TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 8. TEXAS RACING COMMISSION

Chapter 321. PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING

Subchapter A. MUTUEL OPERATIONS

The Texas Racing Commission proposes amendments to §§321.1, 321.3, 321.13, 321.21, 321.33, and 321.35, relating to mutuel operations at pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with the Commission's review of Chapter 321, conducted pursuant to Government Code, §2001.039. The Commission has determined preliminarily that the reason for adopting the above-referenced sections continues to exist, with the proposed amendments.

The sections proposed for amendment relate to definitions, the conduct of wagering, the pari-mutuel track report, prohibited wagers, and claims for payment. The proposals add a definition for ticketless electronic wagering, eliminate out-of-date language, clarify requirements regarding reports to the Commission, clarify the prohibition of accepting wagers via the internet, and conform the rules to current agency practice.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendments.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the amendments are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with agency practice, be more easily understood by the persons required to follow the rules, and address advances in technology with respect to wagering while maintaining the integrity of wagering and enforcing applicable law. There are no costs to small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendments as proposed. The amendments will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 8, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

16 TAC §§321.1, 321.3, 321.13, 321.21

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.1.Definitions and General Provisions.

(a) The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) - (15) (No change.)

(16) Ticketless Electronic Wagering (E-wagering)--a form of pari-mutuel wagering in which wagers are placed and cashed through an electronic ticketless account system operated through a licensed totalisator vendor in accordance with §11.04 of this Act. Wagers are automatically debited and credited to the account holder.

(17) [ (16) ] TIM--ticket-issuing machine.

(18) [ (17) ] TIM-to-Tote network--a wagering network consisting of a single central processing unit and the TIMs [ TIM's ] at any number of remote sites.

(19) [ (18) ] Totalisator system--a computer system that registers and computes the wagering and payoffs in pari-mutuel wagering.

(20) [ (19) ] Totalisator operator--the individual assigned to operate the totalisator system at a racetrack facility.

(21) [ (20) ] Tote-to-tote network--a wagering network in which each wagering location has a central processing unit.

(22) [ (21) ] User--a totalisator company employee authorized to use the totalisator system in the normal course of business.

(b) - (c) (No change.)

§321.3.Conduct of Wagering.

(a) (No change.)

(b) In conducting pari-mutuel wagering, an association shall use a totalisator system that:

(1) (No change.)

(2) is approved by the Commission [ and the Comptroller ].

(c) - (d) (No change.)

§321.13.Pari-Mutuel Track Report.

(a) Daily Pari-Mutuel Summary Report.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) The report must contain, by each live and simulcast performance, the following:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) all purses earned, broken out by source, such as live, simulcast, cross species, and export [ type ];

(F) - (H) (No change.)

(b) (No change.)

§321.21.Certain Wagers Prohibited.

(a) An association may not accept a wager made by mail , [ or ] by telephone , or by internet . A data communications link for common pooling purposes is not considered a wager for purposes of this section.

(b) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502593

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


3. MUTUEL TICKETS AND VOUCHERS

16 TAC §321.33, §321.35

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.33.Expiration Date.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

[(d) Transition. For 2003 and 2004 only, mutuel tickets purchased on or after January 1, 2003 but before August 1, 2004, expire on September 29, 2004.]

§321.35.Claim for Payment.

(a) An association shall accept a claim for payment if the association has withheld payment or has refused to cash a pari-mutuel ticket or a voucher presented for payment. The claim must be made on a form prescribed by the association and signed by the claimant . The original of the claim shall be promptly forwarded to the Commission.

(b) - (e) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502594

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter B. TOTALISATOR REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The Texas Racing Commission proposes amendments to §§321.103, 321.105, 321.121, 321.123, 321.139, and 321.143, relating to totalisator requirements and operating environment at pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with the Commission's review of Chapter 321, conducted pursuant to Government Code, §2001.039. The Commission has determined preliminarily that the reason for adopting the above-referenced sections continues to exist, with the proposed amendments.

