Brief Description: Authorizing horse racing handicapping contests.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Condotta, Wood and Dunn.

Hearing Date: 2/21/05

Staff: Rebekah Ward (786-7106).

Background:

The Legislature established the Washington Horse Racing Commission (Commission) in 1933 to license, regulate and supervise all race meets and parimutuel betting. It is unlawful for any person to hold any race meet without having first obtained and having in force and effect a license issued by the Commission.

A class 1 racing association is defined as a licensee approved by the Commission to conduct during each twelve-month period at least forty days of live racing. After Commission approval, a class 1 racing association may conduct parimutuel wagering at a satellite location or locations within the state of Washington. Thereafter, the class 1 racing association license must have conducted at least one full live racing season, and must hold a live race meet within each succeeding twelve-month period to maintain eligibility to continue to participate in parimutuel wagering at a satellite location or locations. The sale of parimutuel pools at satellite locations must be conducted simultaneous to all parimutuel wagering activity conducted at the licensee's live racing facility in the state, and the Commission's authority to approve particular locations is subject to specific limitations.

Summary of Bill:

Handicap contests involving the outcome of multiple horse races authorized by the Washington Horse Racing Commission are exempted from the law regulating Commission rules. The handicap contests are allowed to be conducted by a licensed class 1 racing association for patrons at live-race meets.

Rules Authority:    The bill contains no provisions regarding agency rule making.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February18, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.