Here Come The Horse Racing Carve Outs
Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
HERE COME THE HORSE RACING CARVE OUTS
Minnesota horse race promoters want to use the Internet
With the latest US attempts to ban online gambling just launched, and the
WTO dispute still calling for the horse racing exemptions in US law
to be addressed by April 3, this is possibly not the best time for horse racing
firms to try and get internet betting exemptions.
That hasn'r stopped the Minnesota horse racing fraternity, which is exploring
ways to give Canterbury Park access to the lucrative world of online betting
on horse races.
Rep. Andy Westerberg, said he intends to introduce a bill authorising,
regulating and taxing online betting on horses. But even Westerberg predicts there
is little chance of passing the bill this year.
He and members of the Minnesota Racing Commission met recently with Internet
bookies to discuss the business.
Advocates of the horse racing industry say the debate is not about expanding gambling.
Instead, they argue it would merely ensure that state government and the local
racing industry get a cut of the profits.
Canterbury Park, in Shakopee, Minn., said it has seen about a $6 million decline
in simulcasting wagers from 2004 to 2005. Simulcasting allows betting on races
at other tracks as long as the bet is placed at the Minnesota track.
"It's mainly due to what has become an onslaught of available Internet gambling,"
said track President Randy Sampson.
Simulcasting provides winter income for Canterbury, but it is becoming particularly
vulnerable to competition from online wagering because people can stay home and
still bet. A harness track planned for Anoka County also would appear to
benefit from legalised online betting.
Meanwhile, American Indian tribes are reacting cautiously to the proposal
for legalised Internet gambling on horse racing. The tribes have helped sink other
gambling proposals that would allow casino-style games at the track.
