Rosecroft Raceway, Ocean Downs might be removed from Maryland’s bill – Horseracing news
The lawmakers of the Maryland are deliberating whether or not to let two racetracks be included in a bill that aims to grant subsidizes to the horse racing industry in Maryland.
For a long time now, the horse racing industry in Maryland has been experiencing problems. Most of them have resulted from the recession that hit the region and affected several industries in the state. The horse racing industry too was not left untouched.
The already deteriorating condition of the horse racing industry far worsened as it started experiencing serious cash flow problems. Many racetracks had to shut down operations while others had to lay off staff. The main problem that most of these racetracks
were experiencing was how to attract customers that would generate revenue and upgrade the economic position of the racetracks.
In order to cater to this prevalent problem, many states started working on alternate options that would increase the revenue of the racetracks. One such option includes the addition of slot machines to the racetrack. This measure is supported by many in
the horse racing industry as a good means to attract the younger crowd and rejuvenate live horseracing.
The bill under discussion in the state of Maryland is an element of the same issue. It was crafted by Governor Martin O’Malley.
According to the bill, if it is passed, the owners of the racetracks would be allowed under the law to make use of slot machines that are the property of the state. This measure would enable the racetrack owners to minimise their operating costs and increase
their profits.
However, Ed Kasemeyer, who is the Chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in the state of Maryland, is considering the prospect of taking off from the list two racetracks, namely, Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs.
In its essence, the bill was chalked up by the governor to help two other racetracks to boast of live horse racing that would take place 146 days in the year. These racetracks were the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.
What the fate of Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs will be is still undecided. Only time will tell whether these racetracks will be given allowance to benefit from the bill.
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