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The report addresses several aspects of both the
Department’s and the Commission’s effectiveness in regulating horse and
greyhound racing. First, the Capital Improvement Program administered by the Commission
has not met its intent of increasing state revenues. Moreover, the Commission has
inappropriately approved approximately $500,000 in capital improvement project items.
Second, the Department has not sufficiently ensured that the $251 million wagered at
commercial tracks is properly protected and distributed. Third, the Department does not
adequately monitor several key racing activities at greyhound tracks. Finally, commercial
horse tracks have been improperly exempted from paying taxes on racing handles generated
from county fair race meets. In addition to the audit findings, the report also presents
information regarding the impact recent legislation has had on pari-mutuel tax revenues.
While pari-mutuel tax revenues were over $8 million annually from fiscal years 1991-92
through 1994-95, tax relief the Legislature enacted in 1994 caused these revenues to drop
to $2.8 million in fiscal year 1995-96.
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