Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Officials suspend Texas racing operations amid funding clash

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Racing Commission has suspended operations — meaning horse and dog racing tracks cannot take bets — amid legislative funding squabbles.

There was no answer at commission offices Tuesday, but officials had previously suggested any suspension would be temporary.

In a statement, Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie said the commission had ceased operations. The park added that it was closing racing and simulcast operations "until further notice."

Commissioners recently voted to let tracks install "historical racing" terminals, allowing betting on already-run races stripped of identifying information.

State lawmakers opposed to the move threatened to withhold funding in response. Money for the commission is available but must be appropriated by House and Senate members of the Legislative Budget Board.

Negotiations failed to reach an agreement Monday, but may resume.

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