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What's Going On Here: Tough Sell Ahead

Kentucky's chances at a casino bill in 2013 appear slim.

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Expanded Gaming Bill Amendments Debated in NH

The hearing room at the New Hampshire Legislative Office Building was filled to capacity Feb. 13 as amendments to an expanded gambling bill were fiercely debated.

Illinois Senate Approves Racetrack Slots Bill

The Illinois Senate May 31 gave final legislative approval to a sweeping expansion of gaming in Illinois, including authorization for slot machines at racetracks.

Illinois House Approves Racetrack Slots

The Illinois House May 30 passed legislation that would permit slot machines at the state's race tracks as part of a dramatic expansion of gaming around the state.

New York Lawmakers Reject Purse Surcharge

A proposed 2.75% state surcharge on purses on New York races was rejected by lawmakers in a last-minute round of state budget talks at the Capitol in Albany.

National Racing Compact Bill Clears KY Senate

Following testimony by horse racing officials, legislation authorizing Kentucky to join a proposed National Racing Compact passed through the Senate State and Local Government Committee and the full Senate Feb. 9.

Skelos Renews Push for Belmont Casino

The top Republican in the New York state Legislature is, again, calling on the governor and Democrats to back an effort to bring a casino to Belmont Park.

NYRA Announces Board of Directors

The New York Racing Association announced Sept. 24 the current composition of its 2008 board of directors. Ten of 11 governmental appointments to the board have been made and all 14 NYRA elected seats have been filled.

Legislators Voice Opinion on Task Force Recommendations

Even though preliminary recommendations on self-regulation for the auction industry have been released by the Sales Integrity Task Force, the Kentucky legislature still has several months before it will act on them.

Illinois Senate Passes Slaughter Bill

The Illinois Senate passed a bill May 16 that would end horse slaughter for human consumption in the state. The bill, which passed by a vote of 39-16, now goes to Gov. Blagojevich for his signature.

Horse Slaughter to Resume In Illinois

As the result of a federal court ruling, the horse slaughter plant in DeKalb, Ill., will temporarily be able to resume business.

Slaughter Bills Advancing in Congress

A bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption was approved by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee April 25, while the House on April 26 voted 277-137 to ban the government from selling wild horses and burros for slaughter.

Virginia House Buries Instant Racing

Instant Racing bill rejected by Virginia House. Conference committee could take up but session ends Feb. 24.

Bills Introduced Regarding Foreign Workers

Bills have been introduced in the Senate and House to help resolve the problem of a cap on foreign workers.

Foreign Withholding Lopped From Federal Tax Cut Bill

Congress passed a $350-billion tax cut measure on May 23, but the bill did not include a clause eliminating an existing 30% withholding tax on winning pari-mutuel wagers placed by foreigners through U.S. betting pools.

Tax-Cut Bill That Would Remove Withholding Tax Passes Senate

The U.S. Senate Thursday passed a $350-billion tax-cut bill that includes a provision to remove the 30% withholding tax on winning pari-mutuel wagers placed by foreigners through U.S. pools.

Legislation Reintroduced to Ban Horse Slaughter

U.S. Representative John Sweeney (R-NY), chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus, and U.S.Representative John Spratt (D-SC) reintroduced the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act on Thursday. The bill will ban the trade in horsemeat and live horses for human consumption.

Farm Aid Bill Passes House; Includes MRLS Assistance

Financial and legislative endeavors tied to mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) continue in Kentucky, while in Washington D.C. the farm aid bill, which includes some assistance for people impacted by foal loss and also designates the horse as livestock, passed the House Oct. 4.

Farish is Confirmed as Ambassador to Britain

Lane's End Farm owner Will Farish was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain by the Senate Wednesday. Given previous reports, Churchill Downs will have two to three weeks to replace him as chairman of the board.