Kansas Legislature passes a bill that will codify into law the distribution of revenues from historical horse racing wagering to support live racing.

© KQHRA Facebook Page

TOPEKA, KS–MARCH 27, 2025–Earlier today, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill that would codify into law among other things, the distribution of revenues from historical horse racing wagering into funds intended to support live racing.  The bill now heads to the governor’s office, where it is expected to be signed by Governor Laura Kelly. 

This bill moves a constitutionally required 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). 

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.

With the enhancement of the Kansas Breeders Development Fund, breeders will have a substantial incentive to bring mares and stallions to Kansas and develop their breeding program here, driving economic growth throughout the state. 

Kansas Quarter Horse Racing Association president Rita Osborn states, “We are thrilled with the action taken in Topeka today!  We are one step away from creating a robust racing industry in the state that will have a positive impact on the entire racing industry.  The KQHRA has worked diligently over the past several years to get to this day, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

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. 

For questions, please contact ksqhra24@gmail.com. 

*******************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.