The North Dakota Racing Commission had a study done of horse racing’s impact on the state’s economy.
The study was done for the Commission by NDSU.
"It showed the industry provides a $24 million economic impact every year," said Racing Commission Executive Director Gunner LaCour.
LaCour said while $24 million may not be that big a number, it’s pretty good for the horse industry.
"Considering the Racing Commission itself has a budget of less than $500,000, and it has a net return to the state's general fund every year, we feel pretty good about where things are, as far as the racing industry in the state," LaCour said.
The actual appropriation was around $389,000 – and LaCour said halfway through the biennium, the Racing Commission has already returned $250,000 to the state’s general fund.
There are two scheduled racing meets -- one at Chippewa Downs in Belcourt, the other at the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo. LaCour said he expects the 2019 racing season will be similar to 2018.