RCW 67.16.010
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Commission" means the Washington horse racing commission, hereinafter created.
(2) "Parimutuel machine" means both machines at the track and machines at the satellite locations, that record parimutuel bets and compute the payoff.
(3) "Parimutuel wagering" means a form of wagering on the outcome of a horse race or horse races in which all wagers are pooled and held by a parimutuel pool host for distribution of the total amount, less deductions authorized by law, to holders of tickets on the winning contestants.
(4) "Person" means individuals, firms, corporations, and associations.
(5) "Race meet" means any exhibition of thoroughbred, quarter horse, paint horse, Appaloosa horse racing, Arabian horse racing, or standard bred harness horse racing, where the parimutuel system is used.
[
2025 c 89 s 1
;
2004 c 246 s 5
;
1991 c 270 s 1
;
1985 c 146 s 1
;
1982 c 132 s 1
;
1969 c 22 s 1
;
1949 c 236 s 1
;
1933 c 55 s 1
; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 8312-1.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
"If any provisions or application of any provisions of this chapter are invalidated by a court of law, the remainder of the chapter shall not be affected." [
1985 c 146 s 15
.]
Severability
—
1982 c 132:
"If any provision of this amendatory act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1982 c 132 s 6
.]
RCW 67.16.012
Washington horse racing commission
—
Creation
—
Terms
—
Vacancies
—
Bonds
—
Oaths.
There is hereby created the Washington horse racing commission, to consist of three commissioners, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The commissioners shall be citizens, residents, and qualified electors of the state of Washington. The terms of the members shall be six years. Each member shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies in the office of commissioner shall be filled by appointment to be made by the governor for the unexpired term. Any commissioner may be removed at any time at the pleasure of the governor. Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, each commissioner shall enter into a surety company bond, to be approved by the governor and attorney general, payable to the state of Washington, in the penal sum of five thousand dollars, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties and the correct accounting and payment of all sums received and coming within his or her control under this chapter, and in addition thereto each commissioner shall take and subscribe to an oath of office of the same form as that prescribed by law for elective state officers.
[
2025 c 89 s 2
;
2011 1st sp.s. c 21 s 13
;
1998 c 345 s 4
;
1987 c 453 s 2
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 216 s 1
;
1969 ex.s. c 233 s 1
;
1933 c 55 s 2
; RRS s 8312-2. Formerly RCW 43.50.010
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 21:
See note following RCW 72.23.025
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
Contingent effective date
—
1998 c 345:
See notes following RCW 15.04.090
.
Severability
—
Repeal
—
1933 c 55:
"In case any part or portion of this act shall be held unconstitutional, such holding shall not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any other part or portion of this act not adjudged unconstitutional. All acts in conflict herewith are hereby repealed." [
1933 c 55 s 10
.]
RCW 67.16.014
Washington horse racing commission
—
Ex officio nonvoting members.
In addition to the commission members appointed under RCW 67.16.012, there shall be four ex officio nonvoting members consisting of: (1) Two members of the senate, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the president of the senate; and (2) two members of the house of representatives, one from the majority political party and one from the minority political party, both to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The appointments shall be for the term of two years or for the period in which the appointee serves as a legislator, whichever expires first. Members may be reappointed, and vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments are made. The ex officio members shall assist in the policy making, rather than administrative, functions of the commission, and shall collect data deemed essential to future legislative proposals and exchange information with the commission. The ex officio members shall be deemed engaged in legislative business while in attendance upon the business of the commission and shall be limited to such allowances therefor as otherwise provided in RCW 44.04.120, the same to be paid from the horse racing commission fund as being expenses relative to commission business.
[
1991 c 270 s 2
;
1987 c 453 s 3
.]
RCW 67.16.015
Washington horse racing commission
—
Organization
—
Secretary
—
Records
—
Annual reports.
The commission shall organize by electing one of its members chair, and shall appoint and employ a secretary, and such other clerical, office, and other help as is necessary in the performance of the duties imposed upon it by this chapter. The commission shall keep detailed records of all meetings and of the business transacted therein, and of all the collections and disbursements. The commission shall prepare and submit an annual report to the governor. All records of the commission shall be public records and as such, subject to public inspection.
[
2012 c 117 s 304
;
1977 c 75 s 80
;
1933 c 55 s 3
; RRS s 8312-3. Formerly RCW 43.50.020
.]
RCW 67.16.017
Washington horse racing commission
—
Compensation and travel expenses.
Each member of the Washington horse racing commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250
and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
in going to, attending, and returning from meetings of the commission, and travel expenses incurred in the discharge of such duties as may be requested of him or her by a majority vote of the commission, but in no event shall a commissioner be paid in any one fiscal year in excess of one hundred twenty days, except the chair of the commission who may be paid for not more than one hundred fifty days.
[
2012 c 117 s 305
;
1984 c 287 s 100
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 155;
1969 ex.s. c 233 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1984 c 287:
See notes following RCW 43.03.220
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34:
See notes following RCW 2.08.115
.
RCW 67.16.020
Duties of commission
—
Race meet license
—
Suspension.
(1) It shall be the duty of the commission, as soon as it is possible after its organization, to prepare and promulgate a complete set of rules and regulations to govern the race meets in this state. It shall determine and announce the place, time and duration of race meets for which license fees are exacted; and it shall be the duty of each person holding a license under the authority of this chapter, and every owner, trainer, jockey, and attendant at any racecourse in this state, to comply with all rules and regulations promulgated and all orders issued by the commission. It shall be unlawful for any person to hold any race meet without having first obtained and having in force and effect a license issued by the commission as in this chapter provided; and it shall be unlawful for any owner, trainer or jockey to participate in race meets in this state without first securing a license therefor from the state [horse] racing commission, the fee for which shall be set by the commission which shall offset the cost of administration and shall not be for a period exceeding one year.
