New to the issue of instant racing machines? Read this terrific summary that details state-by-state the major debates going on around the country regarding these machines. It also gives a synopsis of what instant racing is and draws the conclusion that instant racing machines are very similar in many ways to regular slot machines.
Attached is a first-hand account from Debbie Blank and Pat Loonjer, both of Nebraska and both members of Stop Predatory Gambling, regarding what it’s like to play an instant racing machine- a growing trend at race tracks across the country. Gambling interests paint these machines as no different than betting on a live horse race, but reading this account shows how far that is from reality.
Attached is a copy of the Nebraska attorney general’s opinion regarding a bill that discusses whether or not instant racing machines are legal under the Nebraska constitution. In the end, the attorney general, Jon Bruning, concludes that, “LB 1102’s attempt to authorize wagering on the results of previously run horse races through the use of IRTs [instant racing terminals] resembling slot machines or other video gambling devices does not constitute a form of parimutuel wagering which the Legislature may permit”. In other words, according to the attorney general, under the Nebraska constitution, instant racing machines, or terminals, are not legal methods of gambling.
Below is a copy of the opinion of Douglas Gansler, the attorney general for the state of Maryland, wherein he explains that he does not believe instant racing machines are legal, due to the fact that they do not use pari-mutuel betting (betting against a pool rather than against the house) and are thus a form of slot machine, which is not allowed at Maryland race tracks. This opinion represents a large development because the legal arm of government has begun not to support these machines.
Many of the gambling interests have argued that instant racing machines are similar to betting on a live horse race and that they should be allowed in states where slot machines are not because they are different than slot machines. Others argue that in practice these machines are little more than slot machines in disguise. Watch for yourself and see what you think: Does this look like a horse race or a slot machine to you?
This attached letter is a proposal sent to the executive director of the Texas Racing Commission, Chuck Trout, asking him to withdraw proposals for the installation of instant, or historical, racing machines. The author argues that these machines are no different than slot machines, which are banned in Texas. Also included is the patent for these machines as well as an affidavit regarding an experience with these machines.
Below is a screenshot of how gambling interests describe instant racing machines. Even though anyone can see that these machines are little more than an extension of slot machines, gambling interests continue to describe them as “pari-mutuel betting”.
Below is a memo that outlines the case against instant racing machines. This is a great read to become more educated on the topic of instant racing machines, how they work, and how the are different from conventional horse-race betting.
In a unanimous opinion, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has the legal authority to regulate wagers on previously run horse races presented on electronic gambling machines, called “instant racing machines” — but that the legality of the wagers themselves has yet to be established. These machines are similar to slots in a regular casino, but are often found at race tracks. The court said the case must go back to Franklin Circuit Court, where it originated, to determine whether this is a legal form of gambling. Below is a copy of the majority opinion in the case.
KY Opinion Affirming and Reversing Instant Racing Machines
In addition, below is a copy of the oral arguments in the case. Both pieces are great to read if you want to learn more about Instant Racing Machines.
Even the researchers funded by casino interests admit slot machines do nothing to help horse racing and the workers connected to it. The late Bill Eadington, who was the director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada, Reno, told the Maryland Capital News Service in 2013, “The whole phenomenon of racetrack casinos has really been a sham. It’s done virtually nothing to increase the demand for horse races.”
