Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Racing in Georgia? Maybe!

February 16, 2010

The push to bring pari-mutuel betting on horses to Georgia has lead to the introduction of additional legislation in the state House.

Rep. Harry Geisinger, a Republican from Roswell, is introducing House Bill 1168, a measure that would create the Georgia Racing Commission and establish how pari-mutuel betting in Georgia would be regulated.

Last month, Geisinger introduced HB 1177, a constitutional amendment to let voters decide whether they want horse racing and pari-mutuel betting in their communities.

Geisinger, chair of the House Equine Industry Study Committee, is promoting horse racing as a jobs-creator. He said the new legislation will allow Georgia to have one of the most benevolent horse racing systems in the country.

If the constitutional maendment were approved, a Georgia Horse Racing Commission would ensure that all pari-mutuel wagering is conducted in accordance with Georgia law at licensed horse racetracks and satellite facilities, he said.

Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering are legal in 38 states and have a combined annual impact nationally of $39 billion, according to information provided by Geisinger.