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Delegation debates draft letter supporting historic horse-racing access for Frederick off-track betting site
Summary
Delegates discussed a draft letter of support for legislation to allow historical horse-racing at one of Frederick County's four off-track betting licenses; members asked for more information before deciding whether to send a formal letter.
At the Feb. 7 meeting, the Frederick County Delegation discussed a draft letter of support for legislation that would allow historical horse-racing at certain off-track betting (OTB) locations, including Long Shots in Frederick County’s District 3.
Delegate Delia Ferrer, identified in the record as Delegate Fair, described the bill and the product known as historical horse racing: she said players receive data about past races and make informed wagers on unnamed historical races, and the system then displays the referenced historical race. Ferrer said the mechanism is distinct from other betting because it relies on bettors’ analysis of provided statistics. Ferrer also attributed industry success in other states, saying it has been “extremely successful in states like Kentucky,” and citing figures on industry size and state revenue during her remarks.
Delegates asked procedural and scope questions. Delegate Boucher asked for a clear definition of historical horse racing. Delegates confirmed the proposed legislation is statewide and would apply to OTB facilities, not casinos; the bill would affect one of four OTB licenses in Maryland, and Frederick County currently is home to one such license at Long Shots. Delegate Buckle was identified as a lead sponsor for the legislation.
Delegate Kerr told the delegation that House Bill 1048 (historic horse racing) has a hearing in March and said the bill has been discussed in prior public meetings. Several delegates said they had questions about whether other counties were preparing support letters; Delegate Fair said she was not aware of support letters from other counties and would need to research that.
The delegation did not make a formal decision on the draft letter during the Feb. 7 session; members said they would discuss it further and could vote at a later meeting after receiving additional information, including sponsor office details and any scheduled hearings.
