FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 5407

C 10 L 01 E1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing more simulcast horse racing.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions (originally sponsored by Senators West, Prentice, Kohl‑Welles, Gardner and Rasmussen).

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  A class 1 racing association (race track) may import simulcast racing programs from out-of state racing facilities if approved by the Washington State Horse Racing Commission.  The number and frequency of imported simulcast programs depends upon whether the race track offers live horse racing or whether the live horse racing season has ended.

During the racing season, a class 1 racing association may open for wagering for up to five days.  On the days that the race track conducts live racing during this five day period, it may import no more than one simulcast program per day from out-of-state racing facilities.  Generally, one simulcast program contains eight to ten races that viewers watch via satellite on television monitors between live races.  The Horse Racing Commission may also provide special approval of one imported out-of-state race of regional and national interest on each live race day.  For up to two days per week (out of the five possible open days) when the race track does not offer live racing, it may import two simulcast programs from out-of-state racing facilities.  When the live racing season ends, the race track may import simulcast programs five days per week from out-of-state racing facilities.  The Horse Racing Commission must approve parimutuel wagering at class 1 racing facilities and simulcast parimutuel wagering for imported simulcast programs.

Summary:  The provisions that govern when and how often a class 1 racing association may import simulcast programs from out-of-state racing facilities during live race meets are deleted.  Thus, during the live racing season, a class 1 racing association may simulcast five days per week.

Legislative intent states that the act preserves, restores, and revitalizes the equine breeding and racing industries.  It is clarified that new forms of gambling are not established beyond what the state authorized previously.

If a state or federal court finds that the act expands gambling beyond that which the state currently authorizes, then the act becomes null and void.  If a court invalidates any provision of the act, then the entire act and its application to any person or circumstance also becomes invalid.

A licensee conducting simulcasting must place signs regarding problem and pathological gambling as provided by current law.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate3117

First Special Session

Senate32 9

House     61 32

Effective:  August 23, 2001