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Track operators, regulators and horsemen urge legislative help to offset federal integrity fees
Summary
Industry representatives briefed the Regional Policy Committee on Feb. 12 about the economic footprint of Washington thoroughbred racing and asked for legislative help to address federal regulatory costs imposed by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act.
Industry leaders and state regulators told the King County Regional Policy Committee on Feb. 12 that Washington’s horse-racing industry contributes millions in economic activity and supports hundreds of seasonal jobs, but it is under strain from falling wagering revenue and new federal regulatory costs.
Speakers including Ron Crockett (founder of Emerald Downs), Phil Ziegler (president, Emerald Downs), Amanda Benton (executive secretary, Washington Horse Racing Commission), Doug Moore (chair, Washington Horse Racing Commission) and Mary Anne O’Donnell (executive director, Washington Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) presented data and asked for help from local elected officials in Olympia advocacy.
Crockett outlined the industry’s history in the region and urged elected leaders to raise the issue with state legislators, saying the industry “is extremely important and, hopefully, this group can, can give us a hand.”
Ziegler described the industry’s current revenue and regulatory…
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