The bill amends the Horse Racing Act to establish new requirements for racetracks to maintain their gaming operator's licenses based on the number of live race days conducted. Specifically, it mandates that racetracks must schedule a minimum of fifteen weeks for an authorized race meet, with varying requirements for live race days depending on the racetrack's gaming tax payments from the previous fiscal year. For racetracks that paid less than or equal to $8 million in gaming taxes, they must conduct at least three live race days per week with a minimum of ten races each day. Conversely, those that paid more than $8 million must conduct at least four live race days per week with at least nine races each day.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that allow for a lapse of no more than three consecutive days between live racing events for different racetrack licensees. It also clarifies that maintaining fewer live race days or allowing more days to elapse between races does not constitute a failure to meet the minimum requirements if the racetrack receives written approval from the state racing commission for such variations due to specific circumstances, such as severe weather or inability to fill races. These changes aim to ensure a consistent schedule of live racing while providing flexibility for racetracks under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 60-1A-2, 60-2E-27