Canadian Racetracks, Horsemen Address Committee Regarding Sports Betting

On behalf of the Canadian horse racing industry, Woodbine Entertainment, Racetracks of Canada, Quebec Jockey Club and the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association Of Ontario (HBPA), would like to thank the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for the opportunity to be witnesses today as part of its study of Bill C-218, an act to amend the Criminal Code that would legalize single-event sports betting in Canada.

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent the horse racing industry today as Bill C-218 continues to be studied,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “After participating in today's discussion, we remain confident that the Government appreciates the importance of the horse racing industry, recognizes its substantial economic impact, and understands the need for it to be protected from any unintended consequences from the legalization of sports betting in Canada.”

During the committee meeting, Racetracks of Canada President Bill Ford, Quebec Jockey Club Director Murielle Thomassin, HBPA President Sue Leslie and Lawson reiterated support for Private Members Bill C-218 but requested that it adopt language to protect the industry and the 50,000 jobs it supports across Canada by prohibiting fixed odds wagering on horse racing.

In recognition that sports betting will likely reduce horse racing's share of the wagering market in Canada, and in response to the ongoing financial impacts of COVID-19 on the industry, Ford also requested the Government consider legalizing Historical Horse Racing – a pari-mutuel gaming product where individuals can place a wager on the outcome of races that have occurred in the past. Before the individual locks in a wager, information presented is anonymized in a way that prevents the player from identifying which historic race they are betting on.

“Historical Horse racing is currently prohibited by the Criminal Code, despite it being a proven and legal product in many jurisdictions in North America,” Ford said.

Revenue from Historical Horse Racing would be particularly beneficial to the smaller tracks that only run seasonally for a few weeks a year.

“Overall, we continue to be optimistic about receiving the protection our industry deserves and remain hopeful we will be provided with an opportunity to participate in sports betting in a meaningful way,” Lawson said.

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Construction To Resume At Turfway Park; Churchill Hotel Plans Remain On Hold

During Thursday's conference call with investors, Churchill Downs, Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen revealed that construction of a new grandstand and Historical Horse Racing venue will resume at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., reports bloodhorse.com.

Construction had been halted due to uncertainty over the future of Historical Horse Racing in the state of Kentucky, but on Feb. 22 Gov. Andy Beshear signed legislation that specifically includes HHR under the state's definition of pari-mutuel wagering.

“We anticipate spending approximately $145 million in project capital to finish building this premier facility,” Carstanjen said of Turfway. “And that will deliver approximately 800 construction jobs and 400 full-time permanent jobs in the Northern Kentucky area, as well as revitalize the Kentucky winter Thoroughbred racing circuit.”

However, construction on a hotel on the Churchill Downs property in Louisville, Ky. remains on hold as the company reviews revised plans for the project.

Read more at bloodhorse.com.

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Arizona Senate Committees Advance Horse Racing Bill

The Arizona Senate moved a gaming bill through two committees–one unanimously–and it now awaits an assignment date for a vote by the full Senate.

Senate Bill 1794 passed the Appropriations and Rules committees, with wide support. The bill authorizes historic horse racing, providing up to $140 million in new state tax revenues, as well as support for the state's horse racing industry.

“This long-overdue modernization effort will help the many local businesses that support the horse racing industry and also provide much-needed revenue to the state,” said Save Arizona Horse Racing spokeswoman Lorna Romera. “Arizona has an ideal climate for hosting year-round horse races and attracting fans, horses, breeders, trainers and others looking to escape the hostile environment in California. We urge members of the legislature to seize on this opportunity to make Arizona the premier destination in the country for horse racing.”

Horse racing has been a key economic driver in Arizona for decades. But since 2004, Arizona has seen parimutuel handles drop by $55 million a year, purses drop by $5 million a year and live racing attendance has dropped 45%.

Senate Bill 1794 would modernize Arizona wagering laws, while limiting the number of HHR terminals to just 15% of tribal gaming positions–minimizing any impact on those revenues. HHR also relies on parimutuel wagering, which was legal in Arizona before tribal gaming compacts began, so their authorization would not violate those state agreements.

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KY Governor Signs HHR Legislation

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed a bill on Historical Horse Racing (Senate Bill 120) Monday, which would assure that betting on historical machines is legal.

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Kentucky's equine economic advocate, released the following statement in response:

“We thank Governor Beshear for signing Senate Bill 120 into law, which ensures the future of our equine industry while protecting thousands of local jobs. Kentuckians and the legislators who represent them have made clear that they support historical horse racing and the many benefits it brings to our communities. We are optimistic about the horse industry's road ahead and remain committed to keeping Kentucky a world-class racing destination for many years to come.”

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