From the Michigan Gaming Control Board website:
Effective January 17, 2010, the Office of Racing Commissioner (ORC) was transferred to the Michigan Gaming Control Board by Governor’s Executive Order 2009-45. The ORC remains mandated to promote the safety, security, growth and integrity of all horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering on the results of horse races, and simulcasting conducted at licensed race meetings within Michigan.
As part of the Governor’s initiative to merge these two agencies, you will find all information concerning Michigan Horse Racing on the Michigan Gaming Control Board web page as a new part of the Michigan Gaming Control Board agency.
From this announcement, and the new “Horse Racing” section of the Gaming Board’s website, it appears the ORC will remain largely intact, but under a new umbrella. This is contrary to initial speculation suggesting the Gaming Control Board would regulate the racing industry using its own staff.
It remains to be seen if and how this will affect horsemen and the day-to-day operations at the state’s five racetracks. New developments will be posted if and when they become available.
