For Alyse Cohen, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The owner of Long Shot’s, a Frederick-based off-track betting facility (OTB), is leading a coalition in a legislative effort to bring Historic Horse Racing (HHR) machines to Maryland’s OTBs.
“I’m really trying to get the word out there as to why we think HHR is the appropriate next step in Maryland gaming,” Cohen said.
Cohen grew up on a horse farm in central Maryland. Visiting the local OTB was a regular part of her childhood.
“Going to the OTB every Friday night — which was called the Crack Claw — was a big part of my growing up,” she said.
Legislature considering HHR bills
When the Frederick OTB license became available, she and her father acquired it. They opened their facility in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After we got through the initial sort of COVID hurdle, we skyrocketed and things were looking really great,” Cohen said. “But unfortunately, since 2021, our handle has been down significantly.”
Cohen added retail sports betting (via a partnership with Caesars) to her business. That made her “the only 100% woman-owned sportsbook in America.” But Cohen says it hasn’t been enough to sustain the operation.
“Retail sports betting has been a real struggle throughout the country unless you’re in a casino,” she said. “It’s a real challenge.”
Cohen believes the solution is Senate Bill 982 (with a companion House Bill 1048). The bills would authorise historical horse racing (HHR) machines at Maryland’s off-track betting facilities. A senate hearing is set for 5 March and a house hearing for 10 March. HHR machines allow players to bet on previously run horse races, with identifying information removed. Players can review historic statistics before placing wagers. That’s what makes it a “game of skill” rather than pure chance, Cohen said.
She’s also been vocal in the legislature as it discusses legalising online casino.
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