Massachusetts Gaming Commission receives four applications to operate live racing in 2015
- October 01, 2014
- by MGC Communications
- 0 comments
As of close of business on October 1, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission received the following applications to operate live horse racing in the Commonwealth in 2015:
- Springfield Gaming and Redevelopment, LLC: An application to conduct a 105-day live harness racing meet at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, MA. [req. found in c.23K section 24]
- Brockton Agricultural Society: A “placeholder” application for a one-day live Thoroughbred racing meet at the Brockton Fairgrounds. May be later amended to apply for a maximum of 15 live racing days. [req. found in c.128A section 2]
- Middleborough Agricultural Society: A “placeholder” application for a one-day live Thoroughbred racing meet at the Brockton Fairgrounds. May be later amended to apply for a maximum of 15 live racing days. [req. found in c.128A section 2]
- New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association: A “placeholder” application for a one-day live Thoroughbred racing meet at Suffolk Downs. May be later amended to a minimum of 65 live racing days “or such other number of… racing days as may be approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in the interest of the health and safety of the horses, riders, and drivers.” [req. found in c.311 of Acts of 2014]
Public hearings will be scheduled for late October in each of the proposed host communities, and public comments will be solicited through the MGC website. The comments received and recommendations of the Racing Division will be reported to the Commission at its public meeting scheduled for November 6th. By law, the Commission must “grant or dismiss” each application not later than November 15th.
A mechanism exists whereby successful applicants can later file amended, or supplementary, applications so long as they relate to “the same premises.” [c.128A section 2.]
Applications will be reviewed by the legal team for administrative completeness prior to being posted.
Stephen P. Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said the Commission was pleased with the intentions expressed in the four applications. “As we have repeatedly stated,” Crosby said, “the Mass. Gaming Commission is fully committed to using all of its authority to help find a strategy for sustaining the racing industry in Massachusetts.”