Minnesota Racing Commission

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Our Mission The Minnesota Racing Commission was established to regulate horse racing and card playing in Minnesota; to ensure that it is conducted in the public interest, and to take all necessary steps in ensuring the integrity of racing and card playing in Minnesota thus promoting the breeding of race horses in order to stimulate agriculture and rural agribusiness.  In November, 1982, the Minnesota voters approved by an overwhelming majority a constitutional amendment allowing  pari-mutuel horse racing.   In response to that public mandate, in 1983 the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 240,   which created and empowered the Minnesota Racing Commission.   Racing Commissioners The Racing Commission is comprised of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for six-year terms. Commissioners Designation County of Residence Term Expires Jesse Overton, Chair Public Hennepin 6/30/2013 David Roe Public Dakota 6/17/2016 Dan Erhart Public Anoka 6/17/2016 Camille McArdle, DVM Public Washington 6/30/2016 Kristine Sunberg Public Hennepin 6/30/2013 Jacqueline Duncanson Public Blue Earth 6/30/2013 James Lane III Public Hennepin 6/30/2015 Mark Ethen Public Anoka 6/30/2013 Mark Urista Public Anoka 6/30/2015   Pursuant to state law, the Commissioners are paid $55 for each day spent on Racing Commission business.   Duties of the Racing Commissioners   The legislature has empowered the Racing Commission with certain duties including, among others, the authority to: Regulate horse racing and card club operation, in Minnesota, to ensure that it is conducted in the public interest; Issue racetrack owner, operator, and occupational licenses; Enforce all laws and rules concerning horse racing and the card club plan of operation; Supervise the conduct of pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and collect and distribute all pari-mutuel taxes; Conduct investigations and inquiries the Commission deems necessary to carry out its duties; and Take all necessary steps to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing in Minnesota.