Legislative Updates Spring 2003

ARKANSAS
Little Rock: A bill to authorize video poker and other electronic wagering at Southland Greyhound Park in West Memphis failed in the House April 3. The legislative session ended April 16.

Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
Associated Press

COLORADO
Denver: A measure has been approved to allow off-track betting parlors to increase broadcasts of dog racing simulcasts 250 days a year. Current law limits the facilities to only 15 days. The bill also includes a 5 percent tax on all greyhound wagering, which is expected to net the state about $1.4 million a year.

Sen. Jack Taylor has launched a racetrack-funded campaign seeking voter approval to legalize video gaming at the state's dog and horse tracks. Competing casino-backed proposals would block the machines from the tracks. Casino gambling is legal in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. Supporters of each initiative need to collect at least 67,829 signatures for the measures to get on the November ballot.

Source: Denver Post: Ryan Morgan,
Associated Press

CONNECTICUT
Hartford: Five pieces of legislation have been introduced to allow high-stakes bingo and keno at the Bridgeport and Plainfield dog tracks. The measure faces strong opposition from the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, who operate two casinos in the state.

Source: Norwich Bulletin: Associated Press

FLORIDA
Tallahassee: House Bill 663, which would have allowed video gambling terminals at the state's 16 dog tracks, was defeated in committee March 18. The status of a Senate version of the bill is unknown. The legislative session ends in early May.

Source: The Miami Herald: Erika Bolstad

KANSAS
Topeka: Senate Bill 226, a measure to legalize slot machines for the state's greyhound tracks, including the closed track in Frontenac, was left in limbo when the regular legislative session ended April 4. The Legislature will reconvene April 30 for a five-day wrap-up session that may be extended to hear SB 226. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the chief supporter of slot machines for the tracks, said April 15, "Nothing is dead."

Source: The Kansas City Star: John Hanna,
Associated Press

MASSACHUSETTS
Boston: On April 15, the House voted 95-59 against a bill that would have legalized video lottery terminals at each of the state's four racetracks and two other slot machine emporiums yet to be determined. The House also rejected a bill by a 21-vote margin that would have allowed slot machines at only the tracks.

Source: The (Lowell) Sun: Erik Arvidson

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Concord: Rep. Paul LaFlamme introduced House Bill 520, a measure requiring the state racing commission to maintain disposition records on all greyhounds raced in the state. The bill was heard in the House Environment and Agriculture Committee in early February; further hearings are expected to take place during the summer.

Source: New Hampshire Legislature

OREGON
Salem: Sen. Vicki Walker co-sponsored Senate Bill 830, a measure requiring the Oregon Racing Commission to keep injury records on all greyhounds raced in the state. The bill also requires owners of racing dogs to file disposition forms with the commission. The bill was heard in the General Government Committee March 10.

Source: Willamette Week: Nigel Jaquiss