Law aims to help horse races to go on

Lawmakers approved legislation that is designed to help the state’s two live horse racing tracks — Canterbury Park and Running Aces — weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sponsored by Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) and Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), and effective May 28, 2020, the law:

• allows the Minnesota Racing Commission to lower the number of racing days required to operate a card club due to circumstances beyond the licensee’s control;

• increases from 1% to 2% a regulatory fee imposed on amounts wagered by Minnesota residents with an authorized advance deposit wagering provider; and

• adds that money paid by a licensee to a horseperson’s organization can be used “for capital improvements and expense reimbursements specific to the operation of live racing at the licensee and beneficial to horsepersons racing at the licensee's facility.”

The law expires Dec. 31, 2021.

HF4597*/SF4504/CH111

HF4597* / SF4504 / CH111