The Horsemen introduced HB 274 and 275 during the 2010 legislative session.  HB 274 would have permitted account wagering through licensed race tracks in New Mexico over the telephone or through the internet or other electronic means.  HB 275 would have established a minimum number of 60 live race days per year for each race track possessing a  gaming license in New Mexico.  HB 274 had the support of a good number of legislators and most of the NM racetracks.  HB 275 carried some legislative support but had no real support from our racetracks. (Current live race days minimum in NM is 17 days for a given year) 

 
This past legislative session was a short session and designated  to primarily act on the state's budget matters.  In order for general legislation to make it through the legislative  process the proposed legislation has  to be deemed  germaine to the session by  the Governor's office.  We presented  the bills to the Governor's office in advance of the legislative session for a determination of germainess.  The bills were never deemed to be  germaine nor not germaine.  The proposed bills were then introduced in the legislature where they received some support.  These bills like hundreds of others which did not receive the germaine designation failed to make it through the process.

The 2011 session is a long one designated to consider all business coming before the legislature.  Our plan, which we have already begun is to line up support for these bills in advance of  the 2011 session.  In addition we are looking at requesting that the legislature re-open the compacts with the Indian Gaming authorities to revisit the very restrictive effect that  the compacts have on  our industry.   For all that have asked, hopefully this fills in some of the blanks. Please call or e-mail with any questions or comments.   Pat Bingham,   505.266.7056  , binghampe@yahoo.com ,  505.205.6650 cell.