What's happening
This bill amends requirements for regional horse tracks to authorize simulcasting at off-track betting facilities within a 40-mile radius.
Why it matters
Strengthens regional track control. The bill clarifies that regional horse tracks must provide written authorization for off-track betting (OTB) facilities to simulcast races within a 40-mile radius, reinforcing the tracks’ ability to veto or permit nearby simulcasting.
Addresses “unreasonable withholding” of consent. By removing the previous 31–40 mile “buffer zone” language, the bill establishes that approval for simulcasting within the entire 40-mile radius cannot be unreasonably withheld, potentially making it easier for OTB facilities to gain access while still protecting track interests.
Potential economic impact. These changes could affect revenue streams for both regional tracks and OTB facilities, influencing local economies, employment, and the competitive landscape for wagering on horse racing in the region.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Stop Unfair Simulcast Blocking
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to racing and wagering
- Referred to racing and wagering
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Allow More Off-Track Simulcasts
In Senate Committee · Racing, Gaming And Wagering · Sponsor George Amedore
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8596
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
July 10, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. WOERNER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Racing and Wagering
AN ACT to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to justification for consent to authorize the simulcasting of horse races run at a regional track at off-track betting branch offices
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraph (ii) of paragraph c of subdivision 2 of section 1008 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, as amended by chapter 18 of the laws of 2008, is amended to read as follows:
(ii) For any simulcasting facility located within an area of a circle whose radius is forty miles, the center of which shall be measured from a regional track, and as provided in section one thousand thirteen of this [chapter] article, the board shall not approve such application unless such regional track, as described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, has given its written authorization, provided however, that [between thirty-one and forty miles] such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such approval shall not be required if the simulcasting facility is located without the forty mile radius or if the sending track is a thoroughbred track in the Catskill region conducting a mixed meeting. Such written authorization shall not be required nor shall the provisions of section five hundred twenty-three of this chapter apply to those races that such regional track may elect to receive as a simulcast race during its regularly scheduled race meeting.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13177-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.