(2) The commission shall immediately suspend the license of a person who has been certified under RCW 74.20A.320
by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for a license under this chapter during the suspension, reissuance of the license shall be automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the support order. The procedure in RCW 74.20A.320
is the exclusive administrative remedy for contesting the establishment of noncompliance with a child support order, and suspension of a license under this subsection, and satisfies the requirements of RCW 34.05.422
.
[
2000 c 86 s 5
;
1989 c 385 s 5
;
1985 c 146 s 2
;
1982 c 32 s 1
;
1933 c 55 s 4
; RRS s 8312-4. Formerly RCW 67.16.020
and
67.16.030
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1982 c 32:
"If any provision of this amendatory act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1982 c 32 s 6
.]
RCW 67.16.040
Commission to regulate and license meets
—
Inspection.
The commission created by this chapter is hereby authorized, and it shall be its duty, to license, regulate and supervise all race meets held in this state under the terms of this chapter, and to cause the various racecourses of the state to be visited and inspected at least once a year.
[
1933 c 55 s 5
; RRS s 8312-5.]
RCW 67.16.045
Criminal history records
—
Dissemination.
The commission is authorized to receive criminal history record information that includes nonconviction data for any purpose associated with the investigation for suitability for involvement in horse racing activities authorized under this chapter. Dissemination or use of nonconviction data for purposes other than that authorized in this section is prohibited.
[
2000 c 204 s 1
.]
RCW 67.16.050
Application for meet
—
Issuance of license
—
Fee
—
Cancellation, grounds, procedure.
Every person making application for license to hold a race meet, under the provisions of this chapter shall file an application with the commission which shall set forth the time, the place, the number of days such meet will continue, and such other information as the commission may require. The commission shall be the sole judge of whether or not the race meet shall be licensed and the number of days the meet shall continue. No person who has been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude shall be issued a license, nor shall any license be issued to any person who has violated the terms or provisions of this chapter, or any of the rules and regulations of the commission made pursuant thereto, or who has failed to pay to the commission any or all sums required under the provisions of this chapter. The license shall specify the number of days the race meet shall continue and the number of races per day, which shall include not less than six live races per day, and for which a fee shall be paid daily in advance of $500 for each live race day: PROVIDED, That if unforeseen obstacles arise, which prevent the holding, or completion of any race meet, the license fee for the meet, or for a portion which cannot be held may be refunded the licensee, if the commission deems the reasons for failure to hold or complete the race meet sufficient. Any unexpired license held by any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or any of the rules or regulations of the commission made pursuant thereto, or who fails to pay to the commission any and all sums required under the provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to cancellation and revocation by the commission. Such cancellation shall be made only after a summary hearing before the commission, of which three days' notice, in writing, shall be given the licensee, specifying the grounds for the proposed cancellation, and at which hearing the licensee shall be given an opportunity to be heard in opposition to the proposed cancellation.
[
2025 c 89 s 3
;
1997 c 87 s 2
;
1985 c 146 s 3
;
1982 c 32 s 2
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 39 s 1
;
1933 c 55 s 6
; RRS s 8312-6.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Purpose
—
Report by joint legislative audit and review committee
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1997 c 87:
See notes following RCW 67.16.200
.
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1982 c 32:
See note following RCW 67.16.020
.
RCW 67.16.060
Prohibited practices
—
Parimutuel system permitted
—
Race meet as public nuisance.
(1) It shall be unlawful:
(a) To conduct pool selling, bookmaking, or to circulate handbooks; or
(b) To bet or wager on any horse race other than by the parimutuel method; or
(c) For any licensee to take more than the percentage provided in RCW 67.16.170
and
67.16.175
; or
(d) For any licensee to compute breaks in the parimutuel system at more than ten cents.
(2) Any willful violation of the terms of this chapter, or of any rule, regulation, or order of the commission shall constitute a gross misdemeanor and when such violation is by a person holding a license under this chapter, the commission may cancel the license held by the offender, and such cancellation shall operate as a forfeiture of all rights and privileges granted by the commission and of all sums of money paid to the commission by the offender; and the action of the commission in that respect shall be final.
(3) The commission shall have power to exclude from any and all racecourses of the state of Washington any person whom the commission deems detrimental to the best interests of racing or any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this chapter or of any rule, regulation, or order issued by the commission.
(4) Every race meet held in this state contrary to the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
[
2008 c 24 s 1
;
1991 c 270 s 3
;
1985 c 146 s 4
;
1979 c 31 s 1
;
1933 c 55 s 7
; RRS s 8312-7.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Gambling: Chapters
9.46
and
9.47
RCW.
RCW 67.16.065
Use of public assistance electronic benefit cards prohibited
—
Licensee to report violations.
(1) Any licensee authorized under this chapter is prohibited from allowing the use of public assistance electronic benefit cards for the purpose of parimutuel wagering authorized under this chapter.
(2) Any licensee authorized under this chapter shall report to the department of social and health services any known violations of RCW 74.08.580
.
[
2002 c 252 s 4
.]
RCW 67.16.070
Races for local breeders.
For the purpose of encouraging the breeding, within this state, of valuable thoroughbred, quarter[,] and/or standard bred racehorses, at least one race of each day's meet shall be offered exclusively for Washington bred horses.
