Governor Laura Kelly signed a law distributing tax revenues from historical horse racing wagering to funds for live racing.

© Eureka Downs

TOPEKA, KS–APRIL 10, 2025–Yesterday, Governor Laura Kelly signed legislation into law that distributes tax revenues from historical horse racing wagering into funds intended to support live racing.  “We are beyond thrilled with the passage of this bill!” said Kansas Quarter Horse Racing Association President, Rita Osborn.  “We look forward to the day when we can hear ‘Riders up!’ again in the state of Kansas.”

The new law will move the 3% tax on parimutuel handle from the HHR machines into two horse racing funds, with 30% going to the Kansas Breeders Development Fund and 70% going to the Fair Horse Racing Benefit Fund (fair fund).  Projections show that this tax revenue could generate up to $25M annually for the racing industry in the state.

This fair fund is distributed to racetrack facilities that meet certain requirements, upon application to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, to provide for purse supplements, capital improvement and operating expenditures for live race meets.  Eureka Downs is currently in the development stages of renovating the facility through a grant provided by the legislature last year and would be eligible to receive fair fund money provided they meet the regulatory requirements.

 “We are anxious to see Eureka Downs reopen and look forward to watching the progress on the renovations to the track and facilities in the coming months” says Osborn.  The law also allows horsemen’s non-profit groups to apply for an organizational license to operate a race meet in any part of the state through the fair fund process.  “This change to the statute could mean more racing opportunities in the future as the industry grows in the state” added Osborn. 

Historical Horse Racing (HHR) was approved by the Kansas legislature in 2022 allowing for up to 1,000 machines to be located in Sedgwick County (Wichita).  After passage, a license was granted to the Golden Circle Casino for operation of these machines at the former Wichita Greyhound Park just outside of Wichita.  The $135M renovation project is well underway with an expected opening date for late this year. 

“We have waited a long time for this day, and I want to thank all those that have supported the KQHRA over the years as we continued to work on bringing racing back to the state.  There is more work that needs to be done before we get to see horses running down a racetrack in Kansas, but with the support from the Kansas legislature and governor today, we are excited to be that much closer to the finish line!”

For questions, please contact ksqhra24@gmail.com. 

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