Almost every state that has horse racing that is successful also has slot machine gambling. This is the argument put for the by the Montana Board of Horse Racing. They believe that in order for racing to survive, they must allow them to bring in slot machines.  "Every state that is doing well in horse racing is doing so with gambling." Sam Murfitt told the Horse Racing Task Force on Monday. "There is some type of gaming associated with every one of them."

Some partner with other organizations to enable them to offer gambling, and some just bring in the slot machines and handle it themselves. The slot machines bring in business from regulars as well as those who might not normally come in for racing, but will come in to try their hand at the slot machine. The Task Force feels that horse racing will not survive if it keeps going the way that it is, and that slot machines are an integral part of today’s racing experience.

They are also looking to the state to help support them until they are able to get on their feet with or without the slot machines. They have requested $720,000 from the state to boost the areas that are struggling the most.

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