Texas Racing Commission Authorizes Historical Racing

A plan to implement historical racing at horse and dog tracks in Texas was approved by the Texas Racing Commission on Friday.

The Commission voted 7-1 in favor of the rule change, which would allow pari-mutuel wagering on historical race replays displayed on devices much like slot machines. The machines could help Texas boost purses and attendance to compete with tracks in neighboring states, especially ones with casinos attached.

Historical racing machines, under the brand name Instant Racing, were first installed in 2000 at Oaklawn Park, whose management developed the concept with AmTote executive Ted Mudge. They have been very popularity at the Arkansas track and have helped add significant money to purses for the live race meeting. Kentucky Downs and Ellis Park in Kentucky also installed Instant Racing machines after a court ruled on their legality in the state. Other states have added the historical machines as well, including Idaho and Wyoming.

“This won't have as big an impact as casinos, but we think it will help and help us make sure we can keep Lone Star Park operating,” Grand Prairie mayor Ron Jensen told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We are really excited to see what the future holds for us.”

Read more about the authorization of historical racing in Texas at the Star-Telegram and at the Texas Thoroughbred Association