Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is the racing industry important?

A. Horse racing is one of Maryland's native industries, its oldest spectator sport. More than two million spectators attend races annually, and more than 17,000 jobs are attributed to the racing industry, resulting in almost $1 billion a year in annual economic impact. The Preakness Stakes, on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico, is the state's biggest single day sports event and generates about $30 million in economic impact each year. It is the second leg in the Triple Crown, the most important event in American racing.

Q. How has Maryland racing been damaged by slots in nearby states?

A. Higher purses at tracks in Delaware and West Virginia have caused many Maryland owners and trainers, out of economic necessity, to run their horses out of state. Meanwhile, wagering at Maryland's tracks has slowly declined and purses have stagnated, lowering the valuations of Maryland-bred horses and leading more and more Maryland breeders to send their mares to states with more lucrative breeders' programs. The competitive pressures on Maryland racing will eventually bring about a reduction in racing days and lower quality racing, unless revenues increase in a meaningful way.