[
2025 c 89 s 4
;
1949 c 236 s 2
;
1933 c 55 s 8
; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 8312-8.]
RCW 67.16.075
Breeder's awards and owner's bonuses
—
Eligibility
—
Certification.
Only breeders or owners of Washington-bred horses are eligible to demand and receive a breeder's award, an owner's bonus or both. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to certify Washington-bred horses. In setting standards to certify horses as Washington-bred, the commission shall seek the advice of and consult with industry, including (1) the Washington Horse Breeders' Association, for thoroughbreds; (2) the Washington State Standardbred Association, for standardbred harness horses; (3) the Northern Racing Quarter Horse Association, for quarter horses; (4) the Washington State Appaloosa Racing Association, for Appaloosas; and (5) the Washington State Arabian Horse Racing Association, for Arabian horses.
[
1985 c 146 s 13
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
RCW 67.16.080
Horses to be registered.
A quarter horse to be eligible for a race meet herein shall be duly registered with the American Quarter Horse Association. An Appaloosa horse to be eligible for a race meet herein shall be duly registered with the National Appaloosa Horse Club or any successor thereto. An Arabian horse to be eligible for a race meet herein shall be duly registered with the Arabian Horse Registry of America, or any successor thereto.
[
1982 c 132 s 2
;
1969 c 22 s 2
;
1949 c 236 s 3
; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 8312-13.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1982 c 132:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
RCW 67.16.090
Races not limited to horses of same breed.
In any race meet in which quarter horses, thoroughbred horses, Appaloosa horses, standard bred harness horses, paint horses, or Arabian horses participate horses of different breeds may be allowed to compete in the same race if such mixed races are so designated in the racing conditions.
[
1985 c 146 s 5
;
1982 c 132 s 3
;
1969 c 22 s 3
;
1949 c 236 s 4
; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 8312-14.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1982 c 132:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
RCW 67.16.100
Disposition of fees
—
"Fair fund."
(1) All sums paid to the commission under this chapter, including those sums collected for license fees and excluding those sums collected under RCW 67.16.102
and
67.16.105
(3), shall be disposed of by the commission as follows: One hundred percent thereof shall be retained by the commission for the payment of the salaries of its members, secretary, clerical, office, and other help and all expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Any moneys collected or paid to the commission under the terms of this chapter and not expended at the close of the fiscal biennium shall be either dispersed to Washington state registered equestrian nonprofit organizations or recognized equine-related youth organizations through a grant process set up by the commission or paid to the state treasurer and be placed in the fair fund created in RCW 15.76.115
. The commission may, with the approval of the office of financial management, retain any sum required for working capital.
[
2025 c 89 s 5
;
1998 c 345 s 5
; (2021 c 149 s 1 expired June 30, 2023);
1995 c 399 s 166
;
1991 c 270 s 4
. Prior:
1985 c 466 s 67
;
1985 c 146 s 6
;
1980 c 16 s 1
; prior:
1979 c 151 s 169
;
1979 c 31 s 2
;
1977 c 75 s 81
;
1965 c 148 s 7
;
1955 c 106 s 5
;
1947 c 34 s 2
;
1941 c 48 s 4
;
1935 c 182 s 30
;
1933 c 55 s 9
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 8312-9.]
NOTES:
Expiration date
—
2021 c 149:
"This act expires June 30, 2023." [
2021 c 149 s 2
.]
Severability
—
Effective date
—
Contingent effective date
—
1998 c 345:
See notes following RCW 15.04.090
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1985 c 466:
See notes following RCW 43.31.125
.
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
RCW 67.16.101
Legislative finding
—
Responsibilities of horse racing commission
—
Availability of interest on one percent of gross receipts to support nonprofit race meets.
The legislature finds that:
(1) A primary responsibility of the horse racing commission is the encouragement of the training and development of the equine industry in the state of Washington whether the result of this training and development results in legalized horse racing or in the recreational use of horses;
(2) The horse racing commission has a further major responsibility to assure that any facility used as a racecourse should be maintained and upgraded to ensure the continued safety of both the public and the horse at any time the facility is used for the training or contesting of these animals;
(3) Nonprofit race meets within the state have difficulty in obtaining sufficient funds to provide the maintenance and upgrading necessary to assure this safety at these facilities, or to permit frequent use of these facilities by 4-H children or other horse owners involved in training; and
(4) The one percent of the parimutuel machine gross receipts used to pay a special purse to the licensed owners of Washington bred horses is available for the purpose of drawing interest, thereby obtaining funds to be disbursed to achieve the necessary support to these nonprofit race meets.
[
2025 c 89 s 6
;
2006 c 174 s 2
;
1977 ex.s. c 372 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 372:
"If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1977 ex.s. c 372 s 3
.]
RCW 67.16.102
Withholding of additional one percent of gross receipts
—
Payment to owners
—
Interest payment on one percent and amount retained by commission.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the licensee shall withhold and shall pay daily to the commission, in addition to the percentages authorized by RCW 67.16.105, one percent of the gross receipts of all parimutuel machines at each race meet which sums shall, at the end of each meet, be paid by the commission to the licensed owners of those Washington bred only horses finishing first, second, third, and fourth at each meet from which the additional one percent is derived in accordance with an equitable distribution formula to be promulgated by the commission prior to the commencement of each race meet: PROVIDED, That nothing in this section shall apply to race meets which are nonprofit in nature, are of ten days or less, and have an average daily handle of less than one hundred twenty thousand dollars.
