Delegation backs amendment to HB887 to earmark $200,000 for Fair Hill purses, preserves Perryville allocation

Delegate Kevin Hornberger presented an amendment to HB887 that would create a statewide $200,000 "off‑the‑top" set‑aside of aggregate Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) receipts for fiscal years 2027–29, earmarked exclusively for race purses at Fair Hill.

Hornberger said the amendment was designed not to reduce Perryville’s existing $70,000 direct disbursement and that Lottery & Gaming recommended placing the appropriation at the state level to avoid local allocation impacts. "If we put this 200,000 appropriation at the state level for all of the VLT money, then it won't have an impact on your jurisdiction, and we believe we could get the bill across the finish line," Hornberger said.

A county director of community services (Mr. Trolio) requested clarification on timing and mechanics; Hornberger confirmed the set‑aside would be taken "off the top" of the statewide aggregate before local distributions and would be limited to purses for FY27–29. County staff warned that local revenue projections vary and that a conservative approach to three‑year planning remains appropriate.

Mayor Linke of Perryville joined the call to confirm that the town’s $70,000 direct allotment would remain; Hornberger and staff walked through the amended allocation table and told the mayor Perryville’s direct payment was preserved. Linke said even a small percentage reduction would be felt locally and asked members to run the numbers.

Administrative Secondberger said there is a tentative memorandum of understanding with the Maryland Jockey Club to contribute $300,000 in purse money for proposed race days, but members raised questions about which entity would receive state purse money (thoroughbred organizations vs. steeplechase or other groups) and who would hold and administer the funds. Delegates agreed to continue drafting and fiscal review and to reconvene for further action.