Horse racing bill advances

Wednesday, March 20, 2002 | 11:07 a.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In a renewed attempt to attract a horse racing track to Missouri, House members narrowly endorsed a bill Tuesday that would allow year-round bets on races telecast from other states.

But House Majority Leader Wayne Crump will have to rally more support if his bill ultimately is to pass the House.

Crump, D-Potosi, has tried for years to relax Missouri's gambling law, which allows simulcast betting on only as many days as live races are held at a horse track.

Because of that requirement, no track has been able to survive in Missouri since voters approved pari-mutuel wagering in 1984.

Supporters of his bill said the industry would bring jobs to the state and encourage more horse breeding in Missouri.

Opponents said they don't want to expand gambling in Missouri, which already allows casinos along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

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