Massachusetts Gaming Policy: Plainridge Park and the Push for Historical Horse Racing
Massachusetts lawmakers are currently evaluating a shift in gaming policy at Plainridge Park Casino, moving away from a previous proposal to introduce table games in favor of authorizing historical horse racing (HHR). This legislative pivot, centered on the state’s only slots-parlor, aims to modernize the facility’s offerings while addressing the long-term financial stability of the local horse racing industry.
Legislative Shift at Plainridge Park
The Massachusetts legislature is reconsidering how to bolster revenue at Plainridge Park, the state’s sole slots-only gaming facility located in Plainville. According to reporting by the State House News Service, the proposal to authorize traditional table games—such as blackjack, roulette, and craps—has lost momentum. Instead, lawmakers and stakeholders are focusing on historical horse racing, a form of gaming that allows players to bet on the results of previously run, anonymous horse races.
Historical horse racing machines function similarly to slot machines but derive their outcomes from a database of past race results. For the Massachusetts gaming industry, this transition represents a strategic effort to capture a demographic of players who seek variety beyond traditional slot machines without the regulatory and infrastructure overhead required to host live table games.
Why Historical Horse Racing Matters for the Industry
The move to authorize HHR is largely driven by the declining economic outlook for the state’s horse racing sector. Proponents argue that HHR provides a vital revenue stream that can be used to subsidize race purses, thereby keeping the sport viable in the Commonwealth.
Unlike table games, which require significant floor space, specialized staffing, and complex security protocols, HHR terminals can be integrated into existing gaming floors with minimal disruption. According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the state’s gaming ecosystem is carefully regulated to ensure that any expansion of gambling options maintains the integrity of existing licenses. The shift to HHR is seen as a way to increase the “hold” or revenue-per-machine for the facility while simultaneously supporting the agricultural and racing communities that rely on the horse racing industry.
Comparison of Gaming Options
The following table outlines the key differences between the previously proposed table games and the current focus on historical horse racing:
| Feature | Table Games | Historical Horse Racing (HHR) |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Complexity | High (requires dealers/pit bosses) | Low (automated terminals) |
| Space Requirements | Significant floor reconfiguration | Compatible with existing layouts |
| Revenue Impact | Direct house edge | Revenue shared with racing industry |
| Regulatory Status | Requires major expansion of license | Legislative adjustment to existing law |
What This Means for Plainville and Beyond
The transition toward HHR is not yet finalized. Lawmakers must navigate the complexities of the state’s gaming compacts and ensure that any new form of wagering complies with the Massachusetts General Laws regarding gambling expansion.
If approved, Plainridge Park would join several other states that have successfully used HHR to revitalize struggling tracks and gaming venues. For the town of Plainville, the focus remains on the balance between increased tax revenue and the potential social impact of expanded gaming options. As the legislative session progresses, the specific language of the bill—and how it allocates the revenue generated from these machines—will be the primary indicators of whether this policy change successfully balances the needs of the casino operator with the interests of the horse racing community.
Worth a look