The Rules of Racing
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The horse racing commission, composed of three members appointed by the governor, is responsible for licensing, regulating and supervising all horse racing meets in the state where the parimutuel system is used. The commission also approves and regulates satellite locations and simulcasting, and licenses and regulates advance deposit wagering. The commission functions through periodic public meetings and where required, conducts hearings in accordance with this chapter. The Rules of Racing can be found in Title 260 WAC. The Laws of Racing, Chapter 67.16 RCW, can be accessed by clicking on the button at the top of this page.
Since 2001 the state of Washington has been a member of the Live Horse Racing Compact, Chapter 67.17 RCW. The National Racing Compact is an effort of member states to establish uniform requirements for the licensing of participants in live horse racing with parimutuel wagering. Participants receiving National Racing Compact licenses must meet a uniform minimum standard of honest and integrity. |
Click on the Following links to be Directed to the Current Rules and Laws of Horse Racing in Washington State
1939 Washington Rules of Racing Rule Book
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Rulemaking Notification List
Any person who wishes to receive notification about WHRC rulemaking activities can be added to the stakeholder list. Requests to be added to the stakeholder list may be made by email at [email protected], by telephone at 360-459-6462, by fax at 360-459-6461, or by mail at 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578.
Rulemaking Information
The agency wishes to keep the public, its stakeholders, and those we regulate informed about rulemaking activities. Below are the different steps in the agency's rulemaking process. Click on each rule number to see the documents filed with the Code Reviser for each rule.
First are subjects of "possible" rulemaking. These are only areas the agency is thinking about or considering. The rulemaking process has not officially begun.
Second are the subjects of "contemplated" rulemaking. These are those areas that the agency has begun the rulemaking process by filing a "Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry" or CR101 with the Code Reviser.
Third are the subjects of "current" rulemaking. In these cases, proposed language has already been published in the state register and an adoption hearing is pending. (The text of the proposed language and date, time, and location of the adoption hearing are provided below.)
Fourth are the subjects of "rulemaking." These are new, amended or repealed chapters or sections. (The text of the affected sections and chapters along with the effective date of any changes is provided below.)
Emergency Rulemaking
Subjects of Possible Rulemaking
Subjects of Contemplated Rulemaking
The agency is considering rulemaking in the following chapters and sections of Title 260 WAC. A Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry (or CR101) has been filed with the Code Reviser (a copy linked below). These are only subjects of rulemaking the agency is considering and are being provided to not only keep the public and persons regulated by the commission updated on agency plans, but also to solicit public comment. Click on the WAC number to view the CR101.
Subjects of Current Rulemaking
As the agency proceeds with rulemaking, proposed rules are provided to stakeholders and other interested persons. For each subject of rulemaking the Proposed Rulemaking order, or CR102 has been filed with the Code Reviser. The CR102 includes the date, time, and location of the adoption hearing, and the timelines for submitting written comments. The agency is considering rulemaking in the following chapters and sections of Title 260 WAC. Click on the WAC number to view the CR102.
Scheduled for Adoption
Rules currently scheduled for adoption at an upcoming WHRC Commission Meeting. Click on the WAC number to view the CR102.
Subjects of Rulemaking
In the past twelve months, the agency may have adopted, amended, or repealed several sections and/or chapters in Title 260 WAC. The following are those rules, in which the Rulemaking Order, or CR103 has already been filed with the Code Reviser. Click on the WAC number to view the CR103.
First are subjects of "possible" rulemaking. These are only areas the agency is thinking about or considering. The rulemaking process has not officially begun.
Second are the subjects of "contemplated" rulemaking. These are those areas that the agency has begun the rulemaking process by filing a "Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry" or CR101 with the Code Reviser.
Third are the subjects of "current" rulemaking. In these cases, proposed language has already been published in the state register and an adoption hearing is pending. (The text of the proposed language and date, time, and location of the adoption hearing are provided below.)
Fourth are the subjects of "rulemaking." These are new, amended or repealed chapters or sections. (The text of the affected sections and chapters along with the effective date of any changes is provided below.)
Emergency Rulemaking
Subjects of Possible Rulemaking
- WAC 260-84-060 - The Commission could consider adding a section to WAC 260-84-060 stating that for any penalty in that chapter, the Commission can impose a more or less severe penalty in its discretion in an appeal hearing.
Subjects of Contemplated Rulemaking
The agency is considering rulemaking in the following chapters and sections of Title 260 WAC. A Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry (or CR101) has been filed with the Code Reviser (a copy linked below). These are only subjects of rulemaking the agency is considering and are being provided to not only keep the public and persons regulated by the commission updated on agency plans, but also to solicit public comment. Click on the WAC number to view the CR101.
- WAC 260-48-096 Handicapping Contests - The WHRC has agency request legislation to update the language regarding handicapping contests which if it passes, this WAC will need to be updated.
Subjects of Current Rulemaking
As the agency proceeds with rulemaking, proposed rules are provided to stakeholders and other interested persons. For each subject of rulemaking the Proposed Rulemaking order, or CR102 has been filed with the Code Reviser. The CR102 includes the date, time, and location of the adoption hearing, and the timelines for submitting written comments. The agency is considering rulemaking in the following chapters and sections of Title 260 WAC. Click on the WAC number to view the CR102.
Scheduled for Adoption
Rules currently scheduled for adoption at an upcoming WHRC Commission Meeting. Click on the WAC number to view the CR102.
- WAC 260-49-070 Distribution of source market fees - The WHRC may need to adjust the SMF distribution to ensure adequate revenues based on the parimutuel tax rate.
Subjects of Rulemaking
In the past twelve months, the agency may have adopted, amended, or repealed several sections and/or chapters in Title 260 WAC. The following are those rules, in which the Rulemaking Order, or CR103 has already been filed with the Code Reviser. Click on the WAC number to view the CR103.
- WAC 260-08-675 Hearings before the Commission - Clarified the commission's authority to amend penalties imposed by the board of stewards on appeal.
- WAC 260-24-510 Racing Officials -Adopted the ARCI model rule language regarding the accreditation requirements for stewards.
- WAC 260-32-180 Jockey Fees - Adopted the ARCI model rule language regarding an agreement for jockey fees prior to a race meet.
- WAC 260-70-685 Uniform Medication Classifications - Updated the alphabetical listing of all drugs, medications, and foreign substances to match the ARCI model rule.
Policy/Interpretive Statements
Policy/Interpretive Statements are the agency's attempt to keep the public advised as to the Commission's current opinion or approach to a given issue. Policy/Interpretive Statements are designed to help explain how a particular rule is interpreted by the Commission. They are advisory only and are not rules. Policy/Interpretive Statements are not enforceable, but are only used to better inform the public and those regulated by the Commission.