Gamblers in Texas have long had to deal with having to drive to Oklahoma or Louisiana to get to a casino, but if they are just looking for some old fashion competition and betting they could still head to one of the many horse race tracks available in Texas. But that too may soon be coming to an end. This is the result of a year long battle between lawmakers and commissioners over a type of gaming called "historical racing." Historical racing is a machine which looks similar to a slot machine with symbols and sounds but the results of the machine are actually replaying results from a previous race in history.
Historical Racing is a concept created in hopes to revive the slipping horse racing industry, and comissioners refused to witdrawl their approval of the machines despite pressure from lawmakers. Due to the comissioners refusing to remove approval for the controversial machines lawmakers have removed their funding, causing the race tracks to close until a compromise is reached.
Around 8 p.m., the commission sent out a letter saying that
“at this time, the agency must cease operations”
and rescind authorization for
“all import simulcast wagering, live racing and exporting of the live signal”
as of midnight. That means both the agency and all Texas racetracks — including Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie — would be closed Tuesday unless a late-night, last-minute compromise was reached.
The whole industry watches helplessly from the sidelines as thousands of Texas who work as vetrenarians, trainers, jockeys and breeders hope a compromise is reached soon. It is estimated $5.5 billion is contributed to the state economy because of horse racing, creating 36,000 jobs.
With Texas race tracks on a hiatus it looks like the rest of us will still be making those trips to places like Bossier City until a compromise is reached.