A horse racing association in New Jersey filed a federal lawsuit against Pennsylvania casino operators Penn Entertainment and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment regarding the closure of Freehold Raceway, the oldest harness racing track in the United States.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown (D) announced his departure to lead an off-track betting corporation, transitioning from his role at City Hall to this new position in the betting industry.

Churchill Downs unveiled plans for an $80-90 million renovation of the grandstand at its Kentucky racetrack. The construction will focus on improving the venue's grandstand and pavilion facilities.

In Virginia, The Rose Gaming Resort has opened approximately 30 miles south of Washington D.C., while Churchill Downs plans to invest up to $50 million in a new Kentucky Historical Horse Racing (HRM) venue.

Ho-Chunk Inc. and WarHorse Gaming, subsidiaries of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, announced plans for the sixth and final casino near the former Atokad Downs racetrack in South Sioux City. This development completes the casino expansion authorized by Nebraska lawmakers and voters in 2020.

Significant industry developments include:

• Bob Baffert's ban lifted after accepting responsibility for the Medina Spirit drug test incident
• Supreme Court's refusal to hear challenges to horse racing anti-doping laws
• Golden Gate Fields' final race
• Tornado damage at Will Rogers Downs resulting in three horse fatalities
• Pennsylvania harness racing incident leading to driver injury and horse fatality

The industry continues to evolve with new betting facilities, safety regulations, and infrastructure developments, while facing ongoing challenges related to weather events, safety concerns, and regulatory compliance.

The Ohio racino industry achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 billion in net revenues in FY19, as horsemen look toward potential opportunities in sports betting. Meanwhile, congressional efforts continue to establish national drug and safety standards for horse racing, though concerns exist about costs potentially being passed to bettors.

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