Historical Horse Racing to be a Focus At Winter Meeting of Legislators from Gaming States, January 4-6 in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The fast-emerging activity of historical horse racing will be the focus of the Committee on Pari-Mutuels when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) holds its Winter Meeting, January 4-6 at Harrah's New Orleans.

Registration and host-hotel reservations for the three-day conference are now open at http://www.nclgs.org/meetings.html.

Historical horse racing (HHR) is promoted is a legitimate pari-mutuel activity but critics contend it is simply a legal workaround to allow slot-like games at racetracks. HHR is operating in four states, with Kentucky leading the field by a large margin, and has been authorized in Virginia. Several other states are now, or have recently, considered allowing HHR at racetracks. Experts on this panel examine HHR from legal, regulatory and operational perspectives.

"As states look to both support their pari-mutuel industries and expand their gaming options, they are examining whether historical horse racing is a viable option ? both from an economic and legal perspective," said NCLGS President William Coley, a Senator from Ohio. "We look forward to learning from four experts in the field."

The Committee will hear from the following presenters:

• Eric Hamelback, CEO, National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association
• Corey Johnson, President, Kentucky Downs
• Tamara Malvin, Partner, Akerman
• Katherine M. Paisley, General Counsel & VP of Compliance, Exacta Systems

More than 200 attendees, including dozens of state legislators, are expected to attend the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting. The conference agenda includes:

• Keynote Luncheon Address from former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, whose arguments before the Supreme Court resulted in overturning the federal prohibition on sports betting
• Six legislative committee sessions: Casinos, Emerging Forms of Gaming, Lotteries, Pari-Mutuels, Sports Betting/iGaming, and State-Federal Relations
• The Big Picture: Focus on Freshman Class of Legislators ? an introduction to gaming
• Two Masterclasses presented by the International Masters of Gaming Law
• Friday evening welcome reception
• Saturday afternoon offsite event
• Sunday general session focusing on the relationship between gaming and tourism

To view the NCLGS Winter Meeting agenda, register, and book hotel rooms at the host hotel at special attendee rates, visit http://www.nclgs.org/meetings.html

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation.

Spectrum Gaming Group, which has performed advisory and consulting work for gaming operators, regulators and legislatures in 36 US states and territories and in 47 countries on six continents, serves as the Executive Director of NCLGS.

SOURCE National Council of Legislators from Gaming States