WV Legislature to Review Racing and Gaming
Blood-Horse
Both houses of the West Virginia legislature have adopted a resolution forming a select committee that will undertake a “comprehensive study” of the state’s racing and gaming industries and report its findings to the full legislature in 2016.
The resolution, filed March 11 and quickly adopted by the Senate and House of Delegates by March 14, outlines the background of racetrack gaming in West Virginia, including how it once had little competition but now there are about 20 new casinos in neighboring states.
“Due to this competition, racing and gaming revenues upon which our state has become so dependent are decreasing at a rapid pace which creates a diminishing amount of money” for various programs, the resolution states and also notes: “In addition to the loss of revenues for the state, the jobs of thousands of West Virginia families who rely on the live racing and gaming industries for their livelihood are also at risk.”
The select committee will be established by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. It will review all laws, rules, and regulations associated with Thoroughbred and Greyhound racing and make recommendations for modernization and streamlining, as well undertake a “comprehensive investigation of appropriate governing structures for live racing and gaming activities.”
The West Virginia Lottery, which oversees video lottery terminals and table games at four racetrack casinos and one casino at a historic hotel, will also be reviewed. Lottery administration is responsible for distribution of funds.
The resolution also references a sore subject with horsemen’s groups: re-examination of statutes that authorized local approval for racetrack gaming in the four counties in which the tracks are located. The resolution indicates statutory language that permits counties to repeal approval for VLTs or table games is part of the review.
The committee also is charged with doing “an analysis of innovative and creative additions to West Virginia’s gaming mix, including innovative and creative ways to more efficiently and profitably administer West Virginia’s gaming activities,” and finding “ways to identify any and all prospects which may enhance revenue generation.” Internet gambling is mention in the resolution.
The racing industry has been trying to win support for advance deposit wagering; historical race wagering, also called Instant Racing; and would like the legislature to consider EquiLottery, a proposed game that links state lotteries and pari-mutuel horse racing. The resolution’s wording indicates any new outlets or games would be considered.
The review of comes after two recent studies on racing in West Virginia. One study by West Virginia University outlined the economic development impact of horse and dog racing in the state, while the other, by Spectrum Gaming Group, was done on the dog racing and breeding industry in advance of legislation that called for an end to Greyhound racing in exchange for a buyout of owners and breeders.
The Greyhound racing cessation bill failed to win support during the 2015 legislative session, but the issue could be revisited next year.
