Closer to Reality: Historic Horse Racing Wins Key Vote in Massachusetts House

The Massachusetts House has taken a crucial step toward possibly making horse racing via historical horse racing machines (HHR) at the state’s remaining racetrack properties a reality. 

Legislators decided to advance a proposal supporters believe could hit the refresh button on former racing venues while bringing in fresh investment and jobs. 

The Biggest Beneficiaries

Passed as part of a broader $561 million economic development bill during the final hours of the legislative session, the measure will now move to the Senate. 

There, it will face even more scrutiny. However, if approved, the legislation would enable HHRs at eligible racetrack sites, with top beneficiaries including Suffolk Downs in East Boston and the former Raynham Park in southeastern Massachusetts.

Although there is no more live horse racing at either of these location, part of Suffolk Downs still operates as a simulcast wagering facility. The proposal would, therefore, introduce a new gaming attraction amid redevelopment work at the historic property.

HHRs resemble classic slot machines but operate in a different way, replacing standard random number generators with the outcomes of previously run horse races. 

The races are anonymized, and players bet into pari-mutuel pools, which enables supporters to argue the machines are a form of horse racing rather than casino gambling.

$225 Million Investment

The legislation has been strongly backed by developer Richard Fields, who has spent years working to redevelop Suffolk Downs. Fields has also reached an agreement to acquire Raynham Park if the bill becomes law.

A report prepared by Spectrum Gaming Group estimates that approximately $225 million would be invested to develop HHR venues at the two former racetracks.

The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Massachusetts’ commercial casino operators, including Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park. The companies argue the machines function much like slot machines while avoiding the regulatory requirements imposed on licensed casinos.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has also criticized the legislation, saying it would expand gambling outside the existing legal framework established under the state’s gaming laws and Tribal State Compact, as per a statement issued to Casino.org.

The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain despite its approval in the House.