A Peaceful Race Season
The latest agreement or truce between the worlds of slots and horseracing actually has nothing to do with slot machines helping or hindering the business that racetracks see. The state of Kentucky is home to both Churchill Downs Inc, which is a major national horseracing sponsor and owner, and Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association which is the association responsible for a State Fair this month.
The issue was over whether or not the racing and slots at the fair would be open to betting online, and if so, through which avenues. The major issue was that offering the activity online opens up the issue of ownership and taxation, as well as the online gambling question.
Either way, peace was attained this month as the two organizations successfully came to an agreement which saw both associations happy with the outcome. Betting and signal was granted to a few online slots casinos, which included those like Twin Spires and You Bet. There were a few others that were offered the privilege, but could not come to an agreement with the requirements and so it did not work out. Either way, the negotiations event was still a success both in actuality and in the virtual world, and the way the whole thing turned out should be seen as an example of what can happen when things are talked out between two organizations that may or may not have the same goals and agendas. The season, which will end in March 2009, looks like it will be another successful one for all involved.
Back to November 2008 Archive.