Sports Betting Could Revive Massachusetts Horse Racing Industry

Massachusetts has a rich historical background in horse racing, and with the recent legalization of sports wagering, it opens up exciting possibilities for its future.

Lawmakers had the old gambling purveyors in mind when they passed sports betting legislation during the final moments of the 2022 formal legislative session.

In an interview with Play MA, Sen. Patrick O’Connor, a member of the Massachusetts sports betting conference committee, elaborated on his endorsement of horse racing.

“We saw racetracks as an industry on the decline, but we saw potential in revitalizing it through the inclusion of this bill. These establishments were once major employers, supporting hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals in our state, and they managed to stay afloat during difficult periods. Many of them are family-run businesses, so I believe that introducing sports betting will bring about a transformative change for these individuals and their families, impacting future generations.”

The state of Massachusetts horse racing

Suffolk Downs, which first opened its doors in 1935, was once the thriving hub of New England’s racing circuit. During its early years, the famous racehorse Seabiscuit graced the tracks of Suffolk Downs. Additionally, in the 1990s, the legendary Cigar achieved victory in two out of his remarkable 16 consecutive races at this renowned venue.

After losing the casino license bid, Suffolk Downs ceased its thoroughbred racing operations in 2019. Despite selling a majority of the property to a developer, a simulcast wagering facility still exists on the premises.

Simulcast wagering is also available at Raynham Park. The park ceased operations in 2009 due to a dog racing ban imposed by Massachusetts voters. Additionally, their attempt to obtain slot machines was unsuccessful.

The district of Sen. Marc Pacheco encompasses Raynham Park, where he delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor advocating for the inclusion of simulcast facilities in sports wagering.

Pacheco emphasized the crucial role of sports betting in ensuring their survival, stating that it was instrumental in preserving and growing numerous jobs within the industry.

In 2015, slot machines were introduced at Plainridge Park Casino, which still today provides the only ongoing harness racing in Massachusetts.

New opportunities for MA horse racing with sports betting

The sports betting legislation offers various opportunities pertaining to horse racing in Massachusetts.

• Plainridge Park Casino offers not only a physical sportsbook but also two virtual skins for online betting.
• Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park offer both an online skin and a physical sportsbook for their customers.
• The Massachusetts Gaming Commission grants authorization to any newly licensed racetrack to operate a retail sportsbook and a single online platform.

The conference committee’s compromise, which included Plainridge Park, marked a triumph for horse racing in Massachusetts, considering that the earlier Senate bill solely focused on this establishment.

According to a report by BloodHorse, Richard Fields, the previous proprietor of Suffolk Downs, has set his sights on reentering the industry by establishing a fresh thoroughbred racetrack.

According to BloodHorse, Fields and his colleagues have not revealed the specific location for the racetrack, except that it is situated in central Massachusetts. However, their previous attempt to establish the racetrack failed as the town voted against modifying zoning laws to support the project.

O’Connor expressed his complete endorsement for the establishment of a racetrack in Massachusetts. He highlighted the state’s horse racing development fund, which aims to attract horse racing activities. Additionally, he mentioned a financial aspect of the legislation, where companies are required to invest a specific sum and construct a horse track, and in return, they can also engage in sports betting. O’Connor sees this as a logical and effective economic development strategy.

In order to obtain a Category 2 sports betting license, any racing property, including both simulcast facilities and new tracks, must invest a minimum of $7.5 million within a three-year period, as mandated by legislation.

According to Pacheco, Raynham used to be the go-to spot for public gatherings and community events about twenty or thirty years ago. However, there are plans for expansion in Raynham that will transform it into a hospitable venue for the general public once again. People will have the opportunity to socialize, dine at the restaurant, and participate in activities like sports betting and simulcast.