Sam Houston Race Park Supports Austin for Slot Machines
Penn National Gaming Inc., at Sam Houston Race Park, recently acquired 50 percent joint ownership.
CEO of Sam Houston Race Park, Shawn Hurwitz said, the partnership will help make Texas racing competitive again.
Hurwitz said, “Over the past decade, the ability of Texas racing to remain competitive has been severely impacted as horse owners and horsemen have left to race in neighboring states where slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities have generated larger purses”.
Hurwitz added that the provided gaming tracks at racetracks are authorized. To bring quality racing and thousands of jobs back to Texas quickly, Penn’s gaming expertise, financial resources and track record of developing integrated racing and gaming facilities will provide SHRP the opportunity.
CEO of Penn National Gaming Inc. Peter Carlino said, “As the nation’s largest owner, operator and investor in pari-mutuel racing operations, we believe there are opportunities to strengthen existing operations, particularly given the demographics of Houston”.
Andrea Young, President of SHRP said she believes the partnership will create a synergistic relationship between the race park, Penn National and the community.
Young said, “At the tune of 30 percent tax rates on gaming, this is money Texas is losing to neighboring states. Texas is already gaming legally on horse tracks and lottery tickets. Slot machine entertainment on our facilities should be no different.”
To the community occurring beyond the racing and gaming entertainment itself, Young also noted that many people never observe the economic gains.
Young said, “Job creation is a major factor. A competitive racing facility attracts horse farms and breeders, veterinarians, groomers, trainers, jockeys, increased feed and fuel sales, and more employment opportunities at the race park itself.”
Young supports the idea of slot machine entertainment at SHRP and she suggested that residents talk to their legislators to make their opinions known.