Commission Approves Historical Racing

AUSTIN (Staff/AP) — Republican State Representative Dan Flynn of Van continues to keep an eye on a controversial issue. That’s after the Texas Racing Commission voted to allow machines using a new form of betting at dog and horse tracks called historical racing. The machines allow people to bet on races that have already happened. The videos are stripped of any identifying information so people can’t tell what races they’re betting on. A track now must receive the commission’s OK on specific plans for adding the machines. There are four horse tracks in Texas and three dog tracks.

Race track owners asked the Commission to allow the machines as a way to help their struggling industry. They say it’s another form of legal betting. But Flynn says it amounts to an expansion of gambling and would require a two-thirds vote from lawmakers and approval from voters. This summer, Flynn asked Attorney General Greg Abbott to weigh in on whether the commission has the authority to allow historical racing. There’s no word yet on any ruling from Abbott.