The bill amends various sections of Washington's horse racing laws, focusing on definitions, licensing, and financial regulations related to horse racing and parimutuel wagering. Key changes include the explicit definitions of terms such as "commission," "parimutuel machine," and "parimutuel wagering." The structure of the Washington horse racing commission is modified by removing the requirement for one commissioner to be a breeder of racehorses. The licensing process for race meets is updated to mandate a minimum of six live races each day, and a new fee structure based on gross receipts from parimutuel machines is established. Additionally, the bill ensures that funds from parimutuel wagering support nonprofit race meets and equine-related organizations, while also revising the percentages of daily gross receipts that licensees can retain.

The bill further introduces provisions for class 1 racing associations, allowing them to conduct parimutuel wagering at satellite locations after completing a full live racing season and maintaining annual live race meets. It specifies that only one satellite location may be approved per county, with exceptions for larger counties, and outlines distance limitations for satellite wagering relative to existing racing facilities. The definition of class 1 racing associations is expanded to include licensed advanced deposit wagering companies, and the maximum annual expenditure from the Washington horse racing commission operating account is increased from $300,000 to $500,000 for the development of the equine industry. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create new forms of gaming or expand existing gaming beyond previously authorized limits, thereby protecting the Washington equine breeding and racing industries.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 67.16.010, 67.16.012, 67.16.050, 67.16.070, 67.16.100, 67.16.101, 67.16.102, 67.16.105, 67.16.140, 67.16.160, 67.16.170, 67.16.175, 67.16.251, 67.16.280
Bill as Passed Legislature: 67.16.010, 67.16.012, 67.16.050, 67.16.070, 67.16.100, 67.16.101, 67.16.102, 67.16.105, 67.16.140, 67.16.160, 67.16.170, 67.16.175, 67.16.251, 67.16.280
Session Law: 67.16.010, 67.16.012, 67.16.050, 67.16.070, 67.16.100, 67.16.101, 67.16.102, 67.16.105, 67.16.140, 67.16.160, 67.16.170, 67.16.175, 67.16.251, 67.16.280