Could Internet wagering on horse and dog racing be available soon in North Dakota? The Legislative Assembly there recently passed a bill that amends state law to legalize account wagering. Included in the bill is language that could make wagering via electronic means possible.
The change was introduced in the state Senate January. It swiftly passed through both houses and was signed by Governor John Hoeven on March 29. It goes into effect August 1.
The amendment reads:
The certificate system also permits parimutuel wagering to be conducted through account wagering. As used in this section, "account wagering" means a form of parimutuel wagering in which an individual deposits money in an account and uses the account balance to pay for parimutuel wagers. An account wager made on an account established in this state may only be made through the licensed simulcast service provider authorized by the commission to operate the simulcast parimutuel wagering system under the certificate system. An account wager may be made in person, by direct telephone communication, or through other electronic communication in accordance with rules adopted by the commission.
"All this bill does is change existing law to allow wagers to be paid through a certified account method," said Sen. Russell Thane (R-25), one of the bill's sponsors.
Another sponsor, Rep. Arlo Schmidt (D-12) said that the bill "would allow Internet wagering if the State Racing Commission allows it."
In addition, a representative from Racing Services, a simulcast racing and wagering provider based in North Dakota, indicated that the company is considering offering Internet wagering services, although details of the plan aren't being disclosed.
Click here to view the full version of Senate Bill No. 2381 (in PDF format), an act to amend and reenact section 53-06.2-10.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to simulcasting wagering.