The Commission shall not issue a license to accept off-track pari-mutuel wagering unless the applicant is licensed and runs at least forty-five days of live racing in Missouri each year. Each day must have an average of eight races.

A fee of $50,000 is required for all applicants for an off-track pari-mutuel wagering license, and the applicant must pay all investigation costs. If the investigation costs exceed the total amount of fees paid by the applicant, the Commission may assess additional fees. If the applicant is denied a license, the applicant is entitled to a refund of the difference between the application fee and the actual cost of the investigation.

The Commission has full jurisdiction over and shall supervise all off-track pari-mutuel wagering, including the ability to assess penalties up to $2,000 per day for violations of this act.

No off-track pari-mutuel licensee shall use an off-track pari-mutuel system unless the system has been approved by the Commission. No person under the age of twenty-one shall be allowed to place an off-track pari-mutuel wager.

Two percent of the value of the off-track pari-mutuel wagers to be deduced as a commission on wagers shall be paid to the state to fund the activities of the Commission.

This act is similar to SB 274 (1997).

RUSS HEMBREE