Horse Racing Industry Surging Outside Of Michigan Over The Past Month

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Despite the fact that Michigan gamblers are currently unable to engage in betting, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a favorable circumstance for one particular sport to flourish, and horse racing is making the most of it.

Due to the ongoing crisis, crews are adhering to social distancing measures and the majority of tracks are currently non-operational. However, amidst the closure of numerous American sports, active horse racing is gaining increased attention.

During the pandemic, Michigan’s sole remaining horse racing venue may reap future benefits from the mini-boom, despite its current closure.

Horse racing boom on television sets, betting sites

As sports enthusiasts hunt worldwide for content and gamblers seek thrilling experiences, horse racing has successfully stepped in to fulfill part of that demand.

During the shutdown of major American sports, the Associated Press has reported a significant surge of 206% in horse racing viewership on Fox Sports stations and NBC Sports Network.

Due to the influx of newcomers, the networks have opted to adopt a simpler approach in the tone of their broadcasts.

Kip Levin, CEO of TVG, which collaborates with NBC Sports to provide 12 hours of coverage per week, explained how quickly they transitioned from engaging with knowledgeable sports fans to educating the audience in unconventional ways.

Betting platforms have also adopted this trend, providing complimentary bets to new users who sign up.

Although online sports betting is not currently available in Michigan, it is expected to launch in 2021. However, at the moment, the only form of betting allowed in the state is on horse racing, which can only be done at the state’s last remaining track.

Michigan’s only horse racetrack temporarily closed

While Belmont Park in Long Island and Oaklawn Park in Arkansas continue to operate, unfortunately, the only racetrack in Michigan is currently closed.

Northville Downs closed its doors on March 16, just four days prior to the anticipated start of the 2020 season, in compliance with the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Harness racing was planned to take place at the venue on Fridays and Saturdays. Even if Northville Downs starts racing one day after the current executive order ends on April 30, the racetrack will unfortunately miss out on 12 nights of live racing.

The employees of the company have been furloughed, but the company has made a commitment to resume operations once authorized by the governor.

Management posted a letter on the track’s website assuring employees that their jobs are secure.

Northville Downs avoided shutdown scare

In the beginning of this year, concerns arose that Northville Downs could potentially shut down due to the implementation of a residential development project on its premises.

Despite the $200 million development stalling, it was announced in February that racing would continue at the track until at least 2024.

Crain’s Detroit Business reports that Hunter Pasteur Homes of Farmington Hills is still in possession of the property contract. Officials are optimistic about resubmitting plans to the city of Northville and commencing construction on the project in the next five years.

An industry barely hanging on

Since the 1930s, horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering have been established in Michigan.

However, a number of racetracks have shut down over the years following a 2004 law that prohibited the addition of slot machines and the establishment of “racinos” as a means to increase revenue.

Last week, the Michigan Gaming Control Board released its annual report on horse racing, revealing that Northville Downs accumulated a total of $62.7 million in wagers during 2019. As a result, the state gained $2.1 million in tax revenue.

While there is a 3.5% tax imposed on bets placed on simulcast races, no tax is applied to live race wagering.

In 2018, the state amassed a total of $2.4 million in tax revenue generated from simulcast races. Prior to its closure in April 2018, Hazel Park Raceway contributed $419,352 to this amount.

Could thoroughbred horse racing return?

Since the closure of Hazel Park two years ago, Northville Downs has been the exclusive host of racing events in the state.

Efforts are underway to revive Michigan’s thoroughbred racing scene by reopening Sports Creek Raceway in Swartz Creek.

Nevertheless, the racetrack owner decided to retract their license application for this year’s racing events due to a delay in legislation that could have potentially offered much-needed support.

Another year without racing in Swartz Creek was attributed to a lack of clarity regarding wagering on races that had already taken place, as stated by the CEO of AmRace, according to MLive.

Before reopening, the state’s gaming control board had granted a conditional race meeting license and simulcast permit for the upcoming racing event in October. However, it emphasized that additional measures were still required.

Horse racing amendment could breathe life

In December, a package of bills was signed by Whitmer to legalize sports gambling in Michigan. Alongside this, an amendment was included to allow mobile horse racing betting through advance deposit wagering.

Bettors could conveniently add funds to their accounts and place bets either through online platforms or by phone using the system.

Northville Downs and the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association will be permitted to form partnerships with third parties, enabling them to offer mobile parimutuel wagering on both live and simulcast races.

The implementation requirements are currently under review by the gaming control board.

In an email on Tuesday, Mary Kay Bean, the communications specialist for the regulator, informed Playinmichigan that the board anticipates ADW to be launched earlier than online sports betting and casino-style online gaming. The latter two are expected to be available in early 2021.

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