The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) will host a pari-mutuel committee to discuss the future of horse racing during its winter meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, scheduled for Jan. 3-6, 2024, with the horse-racing committee discussion taking place Jan. 5.
Organizers stated in a release that participants will discuss such issues as horse and jockey perspectives, as well as federal oversight of racing safety since the 2020 founding of the Horseracing Integrity Safety Authority (HISA), a private self-regulating organization that oversees thoroughbred horse in the U.S.
Panelists will review the current state of horse racing and discuss pari-mutuel gaming and tech options available for consideration by legislators and regulators.
The Committee will be chaired by NCLGS Treasurer and West Virginia Senator Jason Barrett, with presenters including:
- DraftKings Senior Director, Horse Racing Chris Cipolla
- Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and member of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and Equine Authority Technical Committee
- Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission Executive Director Tom Sage
- Paul Williams, CEO, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY
After the Jan. 5 sessions, NCLGS registered guests, spouses, and families are invited to nearby Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino for an afternoon at the races. A buffet at the Ten Palms restaurant, winner’s-circle photos, and visits to the paddock will also be offered.