Gambling Lawsuit Filed In Michigan By Horse Racing Industry

The Horse Racing industry in Michigan has fallen on some difficult times. People with interests in the industry have decided that it is lottery and casino gambling that is endangering the horse racing industry.

Now, some of these interest people have sued the state of Michigan. they are claiming that their industry is being hurt by lotteries and casinos. They also claim state restrictions on video lottery terminals are a violation of the United States constitution.

"Without legislative relief, you will see the end of horse racing in Michigan within three years," said Lawyer Phillip Maxwell to The Detroit News. He represents Northville Downs and several others joining the lawsuit.

In 2204, voters in Michigan approved an amendment to the state constitution that prohibited legislature from allowing slot machines at race tracks. That amendment has made it nearly impossible for the tracks to survive, the lawsuit claims. They also feel the amendment was unconstitutional.

With casinos having the slot machines and not the race tracks, it makes it tough for the tracks to compete. They have the horse racing, but that alone is not strong enough to keep people coming back, especially when they can go elsewhere and play slot machines.

May 2, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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