Frank Online Casino Bill Good for Horse Racing, Says Industry

Members of the horse racing industry are dropping their opposition to the Frank online casino bill as they see benefits for themselves in the law.

Barney Frank has unexpected allies supporting his effort to legalize and regulate online casinos. Members of the horse racing industry have stepped forward to say it would be beneficial to them if Frank's bill were passed.

While there has been resistance by horse operators to the competition provided by Internet gambling, most notably in Kentucky, some in the industry are increasingly nervous about existing law and the Justice Department. While courts have found the Wire Act to apply only to sports betting, the enforcers at Justice says it outlaws all gambling of any kind on the Internet.

So far, horse racing has received a blind eye from the Justice Department, but expanding online operations by Churchill Downs and other tracks have put racing into a gray zone. Frank's bill would not only clarify the law, but also expose racing to new players and a younger audience.

"Anything to expand the horse racing product to the masses and to create a younger demographic is something that needs to be explored," said Tom Chukas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club. "One of the growth areas for racing has been home activity."

Frank's bill "brings Internet gambling out in the open and would provide for clear regulations and certainty for adults who choose to participate online," Michael Brodsky told the Baltimore Sun. Brodsky is chairman of Youbet.com, the largest online racing provider in the US.

Meanwhile, confusion continues. Justice Department spokesmen said there had been no change in its position that all gambling, including on horse racing, is illegal online.

At the same time, Maryland Senior Assistant Attorney General Bruce Spizler, legal counsel to the Maryland Racing Commission, said, "People can bet on horse races on their computer, provided they follow all the rules, You have to open up an account at a racetrack in Maryland that offers the race and prove you're 18."

Tell it to the feds, buddy.