Updated ARCI Conference Agenda

Dear Harness Racing Colleagues,

With major structural changes coming to horse racing regulation and a growing need for common integrity standards in other sports, the 2022 annual conference of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) will focus on issues and details surrounding implementation of the US Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. The confab will also identify needs associated with the expanded responsibility of many RCI Members involving regulation of sports betting.

The conference will kick off on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott. Those interested in attending may register, reserve a hotel room, and access the agenda from the buttons below

Key highlights include:

* Successful safety initiatives by regulators in California and the mid-Atlantic states that have shown considerable effectiveness in saving horses;

* Details of the soon to be implemented HISA Racetrack Safety program. * Updates from senior HISA officials about “What’s Next”;

* An open discussion about potential legal issues that may emerge as a result of the postponed implementation of the HISA anti-doping and medication program.

* Export simulcast approvals that may unintentionally be allowing fixed odds wagering on your export signals.

* Opportunities for small and mid-sized racetracks through synergies with sport betting companies.

We will also hear from Sports Journalist Tim Livingston, host of the groundbreaking Podcast “Whistleblower” who will discuss his investigation into human sports. Tim has extensive insight into allegations that the NBA, through the assignment of and directions given certain referees, may have manipulated the outcome of games to favor teams that draw a larger television audience thereby generating additional revenue for the League.

In additional to the Model Rules, Membership, and Board meetings, the Standardbred and Quarter Horse Racing Committees will meet jointly to consider options other than HISA should states seek to divest themselves of the anti-doping programs for those breeds in the coming years as they will have to do for thoroughbreds as a result of the HISA.

by Ed Martin, RCI President