Racing Commission Postpones Decision on Historical Racing

AUSTIN — The Texas Racing Commission postpones a decision on a controversial plan to allow people to bet on horse races that have already happened. State Representative Dan Flynn of Van has already weighed in on the idea, known as “historical racing.” Horse racing tracks would set up terminals that are similar to slot machines, and people could place wagers on old races on video playback, with some of the identifying information removed. Critics say they’re too much like slot machines. Flynn has asked for a ruling on whether the racing commission has the authority to approve the machines. The proposal was scheduled to go before the racing commission next week, but it’s not on the commission’s agenda after all. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports one member of the commission wants more time to review the information it’s received from the public, which includes more than 13,000 comments.