WashingtonHB 13272025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning horse racing.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Horse nonprofits gain access to grants

Beginning July 27, 2025, the commission can award unspent horse-racing funds through a grant process it establishes. Eligible groups are Washington-registered equestrian nonprofits and recognized horse-related youth organizations. Grants use only money left unspent at the end of a two-year budget period. This redirects eligible leftovers from the state fair fund; no grant amount is set.

More prize money for nonprofit races

Beginning July 27, 2025, nonprofit Washington meets lasting ten days or less have broader access to race prize funds. They need approved race dates that year and must operate under the state's specified horse-racing laws. They no longer need a history of operating in 2010 or the five years before payment. The daily payment cap rises from $15,800 to $30,000, using money from the 0.10% assessment. Payments depend on available funds and eligible race days, and must go only toward qualifying tracks' race prizes.

Race meets can schedule more daily races

Beginning July 27, 2025, licensed Washington race meets can hold more than 11 live races per day. The law removes the former daily maximum. Meets must still hold at least six live races per day.

Lower wagering taxes for race operators

Beginning July 27, 2025, the prior-year Washington wagering-receipts threshold for race-meet tax rates falls from $50 million to $20 million. Licensees above $20 million pay 1.30% of daily receipts; those at or below it pay 1.80%, down from 1.803%. Nonprofit meets lasting ten days or less remain exempt from this tax. The law also ends the extra 0.6% payment on live-race bets formerly triggered by average daily bets above $886,000. That extra payment went to the state fair fund.

New racetrack operators lose construction reimbursements

Beginning July 27, 2025, the horse racing commission can no longer reimburse new licensees for building a racetrack. The former payments could last up to 15 years. They equaled half of the 1% collected from that licensee.

Race operators pay higher daily fees

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington race-meet licensees pay $500 in advance for each live race day. This replaces lower fees for meets with wagering receipts of $50 million or less. It also replaces lower fees for newly authorized meets in their first year. Total fees equal $500 times the number of live race days.

New eligibility and limits for racing officials

Beginning July 27, 2025, none of Washington's three horse racing commissioners must qualify as a breeder. Commission employees cannot also work for a track where they serve as commission employees. Commissioners cannot bet on live Washington races under commission authority. They can bet on authorized simulcast races held outside Washington.

Race operators can keep more betting receipts

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered Washington race-meet licensees can keep up to 15% of daily in-state wagering receipts. This replaces limits of 13.70% or 14.48% for each authorized wagering day, but keeps a firm 15% ceiling. This change excludes nonprofit meets lasting ten days or less. Larger operator shares may leave less money for other recipients.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joe Schmick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Chris Stearns
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 136 • No: 9

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 45 • No: 4

House vote • 3/8/2025