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Parameters of Maryland Agreement Discussed

The Maryland Jockey Club will receive more than $5 million for operations under the parameters of a negotiated agreement that will maintain a full 146-day live Thoroughbred racing schedule in the state.

State Grants Slots License to Hialeah Park

The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Dec. 21 issued a license for slot machines to Hialeah Park. Gaming could be offered in November 2011, officials said.

California Screamin'--Issues Get Airing Out

Issues impacting the long-term health of California horse racing were dissected Dec. 9 and produced a general message: Think outside the box, because the prospect of revenue from gaming is very dim.

Illinois Senate OKs Gaming Bill; House Next

Illinois senators approved a major expansion of casino gambling, including racetrack slot machines, Dec. 1, but the measure must now pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Gov. Pat Quinn.

PNGI: No Plans to Exit Maryland Venture

Penn National Gaming Inc. said Nov. 30 its joint venture with MI Developments in Maryland will continue, and that it planned to work on an "expedited basis" to devise a 2011 live racing schedule in the state.

Court Upholds Hialeah Provision in 2010 Law

A state court in Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 22 ruled in favor of Hialeah Park on one count of a lawsuit that challenges its legal right to build a casino with Las Vegas-style slot machines.

Poll Shows Support for Slots at Meadowlands

An informal poll conducted by the Hall Institute the week of Nov. 15 showed more than half would support installing slot machines at Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Maryland Horsemen Fighting for Race Dates

With a Dec. 1 deadline on racing dates looming, Maryland horsemen are advocating a schedule similar to that of 2010 even though a shutdown of Laurel Park for live racing and training is on the table.

MJC Considers Options in Wake of Slots Vote

The Maryland Jockey Club will map out a plan for the future over the next several weeks and the closure of Laurel Park for live racing and training remains a real possibility, officials said Nov. 3.

Maryland Voters OK Zoning for Mall Slots

Voters in Anne Arundel County, Md., approved a ballot measure that grants zoning for a slot machine casino at the Arundel Mills Mall.

MJC: Racing at Laurel Hinges on Slots Vote

A plan to put slot machines at Arundel Mills Mall instead of Laurel Park is the driving force of a Nov. 2 referendum in Anne Arundel County, Md.

Purses, Handle, Field Size Up at Hoosier Park

Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Indiana reported strong across-the-board gains for its 2010 meet that ended Oct. 24.

Bright Spot Can't Hide Reality in Kentucky

A positive day for horse racing at Turfway Park couldn't hide the fact the track's product, and the Kentucky horse racing and breeding industry in general, are suffering.

What's Going On Here: High-Stakes Games

Why support an industry that cannot sustain itself? Because wherever this debate occurs, it's important to see that the racetrack is only part of the equation.

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Group's Appeal on Maryland Slots Gets Hearing

The Maryland Court of Appeals will hear an appeal by a citizens' group seeking to get a referendum involving slot machines in Anne Arundel County on the November ballot.

Suffolk Downs Expansion Plan Tied to Gaming

Suffolk Downs, celebrating its 75th season this year, has a vision for the future, and it's tied to expansion of gambling.

MD Group to Meet on Rejection of Slots Vote

A citizens' group will meet the evening of June 29 to discuss a court ruling that rejected a referendum on slot machines in Anne Arundel County, Md.

Big Purse Hike for Rest of Indiana Downs Meet

Indiana Downs, citing weather-related cancellations, will increase some overnight purses and state-bred supplements in open races 30% effective June 29. The meet ends July 14.

Rise of the Racino - By Richard Thalheimer

The number of states that permit racino gaming has grown from one in 1990 to 15 in 2010.

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Politics Colors Breeders' Cup Announcement

When Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and representatives of Breeders' Cup and Churchill Downs announced the track was selected to host the World Championships in 2011, the lawmaker who pushed for tax breaks wasn't on hand.

Churchill Hikes Purses, Warns of Competition

Churchill Downs announced June 8 it will raise overnight purses 10% effective June 12 for the final three weeks of its spring meet.

Debate Ensues Over Indiana Downs Purse Fund

When Indiana Downs didn't card a scheduled $75,000 stakes May 26 due to a shortage of entries, red flags were raised as to whether there was another reason the race wasn't run.

Brunetti Seeks Answers to Hialeah Questions

Hialeah owner John Brunetti said he needs answers to questions before he starts making improvements--and spending more money--at the South Florida racetrack.

Lukas to Baffert: Thanks for the Jockey

The May 13 Preakness Alibi Breakfast was for the most part lighthearted as usual.

