Massachusetts House Greenlights Historical Horse Racing Machines

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has advanced a significant piece of gambling legislation, approving a measure that would legalize historical horse racing (HHR) machines at the state’s remaining racetracks. The decision, part of a larger economic development bill, now moves to the Senate for consideration, where its future remains less certain.

If enacted, the legislation would permit the installation of HHR machines at eligible track properties. This change is primarily expected to benefit two locations: Suffolk Downs in East Boston, a site undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use neighborhood, and the former Raynham Park in southeastern Massachusetts. While neither location currently hosts live horse racing, Suffolk Downs continues to operate as a destination for simulcast wagering.

Understanding Historical Horse Racing Machines

Historical horse racing machines operate differently from traditional slot machines. Instead of relying on a random number generator, these machines utilize the outcomes of previously completed horse races. The gaming experience is designed to appear similar to slots, with spinning reels revealing the results of the anonymized races. Bettors wager into parimutuel pools, meaning they are betting against each other rather than the house. Proponents argue that this structure makes HHR machines an extension of horse racing, circumventing regulations applied to casino-style gambling.

Developer Support and Investment

The legislation has garnered strong support from developer Richard Fields, who has long sought to revitalize Suffolk Downs. Fields has also secured an agreement to acquire Raynham Park, contingent on the passage of this HHR legislation. A report commissioned by Fields from Spectrum Gaming Group estimates that approximately $225 million in combined capital investment would be required to develop HHR gaming venues at these two former tracks.

Casino Industry Opposition

The state’s established commercial casino operators – Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park – have voiced strong opposition to the HHR proposal. They argue that these machines are essentially slot machines that would create unfair competition for casinos, which are subject to more stringent regulatory frameworks. The operators jointly urged House leaders to reject the amendment.

Tribal Gaming Concerns

Massachusetts’s sole tribal gaming operator, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, has also expressed fierce opposition. The tribe views the legalization of HHR machines as an attempt to expand gaming in Massachusetts outside the existing framework established by the Tribal-State Compact and the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act. They have emphasized that this issue extends beyond gaming, touching upon tribal sovereignty and governmental respect.

Key facts

The introduction of HHR machines could significantly alter the competitive landscape of gambling in Massachusetts. For players, it might introduce a new form of gaming accessible at racetrack locations, potentially offering different odds and experiences compared to traditional casino offerings. However, the debate highlights ongoing tensions between expanding gaming options and protecting the interests of existing licensed operators, as well as respecting tribal sovereignty agreements. The outcome in the Senate will be crucial in determining whether these machines become a reality in the state.

Source: Massachusetts House Approves Historical Horse Racing Machines Despite Casino Pushback – Casino.org – https://www.casino.org/news/massachusetts-house-approves-historical-horse-racing-machines-despite-casino-pushback/