(2) The additional one percent specified in subsection (1) of this section shall be deposited by the commission in the Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account created in RCW 67.16.275
. The interest derived from this account shall be distributed annually on an equal basis to those racecourses at which independent race meets are held which are nonprofit in nature and are of ten days or less. Prior to receiving a payment under this subsection, any new racecourse shall meet the qualifications set forth in this section for a period of two years. All funds distributed under this subsection shall be used for the purpose of maintaining and upgrading the respective racing courses and equine quartering areas of said nonprofit meets.
(3) The commission shall not permit the licensees to take into consideration the benefits derived from this section in establishing purses.
[
2025 c 89 s 7
;
2009 c 87 s 1
;
2004 c 246 s 6
;
2001 c 53 s 1
;
1991 c 270 s 5
;
1982 c 132 s 5
;
1979 c 31 s 3
;
1977 ex.s. c 372 s 2
;
1969 ex.s. c 233 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
Severability
—
1982 c 132:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 372:
See note following RCW 67.16.101
.
RCW 67.16.105
Gross receipts
—
Commission's percentage
—
Distributions.
(1) Licensees of race meets that are nonprofit in nature and are of ten days or less are exempt from payment of a parimutuel tax.
(2) Licensees that do not fall under subsection (1) of this section must withhold and pay to the commission daily for each authorized day of parimutuel wagering the following applicable percentage of all daily gross receipts from its in-state parimutuel machines:
(a) If the gross receipts of all its in-state parimutuel machines are more than $20,000,000 in the previous calendar year, the licensee must withhold and pay to the commission daily 1.30 percent of the daily gross receipts; and
(b) If the gross receipts of all its in-state parimutuel machines are $20,000,000 or less in the previous calendar year, the licensee must withhold and pay to the commission daily 1.8 percent of the daily gross receipts.
(3)(a) In addition to those amounts in subsection (2) of this section, a licensee must forward one-tenth of one percent of the daily gross receipts of all its in-state parimutuel machines to the commission for payment to those nonprofit race meets as set forth in RCW 67.16.130
and subsection (1) of this section, but the percentage may not be charged against the licensee.
(b) Payments to nonprofit race meets under this subsection must be distributed on a per-race-day basis and used only for purses at racetracks that have been approved for race dates in the current calendar year and operating under RCW 67.16.130
and subsection (1) of this section. If no nonprofit racing dates are approved, any amount in the fund that exceeds $180,000 at the end of each fiscal year must be deposited into the commission's operating account.
(c) As provided in this subsection, the commission must distribute funds up to $30,000 per race day from funds generated under this subsection (3).
[
2025 c 89 s 8
;
2011 c 12 s 1
;
2010 c 39 s 1
;
2004 c 246 s 7
;
2003 1st sp.s. c 27 s 1
;
1998 c 345 s 6
;
1997 c 87 s 3
;
1995 c 173 s 2
;
1994 c 159 s 2
;
1993 c 170 s 2
;
1991 c 270 s 6
;
1987 c 347 s 4
;
1985 c 146 s 7
;
1982 c 32 s 3
;
1979 c 31 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2011 c 12:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 5, 2011]." [
2011 c 12 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
Effective date
—
2003 1st sp.s. c 27:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2004." [
2003 1st sp.s. c 27 s 2
.]
Severability
—
Effective date
—
Contingent effective date
—
1998 c 345:
See notes following RCW 15.04.090
.
Findings
—
Purpose
—
Report by joint legislative audit and review committee
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1997 c 87:
See notes following RCW 67.16.200
.
Intent
—
1995 c 173:
"It is the intent of the legislature that one-half of the money being paid into the Washington thoroughbred racing fund continue to be directed to enhanced purses, and that one-half of the money being paid into the fund continue to be deposited into an escrow or trust account and used for the construction of a new thoroughbred racing facility in western Washington." [
1995 c 173 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1995 c 173:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 1, 1995]." [
1995 c 173 s 3
.]
Intent
—
1994 c 159:
"It is the intent of the legislature to terminate payments into the Washington thoroughbred racing fund from licensees of nonprofit race meets from March 30, 1994, until June 1, 1995, and to provide that one-half of moneys that otherwise would have been paid into the fund be directed to enhanced purses and one-half of moneys be deposited in an escrow or trust account and used solely for construction of a new thoroughbred racetrack facility in western Washington." [
1994 c 159 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1994 c 159:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 30, 1994]." [
1994 c 159 s 4
.]
Intent
—
1993 c 170:
"It is the intent of the legislature that one-half of those moneys that would otherwise have been paid into the Washington thoroughbred racing fund be retained for the purpose of enhancing purses, excluding stakes purses, until that time as a permanent thoroughbred racing facility is built and operating in western Washington. It is recognized by the Washington legislature that the enhancement in purses provided in this legislation will not directly benefit all racetracks in Washington. It is the legislature's intent that the horse racing commission work with the horse racing community to ensure that this opportunity for increased purses will not inadvertently injure horse racing at tracks not directly benefiting from this legislation." [
1993 c 170 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1993 c 170:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 30, 1993]." [
1993 c 170 s 3
.]
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1982 c 32:
See note following RCW 67.16.020
.
RCW 67.16.110
Broadcasting and motion picture rights reserved.
All radio broadcasting rights, and motion picture rights in connection with meets licensed hereunder are reserved to the state and the commission shall lease or license same only to the highest bidder. The exercise of such rights shall at all times be under the supervision of the commission.
[
1980 c 32 s 10
;
1933 c 55 s 11
; RRS s 8312-11.]
