New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06117

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  

Caption

Provides that antitrust laws shall not apply to any joint agreement entered into, in consultation with and jointly approved by the state gaming commission and the attorney general, by or among non-profit associations, thoroughbred racing associations or corporations, harness racing associations or corporations, quarter horse racing associations or corporations and regional off-track betting corporations to coordinate the dates and times under which they will conduct programs of racing and offer pari-mutuel wagering; provides that such laws shall not apply to agreements entered into to sell, transfer, assign or purchase the rights to broadcast, simulcast, electronically transmit or offer pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.

Summary

Bill A06117 seeks to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law by introducing a new section that provides antitrust exemptions for joint agreements made by various racing associations and regional off-track betting corporations. These exemptions allow the entities to coordinate racing schedules and manage the rights for broadcasting and wagering without the constraints of state and federal antitrust laws, provided these agreements are approved by the state gaming commission and the attorney general. The intent is to support the horse racing and agriculture industries in New York by ensuring their viability through cooperative agreements.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter how horse racing associations and off-track betting corporations operate in New York. By exempting certain joint agreements from antitrust scrutiny, the bill could lead to more coordinated racing schedules and potentially more lucrative broadcasting deals. This could enhance the economic stability of the horse racing industry in the state, but it may also raise concerns about reduced competition and consumer choice in the wagering market.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A06117 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who believe it will strengthen the horse racing industry in New York. However, there is also a level of skepticism regarding the implications of allowing such exemptions, particularly concerning competition and consumer rights. The absence of recorded votes or committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full range of opinions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for reduced competition in the horse racing market due to the antitrust exemptions. Critics may argue that such exemptions could lead to monopolistic practices among the racing associations, while supporters contend that the bill is necessary for the survival of the industry. The balance between fostering industry cooperation and maintaining fair competition is a key area of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00752

Provides that antitrust laws shall not apply to any joint agreement entered into, in consultation with and jointly approved by the state gaming commission and the attorney general, by or among non-profit associations, thoroughbred racing associations or corporations, harness racing associations or corporations, quarter horse racing associations or corporations and regional off-track betting corporations to coordinate the dates and times under which they will conduct programs of racing and offer pari-mutuel wagering; provides that such laws shall not apply to agreements entered into to sell, transfer, assign or purchase the rights to broadcast, simulcast, electronically transmit or offer pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.

NY S08433

Relates to wagers on certain horse racing events; authorizes agreements between a mobile sports wagering operator, mobile sports wagering licensee, or operator and an entity that possesses a license and that has the authority to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on the form of racing involved in the relevant horse racing event, involving wagers to be made solely by residents of the state of New York while located within New York, and subject to the approval of the commission.

NY S02612

Relates to welfare, medical, and retirement plans provided by a horsemen's organization in the absence of contractual obligations; provides in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall require such corporation or association to pay to the horsemen's organization an amount determined in accordance with the previously negotiated contract for welfare, medical, or retirement plans, including any associated costs, provided by the horsemen's organization to participants in racing at the licensed harness racing facility; provides the amounts shall be paid monthly from the horsemen's gross purse enhancement amount from video lottery gaming.

NY LD1188

An Act to Amend the Law Governing Facilities Approved by the State Harness Racing Commission to Sell Pari-mutuel Pools and Common Pari-mutuel Pools for Simulcast Racing

NY A08206

Relates to welfare, medical, and retirement plans provided by a horsemen's organization in the absence of contractual obligations; provides in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall require such corporation or association to pay to the horsemen's organization an amount determined in accordance with the previously negotiated contract for welfare, medical, or retirement plans, including any associated costs, provided by the horsemen's organization to participants in racing at the licensed harness racing facility; provides the amounts shall be paid monthly from the horsemen's gross purse enhancement amount from video lottery gaming.

NY S09600

Requires an off-track betting corporation that accepts wagers on the simulcasts of thoroughbred races from out-of-state or out-of-country to pay to its regional harness track or tracks an amount equal to three percent of handle generated from the acceptance of such wagers from out-of-state or out-of-country thoroughbred tracks after 7:30 P.M.

NY SB1315

Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering; percentage retained by racetrack and locality.

NY SB133

Greene County; county racing commission, further provided; simulcast racing, pari-mutuel wagering, further provided

NY SB90

Greene County; county racing commission, further provided; simulcast racing, pari-mutuel wagering, further provided

NY HB2166

Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering; amends definition of breakage.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.