This month, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission convened a meeting to deliberate over a fresh application process for individuals interested in becoming licensed horse track operators. Presently, the commission is actively seeking input and feedback on the proposed application for horse tracks.
Massachusetts has only a single horse track currently hosting races.
The meeting held on June 2 was likely just the initial phase of a multi-step process, with a public hearing scheduled for July 26 as the next step. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) welcomes all interested parties to take part in this event. However, it has not been determined yet whether the proceeding will be conducted in person or virtually.
Concerns with old application surfaced
A new proposal for a thoroughbred racetrack in Sturbridge was submitted to the MGC in 2021. However, it was later withdrawn, but not before shedding light on various concerns. Notably, there were distinct variations in the requirements for information between a renewal application for an existing track and a new venue.
A new application was drafted by Alexandra Lightbown, the MGC Chief Veterinarian and Director of Racing, along with Todd Grossman, the General Counsel, to tackle those variations.
There are both general and specific proposed changes on the new application.
- Are there any other attractions included with the property besides the racetrack?
- How will the grandstands, clubhouse, bleachers, and parking area appear?
- What is the total count of pari-mutuel ticket windows and kiosks?
- Size of the track?
- Number of stables?
- Simulcast availability?
- Will there be any additional accommodations and amenities available at the location?
Modeling some components after casinos
Lightbown and Grossman took inspiration from the previous casino gaming application submitted in Massachusetts while designing certain aspects of the new application. They considered several factors during this process.
- An overall construction timeline
- Traffic studies
- Total capital investment
- The financial framework and elaborate budgeting
- The racetrack’s economic impact
In addition, the application permits potential updates to a proposal in case any information changes during the post-licensure process. Furthermore, commissioners are not obliged to possess all the essential documents in order to give their approval. The project can proceed while still requiring the completion of the application at a later stage.
Finally, the application is designed to enable the MGC to issue a racing license for the year in which the facility plans to commence operations, rather than for the immediate upcoming season. This ensures that the facility will not be granted a license for a year during which it is still constructing a track, only to be required to reapply the following year once it is ready to operate.
Looking ahead
Following a comprehensive discussion of the document, the commission unanimously decided to proceed with a public hearing.
Currently, the application is in its preliminary stage, implying that all sections are open to modifications. The primary goal seems to be ensuring a transparent and comprehensive licensing process, and any further concerns are likely to be resolved prior to its release.
To provide your feedback on the Horse Track Operator License Draft Application, the commission encourages you to send written comments via email to [email protected] Please include “Horse Track Operator License Draft Application comment” in the subject line. The deadline for submitting comments is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 18th.
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