Regulators along with gaming and racing legislators will gather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the upcoming National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Winter Meeting. They will discuss issues of interest for the 2024 legislative session, including the topic of horseracing.
The opening reception will kick off on January 3.
The meeting is a four-day conference and will offer 12 sessions chaired by various legislative leaders from around the US. The conference will offer two evening networking receptions, as well as a luncheon keynote address.
NCLGS Treasurer and West Virginia Senator Jason Barrett will preside over the committee as its chair.
Because of safety concerns for both riders and their horses, horseracing has become a topic of national discussion.
The NCLGS Committee said in a statement, “While there is new federal oversight of racing safety since the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity Safety Authority, pari-mutuel handle is growing rapidly via Historical Horse Racing machines and other unique uses of pari-mutuel methodology for new gaming options.
“Our experts will review the current state of the industry and discuss pari-mutuel gaming and technological options now available for legislators and regulators to consider.”
The NCLGS said it does not promote or oppose gaming but “is focused on proper regulation and promoting best practices in the governance of this important industry.”
The group formed more than 25 years ago and is currently the only organization comprised of state legislators that meets to discuss gaming issues on a regular basis.
During the recent Denver summer meeting, the NCLGS reported that more than 300 people attended. State lawmakers made up a third of those who attended the summer meeting, a personal best for the organization.
