Louisiana, you're next?

but some people still think that slot money is going to last forever and be the savior of racing. all it is doing is prolonging the inevitable and making it worse.

From LTBA site

Proposed Legislative Bills Gut Racing and Breeding Program.
Horsemen,

As we are all aware the Louisiana State Legislature begins its session on March 10, 2014. Once again it will be incumbent on the members of our association to call upon their Representatives and Senators to remain consistent in the laws governing Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing in the State of Louisiana. Bills have been filed that the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association must oppose. The laws that are currently in place are working well and we are pleased that they have remained unchanged in recent years.

House Bill 550, introduced by Representative Henry Burns, allows for proposed law changes involving racing and slot machine proceeds. The first proposed law is to change the number of race days at Louisiana Downs from the required minimum of 80 (eighty) days to a minimum of 30 (thirty).

It also proposes that the fixed percentage of slot machine proceeds be different than the present law. The present law requires that eighteen percent (18%) of the net slot machine proceeds be withdrawn with fifteen percent (15%) of the net win dedicated to purses. Three percent (3%) dedicated to Breeders Awards. The proposal calls for the fixed percentage to be eight percent (8%) to be dedicated to purses and one percent to Breeders Awards.


This bill also calls for the elimination of Quarter Horse Racing and Breeders Awards proceeds at Louisiana Downs.

House Bill 493, introduced by Representative Joe Harrison, calls for the redirection of proceeds of slot machines, video poker and other types of gaming to the Bet on Louisiana’s Future Fund, thus eliminating any proceeds going to purses at the track or Breeders Awards.

House Bill 714, also introduced by Representative Harrison, is much like HB 493 but also shows where the monies are to be divided and calls for the elimination of the Video Poker Purse Fund, the Purse Supplements, and payments to the HBPA.

We believe that these proposed bills need our immediate attention and must be defeated. It is estimated that the fiscal impact the Louisiana horse industry has on the state’s economy is over $2 billion dollars. Taking monies away and changing programs only dilutes the program. Louisiana is ranked near the top of the breeding industry. Please contact your Representative and Senator and ask them to not jeopardize the success the thoroughbred industry is currently having and to keep the current legislation in place.