North Dakota’s intends to expand gambling by creating up to six state-owned casinos have actually been grabbing the headlines into the regional news, due to the probable impact on tribal and charitable gaming operators.
‘Instant racing’ uses principles of parimutuel gambling, but has faced legal challenges in the handful of states where it’s been introduced as being, in reality, a slot machine that is glorified.
However now an under-the-radar bill, spotted by local radio host Mike McFeeley this week, poses an extra threat towards the 300-odd charitable gambling areas in bars and clubs over the state.
Senate Bill 2221 would authorize ‘historic racing’ or ‘instant racing’ machines at as much as ten locations in the Peace Garden State. These machines allow gamblers to put bets on races that have already been run.
Video of races from around the global world are stored, and a race is played at random when bets have been put. The names associated with the horses and times and places of the races, are, of course, concealed through the bettor.
Slot or otherwise Not?
Fundamentally, the devices are designed to simulate a day at the races for the bettor that is happy-go-lucky but there’s also another, less obvious cause for their presence. Because these races are classed as parimutuel betting, with multiple players adding to a pool, they are not defined as ‘slots,’ or casino gaming. Continue reading “North Dakota ‘Historic Racing’ Machine Bill Poses Threat to State’s Charitable Gambling Industry”