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Minnesota Racing Commission votes to add $200,000 to 2025 HISA assessment
Summary
The Minnesota Racing Commission approved a $200,000 increase to its 2025 contribution to the HISA assessment, a partial-year adjustment tied to an ADW fee change in the state finance bill; the motion passed by voice vote.
The Minnesota Racing Commission voted on June 16 to increase its contribution to the 2025 Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) assessment by $200,000, approving the change by voice vote.
Commission staff presented the item as Action Item No. 5, saying the 2025 state government finance bill modified ADW (advance-deposit wagering) regulatory fees and that the pass-through of those fee changes will begin for wagers placed on or after July 1. "So that's the basis for the staff recommendation to start increasing MRC's contribution to the 2025 calendar year HISA assessment," staff member Mr. Dastakson told commissioners.
Why it matters: The state finance bill increased certain regulatory ADW fees that will yield additional monthly revenue beginning in August, staff said. Commissioners heard an estimate that the extra ADW revenue would average just over $40,000 per month for five months, producing roughly $200,000 by the end of 2025; staff proposed applying that money toward the commission's HISA obligation.
Commissioner Benjamin and others signaled support during discussion. "This is exactly what we discussed at the meeting. This is doing exactly what we said we were going to do," Commissioner Goodwin said, adding that staff had also looked at alternative funding sources. Commissioner Keith voiced concern about a year‑over‑year decline in wagering and noted that sustained declines could change available revenues; staff replied that wagering has slowed but the rate of decline has moderated compared with the prior year.
The motion to add $200,000 to the commission's 2025 HISA assessment was moved and seconded; the commission approved it by voice vote with no roll call recorded. The chair noted the motion will be implemented given the legislative timing and the anticipated ADW receipts.
The commission packet references earlier legislative provisions needed to appropriate special revenue back to the commission; staff also told commissioners that the ADW fee adjustments are expected to take effect for wagers placed on or after July 1, with collections beginning in August. No additional formal conditions or later reporting requirements were specified in the meeting discussion.
