In South Dakota, the future of the Fort Pierre horse races is at risk due to a lack of funding. The state’s last remaining simulcast site, where people could bet on out-of-state races, has stopped offering these video feeds. This change is causing financial problems for the races, as simulcast betting helped fund the live races in South Dakota. Shane Kramme, the director of the Fort Pierre horse races, is now looking for new ways to raise money for the 2025 event.
Problems with Simulcast Betting and Financial Shortfalls
Simulcast betting, where people place bets on races from other states, was a major source of income for South Dakota’s horse racing events. Unfortunately, Triple Crown Casino in North Sioux City, the only location offering these simulcast bets, has stopped providing video feeds. This loss of income could hurt the upcoming Fort Pierre races in 2025, as funding from the state’s special racing fund has already dropped from $173,340 in 2023 to $168,000 in 2024.
During a meeting with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, Kramme presented ideas to help raise more money. One of his ideas is to ask lawmakers to reallocate existing funds for the races. However, the commission was concerned that it was too late to make these changes for the 2025 racing season. Kramme is now looking for other ways to get the funding he needs to keep the races running.
Exploring New Funding Options
Another idea Kramme suggested was introducing historical horse racing (HHR) machines as a new way to raise money. These machines are electronic gaming devices that use past horse races to create new outcomes. While South Dakota doesn’t allow these machines, other states like Wyoming do. Kramme asked the commission to consider allowing HHR machines in Deadwood casinos, which could generate extra income for live horse races.
However, there are concerns about the legality of HHR machines in South Dakota. Commission lawyer Doug Abraham pointed out that while some states have made these machines legal, South Dakota’s courts might rule them illegal. Additionally, Larry Eliason, a horse racing expert, noted that the revenue from these machines might not be enough to make a big difference, especially when compared to other gambling options.
Looking for Solutions
Although the commission is not fully on board with the idea of HHR machines, they are open to further discussion. However, Commission Chairman Karen Wagner emphasized that the commission is not in a position to make decisions on this matter right now. Instead, Kramme and the South Dakota Horsemen’s Association may need to push for legalizing HHR machines themselves.
As the Fort Pierre races are set for October 2025, time is running out for organizers to secure the funds needed to keep the event going. While the 2024 races went smoothly, with solid attendance, Kramme and others are working hard to find a solution to the financial issues that threaten the future of horse racing in South Dakota.
Conclusion
The future of the Fort Pierre horse races depends on finding new sources of revenue. Without the financial support from simulcast betting, the races may face serious challenges. Kramme’s ideas, including reallocating state funds and introducing historical horse racing machines, are being discussed, but there are legal and financial concerns to work through. As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure is on to secure funding and ensure that South Dakota’s horse racing tradition continues.
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