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Proposal calls for 'historical racing' machines

A Republican lawmaker from southwest Illinois has proposed a plan allowing betting on old races as a way to boost the horse racing industry, an idea that has raised questions in other states.

State Rep. Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon introduced legislation last week allowing so-called "historical racing" machines, according to a story published Sunday by the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers. The terminals that resemble slot machines allow betting on previously run races that are stripped of identifying markers.

Kay said the generated revenue could help tracks, like Fairmount Park in Collinsville, as legislators take another look at a statewide gambling expansion.

"They are trying to stay alive," Kay said.

Kentucky and Arkansas allow historical racing, while Texas is facing a court fight over the machines. Last week a judge said the Texas Racing Commission exceeded its authority by clearing the way for historical racing at dog and horse tracks.

Proponents of the idea have said the additional money can help struggling racetracks. But opponents who worry about social costs of expanded gambling have labeled the machines as "horse slots."

In Illinois, previous efforts to expand gambling statewide have failed. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, has vetoed plans adding more casinos and slots over concerns about ethical safeguards. Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner, who takes office in January, has said he doesn't like the idea of slot machines at Chicago's major airports but wouldn't oppose adding casinos if local communities support it.

Last year, a bill calling for five new casinos fizzled after the Illinois Gaming Board questioned if Chicago would have the authority to oversee its own casino. The bill's backer has since tried to settle the issue and others by presenting the option of separating out the Chicago casino from four proposed locations in Chicago's south suburbs, and the counties of Lake, Winnebago and Vermilion.

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