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.
Summary
S09600 amends the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to change how certain off-track betting corporations share revenue from nighttime simulcasting of out-of-state or out-of-country thoroughbred races. Under the bill, any off-track betting corporation that accepts these wagers after 7:30 P.M. must pay its regional harness track or tracks an amount equal to 3 percent of the handle generated from those wagers. The bill replaces prior language that had established a more detailed maintenance-of-effort and excess-handle payment framework tied to earlier statutory formulas.
The measure is aimed at directing a defined share of simulcast wagering revenue to regional harness tracks, which are part of New York’s horse racing industry. It takes effect immediately and would alter the distribution of gambling-related revenues without changing the underlying authority of off-track betting corporations to accept simulcast wagers.
Impact
The bill would amend section 1017 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law by revising the payment obligations imposed on off-track betting corporations that conduct nighttime simulcasting of thoroughbred races from outside New York. It would require a 3 percent payment from handle generated by those wagers to regional harness tracks, changing the statutory revenue-sharing formula and potentially increasing funds available for harness purses, stakes, and prizes depending on how the payments are used by the tracks. The bill directly affects off-track betting corporations, regional harness tracks, and the broader pari-mutuel wagering and racing industry in New York.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests a straightforward industry-support or revenue-support measure rather than a controversial policy change. The bill appears designed to benefit regional harness tracks by securing a dedicated revenue stream from simulcast wagering. No opposing viewpoints, amendments, or recorded vote patterns are available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the reallocation of wagering revenue: off-track betting corporations may view the new 3 percent payment as a cost increase or reduction in retained revenue, while regional harness tracks are likely to support the measure because it provides additional funding. Another possible issue is the replacement of the prior maintenance-of-effort and excess-handle structure with a simpler percentage-based payment, which could raise questions about whether the new formula is equitable or sufficient across different regions and wagering volumes. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided record.
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.
Provides for the amount to be paid by off-track betting corporations to regional harness tracks from out-of-state and out-of-country simulcast revenue.
Prohibits regional off-track betting corporations from providing items of value exceeding fifteen dollars to any board member, officer, or employee of the corporation, any contractor, subcontractor, consultant, or other agent of the corporation, or any spouse, child, sibling or parent of such persons; adds reporting requirements for regional off-track betting corporations.
Requires a regional off-track betting corporation that is comprised in the capital district to distribute unclaimed winnings and refunds to participating counties comprising the capital district corporation; provides penalties for late distributions; provides for the remittance of pari-mutuel wagering taxes.
Authorizes the office of cannabis management and cannabis control board to establish a track and trace program; requires certain tracking requirements on cannabis sold within the state.