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Oklahoma Horse Breeders Support Expanded Gambling

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – As reported by the Norman Transcript: "…Dee Raper, who owns and operates the 320-care Belle Mere Farm horse breeding operation in Norman, agrees. Raper, who has eight stallions that breed with mares across the country, said he's seen a noticeable decline in his business in recent years.

"…Raper joined with horsemen from various groups across the state Friday to announce support of Senate Bill 553, which would allow electronic gambling machines at three of the state's four horseracing tracks.

"…The bill, which authorizes 650 machines at Remington Park in Oklahoma City and 250 each at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw and Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, provides that a portion of the revenue from those machines go to increase the purses, or prize money, at the races.

"Increasing those purses, Raper said, will allow Oklahoma to compete with states like Louisiana and New Mexico, both of which allow electronic gaming at horseracing tracks.

"…Although the bill passed the Oklahoma Senate this week on a 30-18 vote, a much tougher fight is expected if and when the bill is brought to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives…"

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