Horse racing groups looking at initiative petition over gambling

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma's horse industry has been on an economic gallop for decades. <br><br>Horse breeding and racing is the state's third largest industry, behind agriculture and oil and gas.

Monday, June 9th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma's horse industry has been on an economic gallop for decades.

Horse breeding and racing is the state's third largest industry, behind agriculture and oil and gas.

But horse breeders are threatened by state regulations that prevent horse tracks from offering the same kinds of games that are available at Oklahoma's popular tribal casinos.

Legislation that would have granted the parity horse breeders want was passed by the Oklahoma Senate last month but stalled in the House.

Horse racing groups are considering circulating an initiative petition to ask voters to authorize tracks to offer the games permitted at tribal casinos.

Lawmakers say there will be a sense of urgency when the Legislature takes up the issue again next year.