New Bill Aimed At Regulating Horse Racing Industry

The horse racing industry is under severe scrutiny following the death of filly Eight Belles on the track at the Kentucky Derby. Animal rights activists are putting heavy pressure on the industry, and now Congress looks to do the same.

A new Bill is close to being submitted to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that would give new rules to the horse racing industry. The Bill would also be aimed at creating uniformed rules for all of the racing jurisdictions to follow.

The industry itself admits that there are problems with their operating systems, but are not sure whether government should be involved. "Our structure is dysfunctional and needs to be functional," said Chairman of the California Horse Racing Board, Richard Shapiro.

The government, however, believes time is getting short for the industry to regulate themselves. "At the minimum, we need a national database to track how they(horses) die, and not just on the track. If they don't do something, we will," said Rep. Cliff Stearns, co-Chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus.

The government feels the necessity to regulate the industry largely because they left horse racing out of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. "If the federal government provides the vehicle for the revenue, simulcasting, we have an obligation to ensure the integrity of the sport," said Rep. Edward Whitfield.

June 20, 2008
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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