Regulator's Simulcast Decision Awards Suffolk

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission settled a long and acrimonious dispute over simulcasting revenues between the management teams of Suffolk Downs and Raynham Greyhound Park Oct. 13 by ruling in favor of the Thoroughbred track.

At issue was just over $300,000, or the 3% premium on out-of-state simulcasts of Thoroughbred races between Oct. 2014 and June 2015 at the former dog track, which became an off-track betting facility after Massachusetts outlawed live greyhound racing several years ago.

Following close to three hours of legal wrangling by attorneys for both sides over interpretation of the Massachusetts racing statutes and the commission's authority to decide the matter, the MGC first voted 5-0 that it is empowered to act and then voted unanimously that Raynham Park is obligated to pay the money owed. In a third ruling, the commissioners split 3-2 that the amount is required to be paid in full within 30 days, with the dissenting commissioners advocating to give Raynham Park more time to comply.

Although the funds in total will go to the coffers of Suffol, the big winners are New England horsemen.

Massachusetts law stipulates that the premiums can be used to support horsemen in other ways than through purses paid. Roughly $270,000 of the approximately $300,000 may be funneled to the New England affiliate of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which has a purse agreement with Suffolk and thus is the recognized representative of the horsemen at the track. 

That money can be used to support NEHBPA's medical benefits trust, the horsemen's emergency assistance fund, and a portion of the operating expenses of the organization.