Oregon to add gaming machines at horse track

Jul 8, 2005, 1:09 pm (4 comments)

Oregon Lottery

In a move that supporters say will help save horse racing in the state, the Oregon House approved a bill that would expand the number of slot and video-poker machines at Portland Meadows.

Wagering at the racetrack has been relatively flat in recent years as bettors have turned to other forms of gambling. Lobbyists said that more machines are needed to entice bettors to the track.

Under the terms of the bill approved Wednesday, the track could have 30 machines, triple the current number. The bill goes to the Senate, where its prospects are uncertain.

Portland Meadows is owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., which has sought to convert its racetracks in the United States and Canada into racinos that combine live racing and casino gambling.

Lobbyist Larry Campbell said the operation is losing about $1 million per year.

"This is an effort to identify something that will bring people to the horse track," Campbell said.

Magna has agreed to put half of the revenue earned from the machines into horse-racing purses to help boost live racing, he said.

AP

Comments

LOTTOMIKE's avatarLOTTOMIKE

the new generation of players coming up have more gambling choices and like different things and all this plays a hand in the downturn of horse racing there.

qutgnt

It is a shame that people would rather play the lottery with its 50% paybacks then go to the races where paybacks vary from 80-90% and you get some serious entertainment from it. 

CASH Only

Unfortunately OR still has its Lose for Life online lottery game.

LOTTOMIKE's avatarLOTTOMIKE

I Agree!

End of comments
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