The Minnesota Racing Commission approved expanded gaming in the form of Historical Horse Racing at state racetracks in a vote earlier this week, according to a report.
The Star Tribune has reported that Historical Horse Racing was approved by the commission at a meeting on Monday, April 1 with 500 terminals allowed at both Running Aces and Canterbury Park effective May 21.
Fearing the racing industry will not survive in Minnesota without additional purse funding, Running Aces and Canterbury Park asked the commission to approve wagering on Historical Horse Racing earlier this year, seeking to follow the success of Kentucky that has used the gaming machines to generate additional revenue for purses. The tracks estimate Historical Horse Racing would generate $5.9 million for purses in its second year of operation.
Questions of the commission's authority to allow the gaming machines have been raised without legislation and consultation with the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, both of which oppose the proposal.
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(With files from Star Tribune)