According to a report, a bill introduced to the Maryland House of Delegates outlines a plan which would see funding for horse racing purses in the state reduced by half
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An article on delmarvanow.com says that the bill requests the redistribution of revenues from video lottery terminals, thus allotting as much as $50 million more to the state for the purchase of the machines than had been previously earmarked.
The article states that the bill would therefore see the reduction of the purse dedication account from 7 per cent of slots revenue to 3.5 per cent.
The bill was introduced by Howard County delegate Frank Turner, who has said that the money is needed so the state can purchase the best machines available to stay competitive with surrounding states.
Trainer Dan Myer offered a grim outlook for the state's horse racing industry if the bill were to be enacted. "Slots were supposed to save racing," he said. "But before the first dime is dropped, it's dead. Cutting it in half will kill racing in Maryland."
Click here to the read the delmarvanow.com article in its entirety.
(With files from delmarvanow.com)