NM STATE LEGISLATURE BILLS THAT AFFECT HORSERACING IN NEW MEXICO AS OF JANUARY 5, 2010

Note for Horsemen and Interested Persons:

From: Pat Bingham, Executive Director, New Mexico Horsemen’s Association

Attached you will find information regarding 3 bills that have been introduced in the New Mexico Legislature that have to do with Horseracing in New Mexico.

First, House Bill 203 would permit the citizens of Ruidoso Downs, Ruidoso and Lincoln County to vote an increase to their local gross receipts tax (sales tax) to provide a tax benefit/incentive to Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino to continue running horses in Ruidoso Downs. The Bill passed through the House Business and Industry Committee yesterday, January 4, 2010. The Horsemen have announced their support for this bill. The vote was unanimous.

The Horsemen has introduced House Bill 274 which would allow each racetrack in New Mexico to set up an account wagering deposit system that would allow patrons to place their wagers over the internet, by phone or other electronic means through the racetrack. Present law requires that a patron be physically at the racetrack in order to wager on a race. This Bill which has the general support of the racetracks would generate additional money for purses for Horsemen, money for the tracks’ bottom line and money for the State in the form of pari-mutuel taxes. It would also permit racing fans from outlying areas to enjoy the thrill of betting on horse races that originate in our state as well as elsewhere.

 

We have also introduced House Bill 275 which would amend the Horseracing Act to provide for a minimum number of 60 days of live racing at NM racetracks that have gaming. The current law provides that each racetrack must run a minimum number of 17 days of live racing per year in order to simulcast races from across the country and provide slot gaming to its patrons. The 60 day minimum number of live races is in line with what other jurisdictions in the US that have enacted gaming at their ractracks require of their racetracks. Eg. Delaware 100 live race days per year, Pennsylvania 100 live race days per year, Louisiana 80 days of live racing per track per year.

Attached is a list of the phone numbers of the Senators and Representatives in the State. Please contact your legislator to express your support for theses measures.

 

If you are viewing this on the internet, you may reach the legislature at

www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/

 

Sincerely,

Pat Bingham

505.266.7056 or 505.205.6650 (cell) Also at binghampe@yahoo.com

 

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