Massachusetts House Greenlights Historical Horse Racing Devices Amid Casino Opposition |

On the evening of July 8, the Massachusetts House passed a significant bill aimed at legalizing historical horse racing (HHR) machines across the state’s remaining racetracks.

Massachusetts, historical horse racing, HHR machines, Suffolk Downs, Raynham Park, gambling expansion — Suffolk Downs, currently undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use community, is eyeing the addition of a historical horse racing venue under the newly approved Massachusetts House legislation. (Image: Getty)

This initiative was part of a series of last-minute amendments introduced in a comprehensive $561 million economic development package that is now on its way to the Senate, where its future is uncertain.

The legislation would permit HHR machines at qualifying racetrack locations, notably benefiting Suffolk Downs in East Boston, which is gradually transforming into a mixed-use area, and the former Raynham Park situated in southeastern Massachusetts.

Currently, neither of these venues features live horse racing; however, Suffolk Downs maintains its status as a gambling hub, offering simulcast betting options.

Understanding HHR Machines

HHR machines function like slot machines but utilize results from past horse races rather than a random number generator. The horses’ identities are anonymized, and bettors place bets into parimutuel pools instead of wagering against the casino; the spinning reels serve primarily as visual effects, indicating whether the bet is a win or a loss.

This design provides a “loophole,” enabling advocates to assert that HHR machines are an extension of horse racing rather than akin to casino gambling.

The proposal is supported by developer Richard Fields, who has devoted years to revitalizing Suffolk Downs. Fields has also arranged to acquire Raynham Park contingent upon the legislation’s passage.

A report authored by Spectrum Gaming Group for Fields estimates a need for around $225 million in total capital investment to establish HHR gaming facilities at both racetracks.

Reactions from Casinos

The commercial casino sector in Massachusetts has voiced strong opposition to the measure. The operators of Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park jointly urged House leaders to dismiss the amendment, claiming the terminals function similarly to slot machines, posing competition to casinos without adhering to identical regulatory standards.

The Mashpee Wampanoag, the state’s sole tribal gaming operator, also strongly opposes the initiative, characterizing it as an attempt to broaden gaming in Massachusetts without respect to the existing Tribal-State Compact and the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act.

“This matter extends beyond gaming. It pertains to Tribal sovereignty, mutual respect between governments, and the Commonwealth honoring its commitments,” declared the tribe in a statement sent to Casino.org.

Philip Conneller brings eight years of experience with Casino.org, where he’s explored the gaming industry from Las Vegas to Macau and beyond. He currently concentrates on areas such as gaming law, white-collar crime, global money laundering, tribal gaming, politics, and regulations.

As the founding features editor for poker’s Bluff Magazine and editor for Bluff Europe, which he helped establish, his writing has also appeared in high-profile outlets like ESPN, Forbes, Time Out, The Sun, and The Daily Star, along with industry-specific publications like iGaming Business and eGaming Review.

His articles for Casino.org/news have been cited by national outlets including The Washington Post, The Daily Mail, People Magazine, and even featured on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show.

In an ironic twist, Philip once won $20,000 with a hand of 7-2 off-suit and has unintentionally played Elton John’s piano on two occasions across the Atlantic.

He pursued writing as a career due to his inadequate piano skills.

Living outside London with his family, Philip often finds himself agonizing over the performance of Arsenal FC.

To reach Philip, contact him at [email protected].

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