Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico and Congressman Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania have introduced legislation to Congress to end the horse-racing industry’s exemption under federal law to offer inter-state parimutuel betting.
The two lawmakers—timing their remarks to the running of the Kentucky Derby—say the sport is rife with doping and cheating.
“Horse racing is the only sport specially permitted by federal law to offer online gambling and interstate betting, yet widespread corruption has stained the industry,” a press release from both said. “Chronic abuse of performance-enhancing drugs is commonplace in horse racing. Almost every horse is given race-day medication—banned in other countries—and no uniform medication rules or doping penalties exist.”
The racing industry is in the process of adopting the National Uniform Medication Program, which would create uniform rules and tougher penalties for violators.
The bill would repeal the Interstate Horseracing Act, which governs simulcasts across state lines and advance deposit wagering.
“Horse racing is the sport of kings,” Pitts said in the release. “Unfortunately, however, it’s plagued by too many unscrupulous trainers, owners, veterinarians, and other racetrack officials, who race sickened or injured horses, pumping them full of painkillers or other performance-enhancing drugs in order to try to win at all cost. Despite years of promises of reform, horse-racing groups have been unable to come together to develop uniform rules that protect both horses and the integrity of the sport.
“This legislation will end a federal exception for gambling on horse racing,” the release said. “Since 2008, more than 7,000 racehorses have died on America’s racetracks. It’s past time to put measures in place that protect racehorses from abuse at the track.”
