,” said Bob Hutton, president of the Arizona Horseman's Benevolent & Protective Association. “Implementing historic horse racing will provide much-needed support to the various industry partners that are involved in each race day, attract high quality horses, and revitalize the horse racing experience throughout Arizona.”

According to savearizonahorseracing.com, if passed, the measure would generate between $100 million and $140 million in new state tax revenues, create 4,000 new jobs, and lead to more than $300 million in capital investments in Arizona Downs. In addition, daily purses in Arizona would increase from $80,000 to $300,000.

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HHR Bill Introduced in Kentucky State Senate

Kentucky State Senator John Schickel and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers introduced Senate Bill 120 into the Kentucky State legislature late Tuesday with the goal of keeping historical horse racing in Kentucky and ensuring the future of Kentucky's signature equine industry.

“KEEP applauds Senator Schickel and Senate President Stivers for Introducing Senate Bill 120, Legislation to Keep Historical Horse Racing in Kentucky,” read a KEEP press release issued late yesterday.

“In response to the Supreme Court's ruling on historical horse racing, the legislation will define pari-mutuel wagering to be consistent with how the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has regulated live racing for decades and historical horse racing for the last 10 years. The legislation also reaffirms that only pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasts of live racing can occur at simulcast facilities. In effect, this maintains the status quo that Kentucky has known for the last decade, ensuring HHR venues can continue or resume operations that are so beneficial to the horse industry and statewide economy.

“This effort is about preserving a system of wagering we've known for live racing for decades and historical horse racing for the last 10 years,” Schickel said last week, as he prepared to introduce the legislation. “This is about maintaining the status quo. Our immediate action as legislators is critical to protecting current and future jobs and economic development across the Commonwealth.”

A ruling in September by the Kentucky Supreme Court stipulated that many of the state's machines do not constitute pari-mutuel wagering and were therefore not allowed. It also required that legislation be introduced to uphold the existing definition of the games as pari-mutuel before the end of the legislative session Mar. 30. The original lawsuit against HHR was brought by the Family Foundation, a conservative organization opposed to gambling and its expansion. Members of the racing industry argue that the loss of revenue would be crippling to racing in Kentucky.

“We applaud Sen. Schickel for championing Senate Bill 120, which will keep historical horse racing in Kentucky and protect critical jobs, economic investment and state revenue at a time when they are needed most,” said the statement from KEEP. “We also thank Senate President Stivers for his support as a co-sponsor of this important legislation. The Kentucky Supreme Court gave the General Assembly clear direction to preserve the status quo, and SB 120 gives us a path forward.

“Historical horse racing is an integral part of Kentucky's signature equine industry and our economy as a whole and has helped position Kentucky as a worldwide leader in racing. With real jobs and investment on the line, we urge the members of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee to promptly move this legislation forward so that the commonwealth can continue to benefit from historical horse racing, now and in the years to come.”

SB 120 is set to be heard in the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.

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Castle Hill Gaming Makes First Historic Horse Racing Installation In Kentucky

Castle Hill Gaming, one of the nation's leading gaming software developers, has announced its first installation of Historic Horse Racing (HHR) machines in Kentucky. On July 11, Castle Hill installed 24 of machines at the Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky.

As a proud member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Castle Hill Gaming is delighted to support Kentucky's renowned horse racing industry.

“Castle Hill is excited to begin operations in Kentucky,” said Arthur Watson, CEO of Castle Hill Gaming. “We are proud of our quality fun machines that are already being enjoyed by patrons throughout the United States.”

HHR machines have raised $87 million in taxes in Kentucky since 2011, and $33 million of these taxes have supported Kentucky's thriving horse industry, an industry employing approximately 80,000 people and contributing $1.6 billion to the state's GDP.

Ellis Park is a longstanding fixture of Kentucky's horse racing history. Once limited to only live horse racing, Ellis Park is now on track to become a year-round entertainment and gaming destination bringing tourism and strengthening the local economy.

“The installation of Castle Hill's HHR machines is a part of our ongoing, exciting developments,” said Jeff Inman, General Manager of Ellis Park Racing and Gaming.

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