Ohio Senate Passes Racing Bill

[Elgin]

Positive step in Ohio, but court decision looms   
May 11, 2012
   
The Ohio Senate passed legislation on Thursday (May 10) that calls for the horse industry to receive between 9 and 11 percent of the net win from video lottery terminals (VLTs). Based on industry estimates, that could mean $3 million in purses annually for each of Ohio's seven racetracks, which in the case of Scioto Downs, Lebanon Raceway and Raceway Park, would result in at least a doubling of purse money.
"A positive step was taken, but there is more work to be done,

[Wilderness]

"that calls for the horse industry to receive between 9 and 11 percent of the net win from video lottery terminals (VLTs). Based on industry estimates, that could mean $3 million in purses annually for each of Ohio's seven racetracks, which in the case of Scioto Downs, Lebanon Raceway and Raceway Park, would result in at least a doubling of purse money."

 That's certainly not the windfall the Ohio horsemen were hoping for ;(

 Considering the distribution to the Ohio racino/Casino owners is the highest in the Country, doubling current purses seems a dismal offering to assure future success and longevity to Ohio racing.

[Wilderness]

doubling of current purses might put Ohio-purses in parallel with Pompano and Saratoga, however nothing close to what's going on in PA or NY.

[beans and weenies]

doubling of current purses might put Ohio-purses in parallel with Pompano and Saratoga, however nothing close to what's going on in PA or NY.

but maybe we can secure that amount so it can't be taken away at the whim of the government ?  that would be nice.

[Wilderness]

I realize it's positive and long-awaited good news, however it has flaws.
 The horsemen in Fla are at the mercy of Isle of Capri and required to take what ever Capri decides to give.

The USTA has a link to a more accurate Bloodhorse release

the 9-11% is based on the gross rather than the net Kathy Parker reported.
 

[AmyHollar]

There isn't any situation in North America which is perfect as far as slots are concerned.

VLTs are not a cure all.

I'm glad to see the figures in the media are on the conservative side.

The business model of Northfield Park racing over 200 days may not hold up.

But it gives us a chance to survive and compete..........I never expected a windfall............never expect Meadows sized purses.

Hopefully this will also way lay everyone worries about us being "inundated" with out-of-state horses.

[Jeremy]

There isn't any situation in North America which is perfect as far as slots are concerned.

VLTs are not a cure all.

I'm glad to see the figures in the media are on the conservative side.

The business model of Northfield Park racing over 200 days may not hold up.

But it gives us a chance to survive and compete..........I never expected a windfall............never expect Meadows sized purses.

Hopefully this will also way lay everyone worries about us being "inundated" with out-of-state horses.

If you can race for nearly the same total amount in 150 days rather than 220, might as well race the 150 at Northfield and then if you choose race some in Scioto or another track.

[badolpuddytat]

Dam if they can race for Buffalo purses and Batavia, then it would be GREAT!!!! Buffalo won't have 8 horse fields anymore!!!!

[LVGaryD]

I hope there are funds allocated to the fair races. In my opinion, fairs are very important to Ohio horsemen.

 

[Wilderness]

I hope there are funds allocated to the fair races. In my opinion, fairs are very important to Ohio horsemen.

 Gary,
         The fairs are fundamental to all jurisdictions.
They are the backbone of racing, unfortunately, the interest of the general public at most fairs is even lesser than the public interest at pari-mutuel tracks.

 Some of the many Mich fairs that no longer race had less than a handful of people in the grandstand in their last decade.
 Michigan once had more than thirty fairs with racing, while last year there was a mere sixteen.

 The Fair Boards cannot be blamed because they are battling for their existence as well. The vast amount of property required for a track, barns and grandstand (as well as their upkeep) could easily be used in something that actually generated revenue for the fair.

[LVGaryD]

I guarantee you that many fairs get larger crowds for the races than many racetracks get, at least in Ohio.