Racinos Around the Country:

Even in our recent economy, racinos are contributing billions to the states that operate them and are providing nearly 30,000 jobs. States highlighted in blue in the map seen below have already enacted racino legislation and are reaping the rewards.

How Would Minnesotans Benefit From Racino Legislation?

• Thousands of New Jobs:

Racinos around the country employ nearly 30,000 people. Bringing a racino to Minnesota will create thousands of new jobs. Additionally, it will solidify many jobs that may be in danger of leaving our state in favor of states that have already authorized racino legsilation.

• Substantial Tax Revenue:

Racinos are a proven model that states around the country are turning to for gaming. Twelve states have already implemented racinos and many more are debating proposals to allow them in the near future.

In 2009, racinos around the country generated $2.6 billion dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments. Additionally, they strengthen the state's agricultural industry.

• Growth in Minnesota's $1 Billion Horse Industry:

A 2004 study by the University of Minnesota showed Minnesota's horse industry had an estimated $1 billion annual economic impact in the state. The best way to improve the value of that economic impact is to invest in racing. On average, racehorses generate a much higher economic impact than the usual pleasure horse because of their expensive diets, continuous training and frequent shoeing.

Racinos allow existing racetracks to grow their purses, spurring new investments in breeding racehorse ownership throughout the state. Additional racehorses will create more jobs and improve the overall economic impact. As Iowa, Oklahoma and the 10 other racino states can attest – racinos improve the rural economy.