MTR Gaming Group Reports First-Quarter Loss

MTR Gaming Group reported a net loss of $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2010 versus net income of $752,000 for the same period in 2009.

Maryland Tracks, PNGI Have Operating Deal

The Maryland Jockey Club, now operated by MI Developments, will be jointly operated by Penn National Gaming Inc. upon closure of the deal, the two entities announced May 7.

Slot Legislation Push On Again in Illinois

Arlington Park president says the track will go out of business without slots.

Hawthorne Touts Illinois Racetrack Slots Plan

Hawthorne Race Course is touting legislation that would authorize slot machines at Illinois racetracks.

Track Without Slots? There's No Hope for You

Prediction from a few racing industry executives: If you're a racetrack without slot machines, you're doomed.

Williams Says Racing Issues 'Complicated'

Kentucky Senate President David Williams said April 27 issues in the horse racing and pari-mutuel industry are "complicated," but lawmakers intend to continue working on ways to strengthen the business.

Calder Opens First Live Meet with Slots

Calder Race Course opens its first live meet enhanced with slot machines April 25.

Penn Gaming: No Plans to 'Flip' Beulah Park

The Ohio State Racing Commission met with four representatives from Penn National Gaming Inc. April 20 to question them on the proposed purchase of Beulah Park in Grove City, Ohio.

PA Report: Live Racing Boosts Slots Revenue

Horse racing at Pennsylvania racetracks is helping casino companies make more money on slot machines, according to one piece of information in the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's 2009 report on racetrack gaming.

What They Said at Meeting of State Regulators

Attendees at the annual RCI meeting in Lexington had lots to say about various issues in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

KY Commission Waiting on Instant Racing

If the Kentucky General Assembly ends without passing legislation that would statutorily permit Instant Racing machines at Kentucky racetracks, the state racing commission would then consider its options.

Judge Rejects Rosecroft Sale; Money Owed

A United States Bankuputcy Court judge in Maryland has tossed out a plan by Cloverleaf Enterprises Inc. to sell Rosecroft Raceway without having to make good on several claims.

Push for Maryland Slots Vote Gets Boost

The Arundel County Board of Elections certified April 1 a petition by residents of the Maryland county to have a November referendum on slot machines.

New Hampshire Senate Passes VLT Legislation

The New Hampshire Senate March 24 passed legislation authorizing video lottery terminals at six locations, including Rockingham Park.

Protest Cancels First Race at Aqueduct

The horses for Aqueduct's first race March 21 did not arrive at the security barn by 8:00 a.m., the designated deadline, and as a result the first race has been canceled.

Horsemen Link Table Games License, Repairs

Philly Park has been granted a table games license, but horsemen there want improvements made to racing-related facilities on the property.

Pimlico Special Bagged Second Year in Row

The on-again-off-again Pimlico Special (gr. I) is off again for this year, according to a stakes schedule released by the Maryland Jockey Club March 16.

Instant Racing Called 'Competitive' Product

An executive with RaceTech, the company that produces Instant Racing machines, said the product has held up well against electronic games of skill at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.

KY Racing Aid Bill Called 'Life Preserver'

Legislation authorizing Instant Racing, a tax on advance deposit wagering, and a reduction in the pari-mutuel excise tax sailed through the Kentucky Senate Committee on State and Local Government March 11.

PA Tracks Must Answer for Racing Promotion

The chair of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission said March 10 racetrack casinos in the state are expected to demonstrate "concrete ways their commitment to live racing and breeding."

Calder Casino Gets Off to Modest Start

During the first full month of operation, slot machines at Calder Casino & Race Course placed third in pre-tax revenue among the five pari-mutuel casinos in southeast Florida.

MJC: More Signatures for Slots Vote Submitted

The Maryland Jockey Club, as well as community groups, March 5 submitted 16,702 additional signatures to the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections in a push to have citizens of the county vote on a zoning permit for slots.

Florida Session Begins With Hope for Industry

The Florida legislature will begin its two-month regular session March 2, with House Speaker Larry Cretul leading an effort to pass a pari-mutuel bill.

KY Governor Pushes Budget With VLT Revenue

Gov. Steve Beshear is urging Kentucky lawmakers to take another look at legalizing video lottery terminals to avoid cuts in the state's next budget.

MI Racing Officials Disagree on Casino Bill

After several meetings, two Michigan horsemen's groups have remained unsuccessful in convincing Dan Adkins of Hazel Park to amend the language of a petition concerning the approval of eight new casinos in the state.

Remington Alters Schedule for Thoroughbreds

With the exception of Oklahoma Derby day Oct. 10, Remington Park will eliminate Sunday racing from its fall Thoroughbred schedule, track officials said.