Fleetwood Gaming, one of Montana’s leading suppliers of gaming products, and historical horseracing machine maker Exacta Systems of Boynton Beach, Florida, have formed a partnership to manufacture and distribute the gambling machines in Montana.
Before the machines find homes in Montana venues, the legislature must pass a bill to legalize them. Lawmakers will consider historical horseracing machines in the upcoming session. Last year, they passed SB 183, directing the Montana Board of Horseracing to propose legislative language regarding the machines. The bill has the support of Montana horseracing and breeding industries.
Fleetwood Gaming Chief Executive Officer Jon Dehler said his company’s partnership with Exacta “will be good for Montana jobs and economic growth. It’s an amazing opportunity for us at Fleetwood to add HHR parimutuel terminals to our distribution chain. Having terminals with parimutuel payouts that can compete with the Montana Lottery and Montana Cash finally levels the playing field and will be a win-win for all.”
Dehler’s name may seem familiar since he bought the naming rights to the former baseball stadium, Cobb Field in downtown Billings in 2010, which was renamed Dehler Park.
The Wyoming legislature approved historical horseracing machines in 2013. According to Wyoming Gaming Commission figures, they have provided $7.93 million to 10 cities and 10 counties, plus an additional $1 million sent to the state.
The Kentucky, a circuit court in 2014 ruled historical horseracing machines are parimutuel but an appeal was filed with the state Supreme Court. A ruling is expected before the end of the year.
