Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

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May 23, 2007

Indiana's two pari-mutuel horse tracks are both planning construction projects following the Legislature's decision to allow the addition of slot machines.

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday approved a request from Indiana Downs officials to spend $300,000 for 27 acres as the site for new stables at the Shelby County track. Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park in Anderson both expect to also undertake construction projects to house the 2,000 slot machines permitted under the new state law.

"We've got architects and engineers and designers working on that, and we want to make sure that whatever we decide is the right decision," Hoosier Park President Rick Moore said.

Officials from both tracks said they might house slot machines in temporary structures to generate revenue to offset the licensing fee and construction costs.

The new law signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels this month requires each track to pay the state $250 million over the next two years to get the slot machines at their venues. It also requires the tracks to spend at least $100 million to build the new casinos.

Joe Gorajec, executive director of the horse racing commission, said the allocation of some slot machine revenue toward race purses could boost them by up to $60 million a year.

"Our racetracks already face the daunting task of funding the licensing fee and creating dedicated slot areas," Gorajec said. "I'm sure the management at both tracks is up to the task."