The first steps have been taken toward introducing pari-mutuel wagering and horse racing in North Carolina, long a hotbed for Thoroughbred and Standardbred training.
Raleigh, N.C., NBC affiliate WRAL reported that a bipartisan bill, dubbed the "North Carolina Derby Act," has been filed in the North Carolina Senate. Should the bill be passed, a Racing Commission would be formed as an arm of the state's Lottery Commission in order to regulate the racing industries within the state.
While wagering isn't explicitly addressed in the text of Senate Bill 629, the Lottery Commission could vote to allow it under their auspices, allowing for economical development, increased tax revenue for the state, and a boost to the state's agriculture and tourism industries. Pari-mutuel wagering could reasonably enable racing offerings in the state to expand beyond current Standardbred training activity and non-betting National Steeplechase Association meetings in North Carolina.
The entire WRAL piece appears below.