RCW 67.16.130
Nonprofit race meets
—
Licensing
—
Fees.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or of chapter
67.16
RCW, the commission may license race meets which are nonprofit in nature, of ten days or less, and which have an average daily handle of one hundred twenty thousand dollars or less, at a daily licensing fee of ten dollars, and the sponsoring nonprofit association shall be exempt from any other fees as provided for in chapter
67.16
RCW or by rule or regulation of the commission: PROVIDED, That the commission may deny the application for a license to conduct a racing meet by a nonprofit association, if same shall be determined not to be a nonprofit association by the Washington state [horse] racing commission.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or of chapter
67.16
RCW or any rule promulgated by the commission, no license for a race meet which is nonprofit in nature, of ten days or less, and which has an average daily handle of one hundred twenty thousand dollars or less, shall be denied for the reason that the applicant has not installed an electric parimutuel tote board.
(3) As a condition to the reduction in fees as provided for in subsection (1) of this section, all fees charged to horse owners, trainers, or jockeys, or any other fee charged for a permit incident to the running of such race meet shall be retained by the commission as reimbursement for its expenses incurred in connection with the particular race meet.
[
1991 c 270 s 7
;
1985 c 146 s 8
;
1982 c 32 s 4
;
1979 c 31 s 4
;
1969 ex.s. c 94 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1982 c 32:
See note following RCW 67.16.020
.
Effective date
—
1969 ex.s. c 94:
"This 1969 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect May 1, 1969." [
1969 ex.s. c 94 s 3
.]
RCW 67.16.140
Employees of commission
—
Employment restriction.
No employee of the horse racing commission shall simultaneously serve as an employee of any track at which that individual will also serve as an employee of the commission.
[
2025 c 89 s 9
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 216 s 3
.]
RCW 67.16.150
Employees of commission
—
Commissioners
—
Financial interest restrictions.
No employee nor any commissioner of the horse racing commission shall have any financial interest whatsoever, other than an ownership interest in a community venture, in any track at which said employee serves as an agent or employee of the commission or at any track with respect to a commissioner.
[
1973 1st ex.s. c 216 s 4
.]
RCW 67.16.160
Rules implementing conflict of interest laws
—
Wagers by commissioner.
No later than 90 days after July 16, 1973, the horse racing commission shall adopt, pursuant to chapter
34.05
RCW, reasonable rules implementing to the extent applicable to the circumstances of the horse racing commission the conflict of interest laws of the state of Washington as set forth in chapter
42.52
RCW. In no case may a commissioner make any wager on the outcome of a live horse race at a race meet conducted in Washington state under the authority of the commission. For authorized simulcast races held outside the state of Washington, a commissioner is permitted to wager.
[
2025 c 89 s 10
;
2004 c 274 s 3
;
1994 c 154 s 314
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 216 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 274:
See note following RCW 67.16.160
.
Effective date
—
1994 c 154:
See RCW 42.52.904
.
RCW 67.16.170
Gross receipts
—
Retention of percentage by licensees.
(1) Licensees of race meets that are nonprofit in nature and are of ten days or less may retain daily for each authorized day of racing fifteen percent of daily gross receipts of all parimutuel machines at each race meet.
(2) Licensees of race meets that do not fall under subsection (1) of this section may retain daily for each authorized day of parimutuel wagering no more than 15 percent of the daily gross receipts.
[
2025 c 89 s 11
;
1998 c 345 s 7
;
1991 c 270 s 8
;
1987 c 347 s 2
;
1985 c 146 s 9
;
1983 c 228 s 1
;
1979 c 31 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
Effective date
—
Contingent effective date
—
1998 c 345:
See notes following RCW 15.04.090
.
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
RCW 67.16.175
Exotic wagers
—
Retention of percentage by race meets.
(1) In addition to the amounts authorized to be retained in RCW 67.16.170, race meets may retain daily for each authorized day of racing an additional six percent of the daily gross receipts of all parimutuel machines from exotic wagers at each race meet.
(2) Of the amounts retained in subsection (1) of this section, one-sixth shall be paid to the commission at the end of the race meet for deposit in the Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account created in RCW 67.16.275
. Such amounts shall be used by the commission for Washington bred breeder awards, in accordance with the rules and qualifications adopted by the commission.
(3) As used in this section, "exotic wagers" means any multiple wager. Exotic wagers are subject to approval of the commission.
[
2025 c 89 s 12
;
2009 c 87 s 2
;
2001 c 53 s 2
;
1991 c 270 s 9
. Prior:
1987 c 453 s 1
;
1987 c 347 s 3
;
1986 c 43 s 1
;
1985 c 146 s 10
;
1981 c 135 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 146:
See note following RCW 67.16.010
.
Severability
—
1981 c 135:
"If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1981 c 135 s 2
.]
RCW 67.16.200
Parimutuel wagering at satellite locations
—
Simulcasts.
(1) A class 1 racing association licensed by the commission to conduct a race meet may seek approval from the commission to conduct parimutuel wagering at a satellite location or locations within the state of Washington. In order to participate in parimutuel wagering at a satellite location or locations within the state of Washington, the holder of a class 1 racing association license must have conducted at least one full live racing season. All class 1 racing associations must hold a live race meet within each succeeding twelve-month period to maintain eligibility to continue to participate in parimutuel wagering at a satellite location or locations. The commission's authority to approve satellite wagering at a particular location is subject to the following limitations:
(a) The commission may approve only one satellite location in each county in the state; provided however, the commission may approve two satellite locations in counties with a population exceeding one million. The commission may grant approval for more than one licensee to conduct wagering at each satellite location. A satellite location shall not be operated within twenty driving miles of any class 1 racing facility. For the purposes of this section, "driving miles" means miles measured by the most direct route as determined by the commission; and
(b) A licensee shall not conduct satellite wagering at any satellite location within sixty driving miles of any other class 1 racing facility conducting a live race meet.
