The Oregon State Legislature introduced House Bill 3020 on March 11, 2025, aiming to amend regulations surrounding the distribution of mutuel pool breaks in horse and greyhound racing. The bill seeks to clarify how race meet licensees compute and allocate these breaks, which are the amounts deducted from wagers before payouts.

Key provisions of HB 3020 stipulate that when the breaks amount to less than 10 cents per dollar wagered, the licensee will compute the breaks at five cents. Conversely, if the breaks exceed 10 cents, the licensee will pay out in increments of 10 cents. For thoroughbred horse races, 45 percent of the breaks will be retained by the licensee, while 55 percent will be allocated to the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association for various purposes, including breeder awards and educational initiatives. Similar provisions apply to quarter horse races, with funds directed to the Oregon Quarter Horse Racing Association.

The bill has sparked discussions among stakeholders in the racing community, particularly regarding the allocation of funds and the potential impact on the breeding and racing industries in Oregon. Supporters argue that the changes will enhance the financial viability of horse racing in the state, while opponents express concerns about the fairness of the distribution model and its implications for greyhound racing, which has seen declining interest.

Economically, HB 3020 could have significant implications for the racing industry in Oregon, potentially revitalizing interest and investment in horse breeding and racing. However, the bill's future remains uncertain as it faces scrutiny from various interest groups and may undergo further amendments before a final vote.

As the legislative process unfolds, the bill's supporters are optimistic about its potential to strengthen Oregon's racing industry, while critics continue to voice their concerns. The next steps will involve committee reviews and possible revisions, with stakeholders closely monitoring the bill's progress.