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Board of Horse Racing credits wagering, state funds for slow recovery; stewards pay change draws questions
Summary
The Montana Board of Horse Racing told the Legislature—s appropriations subcommittee that advanced deposit wagering and recent general-fund support helped increase licensees and racing days, while committee members pressed agency staff on changes to how race officials are paid.
Gary Koepplin, executive secretary of the Montana Board of Horse Racing, told the Legislature—s Appropriations Subcommittee A that the state program is regaining ground after years of decline.
"The mission of the Board of Horse Racing is to ensure the integrity of the state of Montana's horse racing industry, both live and through simulcasting," Koepplin said, noting that attendance and other measures have improved: "Over 30,000 people attended live horse racing between Great Falls and Miles City," licensees rose 33% from 2023 to 2024, and pari-mutuel handle increased 8.5% between those years.
Koepplin said the board—s recovery strategy has three main elements:…
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