The Kansas Legislature recently passed a bill that would codify into law among other things, the distribution of revenues from historical horse racing (HHR) wagering into funds intended to support live racing. The bill is expected to be reviewed and signed by Governor Laura Kelly this week.
This bill includes 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.
HHR was approved by the Kansas legislature in 2022 allowing for up to 1,000 machines to be located in Park City. After passage, a license was granted to the Golden Circle Casino for operation of these machines at the former Wichita Greyhound Park. The $135M renovation project is well underway with an expected opening date for late this year.
In addition to these funds. the Greenwood County Fair Board (GCFB) was named as the recipient of a $2 million grant from the sports betting fund. The funds are to aide the GCFB in renovating the Eureka Downs facility, with hopes of horse racing returning to the State of Kansas.
During their annual meeting in February, GCFB shared they had received $1 million of those funds to start renovations.
Per the contract, the GCFB will be required to follow a strict budget, with specific funds being earmarked for various projects, as it was approved by the state.
This grant will be used for updates to the backside and concourse building.
Crews have begun work to various aspects of the facility, including a new roof being installed. The GCFB is working with an engineer to assist in drainage plans for the track and start research into needs for the future of the Concourse building to serve as a community building and racing venue.
The GCFB hopes to receive the remainder of the grant funding after the first portion has been spent.
The goal is to allow the GCFB to make many of the needed updates before HHR even begins with the hopes of racing to return to Eureka Downs by spring of 2026.
