“Will Only Be Suicide”: Texas Horseracing Slammed by Fans After Betting and Watching Becomes Impossible

The Texas state boasts of having some serene horseracing tracks. Among those, the Lone Star Park counts more than 700,000 footfalls annually in the racing days. The Sam Houston Race Park does not lose its grab in popularity. But the number of footfalls fails to justify the flow of money on the tracks. As per available data in 2023, Sam Houston Race Park lost almost 93% of its handle in the same year, compared to that of 2022. Other tracks have been facing a similar outcome as well. 

The reason is the conflict between the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Texas Racing Commission. Such a conflict has barred many things. Thankfully, the horse racing fans know it and have raised their voice behind the practices. 

Horseracing activities are pressed between laws and regulations 

The situation drew attention as a horseracing season is underway in Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park in Texas. As per Matt Dinerman’s tweet, “99.99% of people can’t bet on it. Nor is it on TV to watch!” And the reason is the conflict, as it was mentioned before. Because of the conflict, both simulcasting and online betting are prohibited in the Texas race tracks. But how will the earnings and the sport sustain in the absence of the major cash flow channels? 

Well, a solution has been served under a law inflicted by the Texas legislature, prompted in 2019. Under this law, certain elements such as feed, tack, and other related products come with sales tax. So, a subsidy on the purses is the soul saver. But such an earning in pennies has not been proved enough. Rather, after 2022, the situation has gone down the wire further. But what is the role of the state in saving the sides? 

Eventually, Texas prohibited online horse racing betting in 2011 through an amendment to the Texas Racing Act. Furthermore, the conflict with HISA because of legal issues has barred the racetracks from simulcasting Texas races outside, mainly in different states. That also comes from the conflict with federal law in Texas. 

That status has nipped the bud of pulling wagers for the racing program. The betting from outside has faced an impasse because of this as well. So ultimately the fans are bearing the brunt coming from these double whammies. In their reply, few have suggested a way out while few have gone blazing all guns on the authorities. 

The situation is under the net of legal procedures 

In the end, with all those laws active on the ground, the situation can add fuel to a mindset where only Texans will be allowed to bet and watch the horseracing happening in the State of Texas. However, in the three permanent race tracks in Texas, off-track betting is allowed. And a horseracing fan called it, “in the end it will only be suicide to prove a point.”

The fan, mark_cravens put the same question in the comment box: “What is the philosophy for these Texas tracks to just keep to their own?” But what about the simulcasting? It has halted the popularity of the sport. The hosts have remained vocal continuously regarding the top-notch performances on the track. But in the meantime, bunches of horseracing fans are missing to witness that. 

The X-handle, kyrailbird vented the justified emotion:“I’ve been looking all over for some sort of live feed of their races today, with no luck. So frustrating!” 

Mike Litowkin called the entire situation “just another nail in the coffin.” The reason is the legal battle with HISA that regulates the countrywide rules and regulations in horseracing, including the betting and simulcasting parts. 

By blocking HISA, the chances of fair play in the sport are also gone. Would it help in earning popularity? The X-handle, Gina P threw the same question. 

The Ohio-born journalist, Brian E. Carr stated, “Horse racing with be extinct soon in a state which thinks it’s a country.” Will it be the outcome? What do you think? Comment in the box.