(2) Subject to local zoning and other land use ordinances, the commission shall be the sole judge of whether approval to conduct wagering at a satellite location shall be granted.
(3) The licensee shall combine the parimutuel pools of the satellite location with those of the racing facility for the purpose of determining odds and computing payoffs. The amount wagered at the satellite location shall be combined with the amount wagered at the racing facility for the application of take out formulas and distribution as provided in RCW 67.16.102, 67.16.105, 67.16.170, and
67.16.175
. A satellite extension of the licensee's racing facility shall be subject to the same application of the rules of racing as the licensee's racing facility.
(4) Upon written application to the commission, a class 1 racing association may be authorized to transmit simulcasts of live horse races conducted at its racetrack to locations outside of the state of Washington approved by the commission and in accordance with the interstate horse racing act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 3001 to 3007) or any other applicable laws. The commission may permit parimutuel pools on the simulcast races to be combined in a common pool. A racing association that transmits simulcasts of its races to locations outside this state shall pay at least fifty percent of the fee that it receives for sale of the simulcast signal to the horsemen's or horsewomen's purse account for its live races after first deducting the actual cost of sending the signal out of state.
(5) Upon written application to the commission, a class 1 racing association may be authorized to transmit simulcasts of live horse races conducted at its racetrack to licensed racing associations located within the state of Washington and approved by the commission for the receipt of the simulcasts. The commission shall permit parimutuel pools on the simulcast races to be combined in a common pool. The fee for in-state, track-to-track simulcasts shall be five and one-half percent of the gross parimutuel receipts generated at the receiving location and payable to the sending racing association. A racing association that transmits simulcasts of its races to other licensed racing associations shall pay at least fifty percent of the fee that it receives for the simulcast signal to the horsemen's or horsewomen's purse account for its live race meet after first deducting the actual cost of sending the simulcast signal. A racing association that receives races simulcast from class 1 racing associations within the state shall pay at least fifty percent of its share of the parimutuel receipts to the horsemen's or horsewomen's purse account for its live race meet after first deducting the purchase price and the actual direct costs of importing the race.
(6) A class 1 racing association may be allowed to import simulcasts of horse races from out-of-state racing facilities. With the prior approval of the commission, the class 1 racing association may participate in a multijurisdictional common pool and may change its commission and breakage rates to achieve a common rate with other participants in the common pool.
(a) The class 1 racing association shall make written application with the commission for permission to import simulcast horse races for the purpose of parimutuel wagering. Subject to the terms of this section, the commission is the sole authority in determining whether to grant approval for an imported simulcast race.
(b) When open for parimutuel wagering, a class 1 racing association which imports simulcast races shall also conduct simulcast parimutuel wagering within its licensed racing enclosure on all races simulcast from other class 1 racing associations within the state of Washington.
(c) On any imported simulcast race, the class 1 racing association shall pay fifty percent of its share of the parimutuel receipts to the horsemen's or horsewomen's purse account for its live race meet after first deducting the purchase price of the imported race and the actual costs of importing and offering the race.
(7) A licensed nonprofit racing association may be approved to import one simulcast race of regional or national interest on each live race day.
(8) For purposes of this section, a class 1 racing association is defined as a licensee approved by the commission to conduct during each twelve-month period at least forty days of live racing. If a live race day is canceled due to reasons directly attributable to acts of God, labor disruptions affecting live race days but not directly involving the licensee or its employees, or other circumstances that the commission decides are beyond the control of the class 1 racing association, then the canceled day counts toward the forty-day requirement. The commission may by rule increase the number of live racing days required to maintain class 1 racing association status or make other rules necessary to implement this section.
(9) This section does not establish a new form of gaming in Washington or allow expanded gaming within the state beyond what has been previously authorized. Simulcast wagering has been allowed in Washington before April 19, 1997. Therefore, this section does not allow gaming of any nature or scope that was prohibited before April 19, 1997. This section is necessary to protect the Washington equine breeding and racing industries, and in particular those sectors of these industries that are dependent upon live horse racing. The purpose of this section is to protect these industries from adverse economic impacts and to promote fan attendance at class 1 racing facilities. Therefore, a licensed class 1 racing association may be approved to disseminate imported simulcast race card programs to satellite locations approved under this section.
(10) A licensee conducting simulcasting under this section shall place signs in the licensee's gambling establishment under RCW 9.46.071
. The informational signs concerning problem and compulsive gambling must include a toll-free telephone number for problem and pathological gamblers and be developed under RCW 9.46.071
.
(11) Chapter 10, Laws of 2001 1st sp. sess. does not establish a new form of gaming in Washington or allow expanded gaming within the state beyond what has been previously authorized. Simulcast wagering has been allowed in Washington before August 23, 2001. Therefore, this section does not allow gaming of any nature or scope that was prohibited before August 23, 2001. Chapter 10, Laws of 2001 1st sp. sess. is necessary to protect the Washington equine breeding and racing industries, and in particular those sectors of these industries that are dependent upon live horse racing. The purpose of chapter 10, Laws of 2001 1st sp. sess. is to protect these industries from adverse economic impacts and to promote fan attendance at class 1 racing facilities.
