Gaming Practice
Horse Racing
Gaming Practice
Horse Racing
Horse racing is more than the Triple Crown races. The breeders, jockeys, trainers, veterinarians (and others), and of course the horses themselves, are the backbone of a storied industry.
In Massachusetts, Expanded Gaming had unintended consequences on the horse racing community. Harness racing boomed, while thoroughbred racing was left without a permanent racetrack.
Our firm has represented several operators, applicants, and qualifiers in the horse racing industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Division of Racing of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates the industry.
They implement Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 128A and 128C.
Yes. Every participant must be licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. There are specific licenses for harness racing.
The Commission has detailed veterinary rules and a Trainer’s Reference Manual covering permitted medications, withdrawal times for NSAIDs, testing procedures, and thresholds (such as TCO2 limits). Regulations under 205 CMR (e.g. rules of horse racing, harness racing) include provisions for the health and welfare of the animals.
Wagering is overseen by the Commission; the law imposes rules about how much of the pot must be paid back to winners, and how much may be withheld (“takeout” or commission).
There are different rules depending on whether the wager is on a single horse (straight wager) or a combination (exotic wagers).
Violations of rules (e.g. medication violations, improper licensing, corrupt practices) can result in suspensions, fines, license revocation, disqualifications.
Regulatory bodies (Judges, Stewards) have authority to impose discipline and enforce compliance with the rules.
