House raises penalties, expands enforcement options for racing and wagering regulators

The Oregon House on Thursday approved bills that expand enforcement tools and penalties for the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC).

Sponsor remarks said the ORC lacked authority to impose civil penalties on unlicensed online wagering entities operating in the state; a bill approved on the floor creates that authority and allows the commission to adopt rules setting civil penalties up to a stated maximum. Representative Chosin, speaking for related legislation, argued the current maximum penalties were insufficient and urged increases to encourage compliance.

Key points in the enacted measures: the ORC may impose civil penalties for illegal wagering activities and adopt rules establishing penalty amounts; the statute sets discretion for the commission to consider the violator’s history, financial situation and the extent the violation threatened the public good. Another measure raises maximum fines and clarifies that board of stewards rulings may be reviewed by the commission, establishes an appeal timeline and permits the commission to require hearing costs from appellants under certain conditions.

Representative Chosin told colleagues the changes are intended to deter neglectful behavior and illegal wagering, citing testimony such as a case in which horses were left unattended and the only applicable maximum fine had been $500.

Both bills were read by title following motions to suspend section-by-section reading and were declared passed after the required majority votes. The transcript does not record a full roll-call tally on the floor for these measures.