Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Illinois Legislative News...

May 23, 2005

The IHHA has been monitoring and reviewing various proposed bills that would affect horsemen. There has been an assortment of proposals put forth by race tracks, riverboats, the lottery, horsemen groups and others. As of today, none of these groups have seen their individual bills passed. The IHHA was told early in the session by the legislative leaders that gaming bills would all be considered together toward the end of May. That time is now and we are closely scrutinizing which proposals will be included in a possible
gaming bill. As of today, there are three proposals that have a likely chance of being considered:

1) Senate President Emil Jones proposal to allow slots at the tracks. The IHHA has been very active negotiating to ensure that horsemen will be allocated a fair percentage of the revenues and that there are incentives for the tracks to preserve and grow live racing.
This bill would also eliminate recapture and mandate that standardbred racing return to Fairmont Park.

2) Rep. Molaro's proposal to increase the number of positions at the riverboats and to have them pay the horse racing industry 3% of their adjusted gross revenues with half paid to the tracks and half to purses. But his proposal does not include a provision to eliminate recapture.

3) Taking Rep. Molaro's proposal and amending it to eliminate recapture and put it provisions for the breeder and county fair programs.

The decision on which of these bills will be used during the budget negotiations is still unclear. The governor's office has expressed an interest in advancing a gaming bill and our lobbyist have made sure the IHHA have been active participants in dealing with all of the leaders in crafting these bills. Of the above bills the IHHA has given its support to number 1 and number 3. The 2nd option the IHHA will adamantly work against unless it is amended.
Decisions on when which of these proposals or variations of them advances is unknown. There could be amendments to the above that may be favorable or unfavorable to horsemen. The final version may not be known until right before it is to be voted on.

If you have any questions please call the following: IHHA office: 1-888-601-7223 or Jack Kelly-Executive Director-Cell: 1-630-738-0808 or Brenda Watson-Grassroots Coordinator-Cell 1-217-416-3973.