Racing commission warns proposed change to dog wagering could drain commissions' revenue and threaten racing operations

Bruce Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Racing Commission, told the House Appropriations Government Operations Division that revenue for the commission and for live racing in the state depends heavily on out‑of‑state account deposit wagering (ADW) companies and that Senate Bill 2,384 could cause some ADWs to exit North Dakota, sharply reducing funds that support the state’s racing programs.

Johnson said the commission licenses roughly 16 ADW companies that handle pari‑mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing; several ADWs rely significantly on greyhound (dog) racing revenue. Although North Dakota has no live greyhound tracks, Johnson said simulcast facilities at four in‑state venues (Williston, Grand Forks, Fargo and a casino site) offer dog‑race wagering that contributes to ADW revenue streams. He said eliminating the dog‑wagering component of ADW business — a change the commission believes SB 2,384 would bring — could cost the commission about $250,000 per year across the funds it manages and roughly a half‑million dollars…