Maryland Historical Horse Racing Bill Faces First Committee Test on February 25 at 1:00pm

ANNAPOLIS, MD - A new bill with bipartisan support will face its first General Assembly committee hearing on February 25 at 1:00pm in the Miller Senate Office Building. Journalists are invited to speak with the bill's sponsors this week. Credentialed media this week are invited on tours to local Off Track Betting (OTB) sites and urged to schedule a virtual Zoom-based technology tour. The tours feature experts who show how the betting systems work in-practice, what the screens look like, and how the technology is designed for players to bet against one another, not "the house."

"We've not only waited long enough only to bring this to Maryland, we've reached a point where it would be irresponsible not to grow these businesses and bring this revenue to parts of our state that need it," said State Senator Karen Lewis Young (D-Frederick County). "We're going to make this happen because Maryland businesses are counting on us to get it done."

"When we bring Maryland into the future with historical horse racing, it will be a total celebration of our local small businesses especially in Frederick County which have wanted too long for us to make this happen," said State Delegate Kristopher G. Fair (D-Frederick County). "This committee is just the first step. What we need to do is get every legislator to see this technology in real life so they can see how it could bring tens of millions of dollars to our state."

"I'm proud to get behind our OTB businesses, especially the ones in corners of Maryland that benefit most from this innovation and business growth," said State Senator Paul D. Corderman (R-Frederick County & Washington County). "Maryland's horse industry is one thing but it's all the businesses around horse racing that we now can help realize a vision for the future that lets them compete and grow alongside other states. We've talked a lot over the years about agriculture and economic vitality for horse racing. Bringing historical horse racing to Maryland was neglected and we're fixing that now."

Senate Bill 639 was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly to authorize wagering on "historical horse races," creating a modern parimutuel betting that is the central feature of the games. The horse racing is tied to previously run races. Preliminary economic analyses estimate the games stand to generate up to $100 million annually in new revenue for education, local communities, and the state's small businesses in Frederick and Washington counties.

SB 639 updates Maryland's sports wagering laws to allow the parimutuel betting at certain licensed facilities fully compliant as existing, state‐regulated sports wagering facility licensees at specified locations. The bill makes clear the games can only involve individuals physically present at those facilities. Mobile sports wagering operators and other licensees not meeting these criteria would be prohibited from accepting wagers on historical horse races.​

"While there are many reasons to support this industry, the ones we're shining a light on are good reminders of how revenue flows into state coffers from our businesses," said Alyse Cohen, owner of the OTB and Sportsbook Long Shot's in Frederick, MD. "We believe there's big potential here to help fund public education. Maybe more important is what this bill can help reveal about Maryland's Horse Industry which needs a lot of help. When lawmakers dig deeper in this committee hearing, they'll see how this bill could make possible local impact grants from the Small, Minority, and Women‐Owned Businesses Account, the General Fund, and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund for public education.​ This is a revenue-generating engine that Maryland needs today more than ever before."

Common Questions:

What does Senate Bill 639 do?
Senate Bill 639 authorizes sports wagering facility licensees in Maryland to accept wagers on historical horse races (HHR). It adds historical horse races to the legal definition of a "sporting event" under Maryland sports wagering law and establishes rules for how those wagers must operate.

What is a "historical horse race" under this bill?
The bill defines a historical horse race as a past race that is used for wagering purposes under sports wagering laws. It amends the definition of "sporting event" to include historical horse races alongside live horse races and professional sporting events.

Who is allowed to offer wagering on historical horse races?
Only certain sports wagering facility licensees may offer HHR betting. These include:
Class A-1 or A-2 licensees at video lottery facilities
Horse racing licensees at racetracks
The Maryland State Fairgrounds (licensed entities)
Satellite simulcast facilities
Mobile sports wagering platforms may NOT offer historical horse race wagering.

Can someone bet on historical horse races online or on their phone?
No. The bill specifically prohibits mobile sports wagering licensees from accepting wagers on historical horse races. Bets must be made in person at approved facilities.

How must historical horse race wagering be conducted?
All wagering on historical horse races must be conducted as pari-mutuel betting, meaning:
Bettors wager against each other (not the house).
Winnings are paid from a pool of wagers.
The operator does not profit based on the outcome of a specific race.

How do the betting terminals work?
The bill requires that:
Betting occurs only on Commission-approved terminals.
Before placing a bet, bettors cannot see identifying details about the race (such as location, date, horse names, or jockeys).
Bettors are provided accurate past performance information.
After placing a bet, the terminal displays selections, official results, and a replay of the race.
This ensures fairness and preserves the "historical" nature of the event.

Is there a limit on the number of terminals?
Yes. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission may approve terminals, but the bill caps the total number statewide at 4,000 historical horse racing terminals.

What is the minimum bet and payout?
The minimum wager allowed is 10 cents.
The minimum payout cannot be less than the amount wagered.

How are the proceeds from historical horse race wagering distributed?
After operators retain their allowed percentage:
A portion is distributed similarly to video lottery terminal proceeds, including local impact grants and funding for:
The Purse Dedication Account
The Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Account
5% goes to the General Fund
The remaining funds go to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund (education funding)
This differs slightly from traditional sports wagering revenue distribution.

When would this law take effect?
The bill will go before Maryland voters in a November 2026 referendum. If a majority votes "For the referred law," it would take effect January 1, 2027.

5400 Holiday Dr
Frederick, MD 21703
Attn: Founder and Owner Alyse Cohen

Senate Bill 639 was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly to authorize wagering on "historical horse races," creating a modern parimutuel betting that is the central feature of the games. The horse racing is tied to previously run races. Preliminary economic analyses estimate the games stand to generate up to $100 million annually in new revenue for education, local communities, and the state's small businesses in Frederick and Washington counties.

This release was published on openPR.