Unexpected Turn in Sports Betting Legislation – ABC 6 News

In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Racing Commission has approved the use of “historical horse racing” machines, a form of betting on races that have already taken place. This decision has sparked controversy and debate among legislators and industry experts.

Historical horse racing allows bettors to place wagers on races from the past using machines that provide information and odds without revealing the names of the horses or jockeys. Taro Ito, CEO of Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, explained that bettors can handicap each race individually, similar to a day at the races at traditional tracks.

However, not everyone is on board with this new form of betting. Zack Stephenson, the author of a sports betting bill in the legislature, adamantly stated that historical horse racing will not be legalized in the state. He drew a clear line in the sand, declaring it a “total non-starter” and emphasizing that it will not be part of any sports betting deal.

Despite the opposition, four out of five members of the Minnesota Racing Commission voted in favor of historical horse racing, arguing that it involves skill rather than chance. This decision has raised questions about the future of sports betting in the state and the potential impact of introducing new forms of gambling.

As the debate continues, stakeholders on both sides are closely monitoring the developments and preparing for further discussions on the issue. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.