This legislation is about more than just four (4) pari-mutuel tracks in Kansas: The Woodlands, Wichita Greyhound Park, Camptown, and Eureka Downs. It is about bringing back two of Kansas' historic entertainment and agricultural segments - horse racing and greyhound racing. This legislation is a win for rural Kansas, for agriculture in Kansas, for communities in Kansas and for economic development in Kansas. It provides enjoyable destinations for Kansans and visitors from across the U.S. and from around the world. Once passed, this legislation will provide the opportunity for high-quality jobs and an expansion of agricultural production in Kansas. All of this leads to greater economic development across Kansas and, therefore, it would provide a larger tax base to help fund Kansas education, infrastructure and various state- funded programs.

Racing is good for all of Kansas - both rural and urban communities. It is good for Kansas agriculture, for Kansas' ability to better fund education, for Kansas infrastructure, and many other services. In addition, racing attracts tourism dollars to Kansas from across the U.S. and around the world. Overall, Kansas can expect a significant amount of economic impact. This impact is realized not only by the 4,475 jobs the racing industry and tracks will create but also by farmers, ranchers and breeders raising horses and greyhounds - as well as the feed and bedding needed to support those animals, allied industry such as veterinarians, hotels and restaurants, equipment dealers and more than 100 different business segments touched by Kansas race tracks.

No. In fact, several states immediately surrounding Kansas allow for pari-mutuel wagering and electronic gaming at race tracks. Iowa and Oklahoma have several racetracks that draw thousands of visitors each year. In horse racing, the animal athletes are awarded a larger purse if they breed their horses and win a race in their home state. Since Kansas' last race track closed nearly 10 years ago, many of Kansas' sires and broodmares have been relocated to Iowa and Oklahoma, taking with them the state tax revenue dollars from racing and related industries. Greyhounds, including many from Kansas, are racing in 18 other states. Every year, Kansas loses the tax dollars, tourism revenue and other economic impacts that would be gained if these amazing animals could race at home - here in Kansas. The loss of these animal athletes has not only taken a wonderful recreation option away from Kansas but also the economic impact of thousands of horses and greyhounds from Kansas farms, ranches and communities. In 2012, Oklahoma injected more than $491 million dollars into its state's economy due to horse racing. Oklahoma is home to more than 14,000 horses dedicated to racing that live on 800 farms across the state.

It's time to RACE for Kansas so we can bring these animal athletes back to Kansas along with those who enjoy watching them run. Kansas is unique in that it provides not only the opportunity to watch world-class horses racing but also top-notch Greyhounds too.

Yes. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing has been legal since 1986. Electronic gaming machines were legalized in 2007. Electronic gaming machines at race tracks never operated due to the state mandated 40% tax rate. The race tracks were forced to close due to the disparity in the tax rate. Changing the tax rate to 22%, which is consistent with the four state owned casinos will provide the opportunity for our race tracks to reopen.

No. The proposed legislation ensures compliance with existing casinos' contracts with Kansas.