Assigned to NRAE                                                                                                                      FOR COMMITTEE

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1219

 

racing; wagering; time

 

Purpose

 

Allows wagering on simulcast greyhound races to begin 15 minutes earlier on days when live horse racing is being conducted in the same county.

 

Background

 

The Arizona Department of Racing is responsible for the regulation and supervision of  pari-mutuel horse and greyhound racing and wagering conducted in Arizona.  State law prohibits wagering on certain types of simulcast races at the same time that live racing is being conducted in the same county.  Specifically, current law prohibits betting on simulcast greyhound races before 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) on days when live horse racing is being conducted in the same county.  Additionally, betting is not allowed on simulcast horse races after 7:30 p.m. MST in counties where live greyhound racing is conducted that day. 

 

Concerns regarding that starting time for wagering on simulcast greyhound races have arisen because of simulcast greyhound races that actually start at 4:30 p.m. MST.  The restriction on wagering before 4:30 p.m. prevents legal betting on these races.  S.B. 1219 resolves this problem by moving back the time at which wagering can begin on simulcast greyhound races to 4:15 p.m. MST.

 

            While additional handle may be generated as a result of the expanded wagering opportunity, the anticipated fiscal impact of this legislation is minimal.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Allows wagering on simulcast greyhound races to begin 15 minutes earlier on days when live horse racing is being conducted in the same county (from 4:30 p.m. MST to 4:15 p.m. MST).

 

2.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

January 23, 2001