Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Horse Racing Commission warns HISA fees could threaten Washington racing and related jobs
Summary
Commission leaders told the Senate committee that federal HISA assessment fees are rising sharply and could make horse racing financially unsustainable in Washington without legislative or other relief.
Amanda Benton, executive secretary of the Washington Horse Racing Commission, and commission Chair Doug Moore told the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee that the state’s pari-mutuel horse-racing industry has shrunk in recent decades and now faces a new financial burden from the federal Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
Benton summarized the commission’s regulatory responsibilities and said Emerald Downs is the only active racetrack in Washington; she said Emerald Downs plans a 51-day live-racing season beginning April 27 and ending Sept. 7. She reported that the commission issued 1,426 participant licenses in 2024 and an additional 481…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
