New York State Racing and Wagering Board

Horse Racing Enforcement Activities

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel betting activities in the State. The Board supervises racing operations at seven harness tracks and four thoroughbred tracks. We audited the Board’s enforcement of selected requirements relating to horse racing and found that a number of improvements were needed. For example, the Board did not enforce the requirement that access to horses at race tracks be restricted to authorized individuals only, and did not always ensure that applicants for licenses had the required identification. We also found that the Board was not consistent in its assessment of fines and suspensions, and did not increase fines for repeat offenses. We further noted that fine payments were not adequately monitored, and fines and license fees were not properly accounted for. We made several recommendations for improving Board operations in these areas.

For a complete copy of Report 2004-S-62 click here.