Kansas insists on horse racing legislation

Legislators who are working to bring pari-mutuel racing to Kansas have spoken about taxation problems.

US.- Legislators from Kansas gathered to discuss the problems around gambling taxation in the state. They’re currently trying to pass a legislation that would restore horse and greyhound racing in the state.

Jonathan Small, Topeka attorney serving as lobbyist for the Greater Kansas Racing Alliance (GKRA), said: “Kansas City’s Woodlands Racetrack drew 1.7 million fans in 1990 alone. But, nearly a decade ago racing in Kansas was brought to a halt. It’s essential to level the playing field between state-owned casinos and privately-owned racetracks.” He added that privately-owned racetracks are unable to operate under such an excessive tax burden.

Executive Director of the GKRA, Tony Prohaska, said that the Kansas Legislature has the opportunity to pass House Bill (HB) 2545 restoring horse and greyhound racing in the state. Small agreed as he believes that the bill offers a simple fix to change what he considers an unfair law. “When equity and fairness are returned, Kansas racetracks can reopen.”

HB 2545 passed the Kansas House Federal and State Committee and is now headed to the full House. “When the House Committee of the Whole passes the legislation, it will move to the Senate. Meanwhile, we have introduced a Senate version of the House bill. As these bills move through the legislative process, they will pick up speed and momentum. It’s not unusual for racing and gaming legislation to be processed toward the end of the legislative session,” Prohaska said.

Furthermore, Small added that racing could help close the budget gap by bringing in an estimated US$23 million in annual state and local tax revenue. “Zero investment is required on the part of state or local government,” Small added.