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.