[
2025 c 89 s 13
. Prior:
2013 c 23 s 178
;
2013 c 18 s 1
;
2007 c 100 s 1
;
2004 c 274 s 2
;
2001 1st sp.s. c 10 s 2
;
2000 c 223 s 1
;
1997 c 87 s 4
;
1991 c 270 s 10
;
1987 c 347 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2007 c 100:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 18, 2007]." [
2007 c 100 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
2004 c 274:
See note following RCW 67.16.260
.
Finding
—
Purpose
—
2001 1st sp.s. c 10:
"The legislature finds that Washington's equine racing industry creates economic, environmental, and recreational impacts across the state affecting agriculture, horse breeding, the horse training industry, agricultural fairs and youth programs, and tourism and employment opportunities. The Washington equine industry has incurred a financial decline coinciding with increased competition from the gaming industry in the state and from the lack of a class 1 racing facility in western Washington from 1993 through 1995. This act is necessary to preserve, restore, and revitalize the equine breeding and racing industries and to preserve in Washington the economic and social impacts associated with these industries. Preserving Washington's equine breeding and racing industries, and in particular those sectors of the industries that are dependent upon live horse racing, is in the public interest of the state. The purpose of this act is to preserve Washington's equine breeding and racing industries and to protect these industries from adverse economic impacts. This act does not establish a new form of gaming in Washington or allow expanded gaming within the state beyond what has been previously authorized. Simulcast wagering has been allowed in Washington before August 23, 2001. Therefore, this act does not allow gaming of any nature or scope that was prohibited before August 23, 2001." [
2001 1st sp.s. c 10 s 1
.]
Findings
—
Purpose
—
1997 c 87:
"The legislature finds that Washington's equine racing industry creates economic, environmental, and recreational impacts across the state affecting agriculture, horse breeding, the horse training industry, agricultural fairs and youth programs, and tourism and employment opportunities. The Washington equine industry has incurred a financial decline coinciding with increased competition from the gaming industry in the state and from the lack of a class 1 racing facility in western Washington from 1993 through 1995. This act is necessary to preserve, restore, and revitalize the equine breeding and racing industries and to preserve in Washington the economic and social impacts associated with these industries. Preserving Washington's equine breeding and racing industries, and in particular those sectors of the industries that are dependent upon live horse racing, is in the public interest of the state. The purpose of this act is to preserve Washington's equine breeding and racing industries and to protect these industries from adverse economic impacts. This act does not establish a new form of gaming in Washington or allow expanded gaming within the state beyond what has been previously authorized. Simulcast wagering has been allowed in Washington before April 19, 1997. Therefore, this act does not allow gaming of any nature or scope that was prohibited before April 19, 1997." [
1997 c 87 s 1
.]
Report by joint legislative audit and review committee
—
1997 c 87:
"(1) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall conduct an evaluation to determine the extent to which this act has achieved the following outcomes:
(a) The extent to which purses at Emerald Downs, Playfair, and Yakima Meadows have increased as a result of the provisions of this act;
(b) The extent to which attendance at Emerald Downs, Playfair, and Yakima Meadows has increased specifically as a result of the provisions of this act;
(c) The extent to which the breeding of horses in this state has increased specifically related to the provisions of this act;
(d) The extent to which the number of horses running at Emerald Downs, Playfair, and Yakima Meadows has increased specifically as a result of the provisions of this act;
(e) The extent to which nonprofit racetracks in this state have benefited from this act including the removal of the cap on the nonprofit race meet purse fund; and
(f) The extent to which Emerald Downs, Playfair, and Yakima Meadows are capable of remaining economically viable given the provisions of this act and the increase in competition for gambling or entertainment dollars.
(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee may provide recommendations to the legislature concerning modifications that could be made to existing state laws to improve the ability of this act to meet the above intended goals.
(3) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall complete a report on its finding by June 30, 2000. The report shall be provided to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2000." [
1997 c 87 s 5
.]
Severability
—
1997 c 87:
"If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1997 c 87 s 7
.]
Effective date
—
1997 c 87:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 19, 1997]." [
1997 c 87 s 8
.]
RCW 67.16.230
Satellite locations
—
Fees.
The commission is authorized to establish and collect an annual fee for each separate satellite location. The fee to be collected from the licensee shall be set to reflect the commission's expected costs of approving, regulating, and monitoring each satellite location, provided commission revenues generated under RCW 67.16.105
from the licensee shall be credited annually towards the licensee's fee assessment under this section.
[
1991 c 270 s 11
;
1987 c 347 s 7
.]
RCW 67.16.251
Handicapping contests.
Class 1 racing associations and licensed advanced deposit wagering companies may conduct horse race handicapping contests. The commission shall establish rules for the approval of handicapping contests involving the outcome of multiple horse races.
[
2025 c 89 s 14
;
2005 c 351 s 2
.]
RCW 67.16.260
Advance deposit wagering.
(1) The horse racing commission may authorize advance deposit wagering to be conducted by:
(a) A licensed class 1 racing association operating a live horse racing facility; or
(b) The operator of an advance deposit wagering system accepting wagers pursuant to an agreement with a licensed class 1 racing association. The agreement between the operator and the class 1 racing association must be approved by the commission.
