This bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of West Virginia regarding dog racing and related gaming operations. Key changes include the removal of the minimum number of racing dates required for applicants to qualify for a dog racing license or to contract for telecasts and wagers. It mandates that dog racetracks must hold a racing license to conduct simulcast racing, even if they do not conduct live racing. Additionally, the bill allows racetracks to operate video lottery and table games in locations where live racing was previously held and clarifies the distribution of net terminal income for racetracks that have ceased operations. Licensees who were licensed before January 1, 1994, can maintain their licenses without conducting live racing, provided they notify the Racing Commission and pay a $1 million cessation fee.

Further amendments focus on the qualifications for obtaining video lottery licenses, requiring applicants to hold a valid racing license, with exemptions for those licensed before January 1, 1994. The bill also outlines the distribution of excess net terminal income and establishes security measures for video lottery terminals. It introduces new definitions and modifies existing ones related to table games, allowing the commission to issue up to four racetrack table games licenses. Notably, racetracks that held valid dog racing licenses prior to January 1, 1994, will not need to maintain a current dog racing license starting January 1, 2027, as long as they continue to operate their original facilities. The bill aims to modernize the regulatory framework for racetracks, ensuring their viability while maintaining oversight and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-23-3, 19-23-7, 19-23-12b, 29-22A-3, 29-22A-7, 29-22A-10b, 29-22A-12, 29-22C-3, 29-22C-8, 29-22C-10