New Mexico's experience could be blueprint for Oklahoma

Sunday, October 10th 2004, 2:31 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ If New Mexico's experience is any indication, Oklahoma's horse-racing tracks could see major benefits under a proposal that would allow them to offer electronic gambling machines.

State Question 712 on the Nov. 2 ballot would allow these machines and would allow the Indian gaming industry to offer tournament-style card games and a faster type of electronic gambling.

In Albuquerque, N.M., The Downs horse-racing track was on its last legs before a state law was passed allowing slot machines at the tracks. Racetrack casinos became operational in 1999.

``We were about done,'' said Don Cook, general manager of The Downs.

Customers, especially the younger ones, were leaving in droves, spending their gambling dollars instead at the numerous American Indian casinos that sprouted up across New Mexico during the 1990s.

Today, The Downs is thriving. Attendance has skyrocketed, and purses have doubled to an average of $10,000 per race.

``People are going to gamble, whether it's at the track or at the casino,'' Cook said. ``Without the slots, the horse industry will go under.''

Under the Oklahoma ballot measure, electronic games would be allowed at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Blue Ribbon Downs at Sallisaw and Will Rogers Downs at Claremore.

The state estimates it would collect more than $70 million in taxes from the tracks and exclusivity payments from tribes.

Since 1999, New Mexico's racing days have increased, as has virtually every other industry statistic.

Money spent on horse trailers, stables, salaries and veterinarians has at least tripled, said Anna Fay Davis, who heads New Mexico's horse breeder association.

State Finance Director Scott Meacham, who negotiated the Oklahoma agreement among tribes, their casino machine vendors and horsemen, thinks horse racing is in a natural recession that accompanies any longtime sport or entertainment industry.

``But without casino games, they won't survive this valley. That much we know,'' Meacham said.

Oklahoma church groups have opposed any expansion of gambling in the state as has State Rep. Forrest Claunch, R-Midwest City.

Polls indicate voters support the proposal.