Sec. 1. 8 MRSA §275-D, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 528, §17, is further amended to read:

1. Off-track betting on simulcast racing. A person may conduct pari-mutuel wagering at a hotel, as defined in Title 28- A, section 2, subsection 15, paragraph H, with public dining facilities, a Class A restaurant, as defined in Title 28-A, section 2, subsection 15, paragraph R, or a Class A restaurant/lounge, as defined in Title 28-A, section 2, subsection 15, paragraph R-1 if the hotel, restaurant or restaurant/lounge is licensed as an off-track betting facility person is licensed to do so under this section.

Sec. 2. 8 MRSA §275-O, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 542, §1, is further amended to read:

1. Eligible licensees. This section grants reduced payments to licensees of off-track betting facilities that were licensed and open for business before April 1, 1997 1999 and that have a market area, as described in section 275-D, subsection 4, with a population of less than 50,000.

SUMMARY

The bill amends the statute for licensing off-track betting facilities to clarify that a person other than the owner of the restaurant, lounge or hotel at which the facility is to be located may be the licensed operator of the facility. This bill also expands the eligibility for reduced payments to licensees of off-track betting facilities.