(2) An entity authorized to conduct advance deposit wagering under subsection (1) of this section:
(a) May accept advance deposit wagering for races conducted in this state under a class 1 license or races not conducted within this state on a schedule approved by the class 1 licensee. A system of advance deposit wagering located outside or within this state may not accept wagers from residents or other individuals located within this state, and residents or other individuals located within this state are prohibited from placing wagers through advance deposit wagering systems, except with an entity authorized to conduct advance deposit wagering under subsection (1) of this section;
(b) May not accept an account wager in an amount in excess of the funds on deposit in the advance deposit wagering account of the individual placing the wager;
(c) May not allow individuals under the age of twenty-one to open, own, or have access to an advance deposit wagering account;
(d) Must include a statement in all forms of advertising for advance deposit wagering that individuals under the age of twenty-one are not allowed to open, own, or have access to an advance deposit wagering account; and
(e) Must verify the identification, residence, and age of the advance deposit wagering account holder using methods and technologies approved by the commission.
(3) As used in this section, "advance deposit wagering" means a form of parimutuel wagering in which an individual deposits money in an account with an entity authorized by the commission to conduct advance deposit wagering and then the account funds are used to pay for parimutuel wagers made in person, by telephone, or through communication by other electronic means.
(4) In order to participate in advance deposit wagering, the holder of a class 1 racing association license must have conducted at least one full live racing season. All class 1 racing associations must complete a live race meet within each succeeding twelve-month period to maintain eligibility to continue participating in advance deposit wagering.
(5) When more than one class 1 racing association is participating in advance deposit wagering the moneys paid to the racing associations shall be allocated proportionate to the gross amount of all sources of parimutuel wagering during each twelve-month period derived from the associations' live race meets. This percentage must be calculated annually. Revenue derived from advance deposit wagers placed on races conducted by the class 1 racing association shall all be allocated to that association.
(6) The commission shall adopt rules regulating advance deposit wagering.
[
2007 c 209 s 1
;
2004 c 274 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 274:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 1, 2004]." [
2004 c 274 s 4
.]
RCW 67.16.270
Violation of commission rules
—
Penalties.
Upon making a determination that an individual or licensee has violated a commission rule, the board of stewards may assess a fine, suspend or revoke a person's license, or any combination of these penalties. The commission must adopt by rule standard penalties for a rules violation. All fines collected must be deposited in the Washington horse racing commission operating account. The funds accrued by the assessed fines will be used to support nonprofit race meets as authorized in RCW 67.16.280
(2). If no dates for nonprofit racing are requested or approved, the fines will remain in the Washington horse racing commission operating account.
[
2014 c 62 s 1
;
2004 c 246 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2004]." [
2004 c 246 s 9
.]
RCW 67.16.275
Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account.
The Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts collected by the commission under RCW 67.16.102
(1) and
67.16.175
(2) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only as authorized in RCW 67.16.102
and
67.16.175
. Only the secretary of the commission or the secretary's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter
43.88
RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
[
2009 c 87 s 3
;
2004 c 246 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
RCW 67.16.280
Washington horse racing commission operating account.
(1)(a) The Washington horse racing commission operating account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts collected by the commission under RCW 67.16.105
(2) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the operating expenses of the commission. Only the commission or the commission's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter
43.88
RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(b) The commission has the authority to receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources as may be made from time to time in trust or otherwise for the use and purpose of regulating or supporting nonprofit race meets as set forth in RCW 67.16.130
and
67.16.105
(1); such gifts, grants, and endowments must also be deposited into the horse racing commission operating account and expended according to the terms of such gift, grant, or endowment.
(2) In order to provide funding in support of the legislative findings in RCW 67.16.101
(1) through (3), and to provide additional necessary support to the nonprofit race meets beyond the funding provided by RCW 67.16.101
(4) and
67.16.102
(2), the commission is authorized to spend up to $500,000 per fiscal year from its operating account for the purpose of developing the equine industry, maintaining and upgrading racing facilities, and assisting equine health research. When determining how to allocate the funds available for these purposes, the commission must give first consideration to uses that regulate and assist the nonprofit race meets and equine health research. These expenditures may occur only when sufficient funds remain for the continued operations of the horse racing commission.
[
2025 c 89 s 15
;
2016 c 160 s 1
;
2013 c 88 s 2
;
2011 c 12 s 2
;
2006 c 174 s 1
;
2004 c 246 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2011 c 12:
See note following RCW 67.16.105
.
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
RCW 67.16.285
Washington horse racing commission class C purse fund account.
The Washington horse racing commission class C purse fund account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from RCW 67.16.105
(3) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes provided in RCW 67.16.105
(3). Only the secretary of the commission or the secretary's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter
43.88
RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the horse racing commission class C purse fund account to the Washington horse racing commission operating account such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the account.
[
2025 c 424 s 968
;
2004 c 246 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 424:
See note following RCW 9.46.100
.
Effective date
—
2004 c 246:
See note following RCW 67.16.270
.
RCW 67.16.300
Industrial insurance premium assessments.
In addition to the license fees authorized by this chapter, the commission shall collect the industrial insurance premium assessments required under RCW 51.16.210
from trainers, grooms, and owners. The industrial insurance premium assessments required under RCW 51.16.210
shall be retroactive to January 1, 1989, and shall be collected from all licensees whose licenses were issued after that date. The commission shall deposit the industrial insurance premium assessments in the industrial insurance trust fund as required by rules adopted by the department of labor and industries.
[
1989 c 385 s 2
.]
RCW 67.16.900
Severability
—
General repealer
—
1933 c 55.
In case any part or portion of this chapter shall be held unconstitutional, such holding shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any other part or portion of this chapter not adjudged unconstitutional. All acts in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
[
1933 c 55 s 10
; RRS s 8312-10.]