It was a very productive and interesting day at the Capitol!  First, I want to thank all the people who showed up to support Kansas racing.  Between the three breed groups, there was quite a crowd working to get the attention of legislators.  I also want to thank Senator Bob Marshall and the dozen other senators he lined up to have lunch with us.  A huge debt of gratitude also goes out to all the Kansas hay and grain producers who took time out of their busy farming schedules to make phone calls on Wednesday in support of our effort.

After our lunch with legislators, we went back to the Capitol to continue spreading our message.  During this time, the Fed and State Affairs Committee introduced the gaming Bill and has since been numbered SB 472.  This Bill is one I believe the KTA can support and a vote of the Board of Directors will be held when everyone has an opportunity to review the language and details. 

While I haven’t been able to study the Bill with a microscope yet, this is my understanding…The Bill has some interesting changes from past Bills.  It allows for year-round simulcasting at the tracks, which is great and something requested by the track operators.  With another request of a track operator, the Bill will delay racing for the first year,  which I feel is unfortunate, but no Bill can suit everyone.  There is also a different angle regarding the Wichita re-vote, which should make this huge past obstacle easier to cross for some legislators.  The percentage splits between breeds and track operators is this:  First year – no live racing, but 8% of slot revenues is put into a purse fund and 65% goes to the operator, while the share to the state is reduced to 22%, which is on-going.  Second year – live racing begins with 65% to the track operators and 8% to the purse fund. Third year- 63% to the track operator with 10% to purses. In the fourth year and beyond the track operators receive 61% and the horses and dogs get 12% for purses.  The Fair Fund will get 1% throughout. Also, The Woodlands will run horses only with all of the money generated there staying there.  The same goes for the Greyhounds at Wichita and Frontenac. 

While I’m concerned with the willingness of the track operators to accept these percentage splits, it must be remembered that it was left up to the legislators to put this Bill together.  I was told that their main concern was to put together a Bill with the best opportunity to pass and do the most for the racing industry in Kansas, as called for in the Kansas Agricultural Opportunity Act.  Due to the fact that track operators agreed to a 40% share in SB 66, I’m hopeful that they will find it feasible to operate at 61% in year four and thereafter. The legislators obviously feel this is a fair percentage split.

We will await further developments and be in touch with our Board.  Please keep calling your legislators and ask them to support the gaming Bill.  You must also continue requesting the same of the suppliers for your horse operation.  A special focus should be given to House members, as this is widely viewed as the highest hurdle.  LET’S KEEP BATTLIN’!

Best regards,

Cameron Roth

KTA President