The sections proposed for amendment relate to facility requirements, hardware requirements, general management requirements, personnel requirements, ad hoc reports, and logs. The proposals clarify the Commission's requirements relating to offsite totalisator equipment, add restrictions relating to ticketless electronic wagering, add a requirement that tote companies submit a business contingency plan, correct a typographical error, clarify that the executive secretary may determine which tote company employees must obtain a Commission license, clarify the deadline for filing an incident report, and incorporate provisions relating to e-wagering accounts in ad hoc reports and tote logs.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendments.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the amendments are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with agency practice, be more easily understood by the persons required to follow the rules, and address advances in technology with respect to wagering while maintaining the integrity of wagering and enforcing applicable law. There may be a cost to totalisator companies required to prepare a business contingency plan. Due to the various organizational structures and management philosophies of the totalisator companies doing business at Texas racetracks, the cost of preparing a business contingency plan will vary widely and therefore, the Commission cannot estimate the cost. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendments as proposed. The amendments will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 8, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

1. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

16 TAC §321.103, §321.105

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.103.Facility Requirements.

(a) Totalisator Room. An association shall provide a totalisator room to house the main computing and communications equipment or [ and ] the operator's terminal at the association's facility , whichever is applicable . The room must include:

(1) - (6) (No change.)

(b) (No change.)

(c) Totalisator Room Security.

(1) The totalisator room housing the CPU or operator's terminal that processes wagers made at an association's facility must be secured at all times. Annually on a date established by the executive secretary, the association shall submit to the executive secretary for approval a security plan for the totalisator room housing the CPU or operator's terminal that processes wagers made at the association's facility. The security plan must include:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(2) If the totalisator room housing the CPU or operator's terminal processing wagers made at the association's facility is located on property owned or controlled by the association, the association shall limit entry to the totalisator room to totalisator, association, and Commission personnel approved by the executive secretary. The association shall submit a list of the individuals to be approved for totalisator room access at least two weeks before the first day of each live race meeting and each time a personnel change necessitates a change to the list.

(3) If the totalisator room housing the CPU or operator's terminal processing wagers made at the association's facility is not located on property owned or controlled by the association, the totalisator company shall limit entry to the totalisator room in accordance with the totalisator company's policy. The association shall provide a copy of the totalisator company's policy regarding totalisator room access to the executive secretary.

§321.105.Hardware Requirements.

(a) - (f) (No change.).

(g) Ticket Issuing Machines.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) A TIM may not access , alter, change, or manipulate the wagering database except to conduct the wagering or cashing functions necessary [ for a teller ] to serve the public.

(h) Ticketless Electronic Wagering (E-wagering). An association may not use E-wagering devices unless approved by the executive secretary as required by Subchapter E of this Chapter.

(i) [ (h) ] Maintenance. A totalisator company shall provide sufficient preventative maintenance to a totalisator system to ensure the system hardware will provide a high degree of reliability. Maintenance must include testing the UPS for battery life and power stability.

(j) [ (i) ] Common Pooling.

(1) An association shall use a totalisator system that operates in either a Tote-to-Tote network or a TIM-to-Tote network. The totalisator system must, without regard to the location of the CPU:

(A) meet the requirements of this chapter;

(B) comply with the Rules;

(C) use the current version of Inter-Tote Systems Protocol recognized by the ARCI Tote Standards Committee; and

(D) uses the current version of Standardized Track codes recognized by the ARCI Tote Standards Committee.

(2) An association may common pool if all equipment used is of an approved type and in an approved location.

(3) The host racetrack for which a common pool is created must also provide a totalisator system that:

(A) directs each totalisator system involved with the common pool regarding the pools offered, live and scratched race animals, common pool totals, network odds and probable payout, start and stop wagering commands, official orders of finish, deduction and payout calculations; and

(B) produces reports showing the amount wagered on each race animal and pool from each site, in accordance with the current Inter-Tote Systems Protocol.

(4) A totalisator company must have a disaster recovery plan to allow an association to continue to conduct pari-mutuel wagering in the event of a disaster at the CPU's location.

(k) [ (j) ] Emergency Procedures.

(1) The totalisator system must be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as described in subsection (f) of this section.

(2) A totalisator company must have emergency procedures to address a totalisator system failure. The procedures will apply whether the system is operating as a stand-alone wagering site for separate pool wagering or as a satellite in a common pool network.

(3) In a Tote-to-Tote network, if system failure occurs at either the remote site or the host, the pari-mutuel auditor and the network's mutuel and system managers shall establish the pools for the unaffected sites. The failure site shall cease wagering. The pari-mutuel auditor shall then determine when the failed pari-mutuel system may resume operation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502595

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


2. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

16 TAC §321.121, §321.123

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.121.General Management Requirements.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Business Contingency Plan. A totalisator company must submit and obtain executive secretary approval for a business contingency plan that addresses the company's ability to continue or resume operations if a catastrophic event disrupts normal business operations. The plan must be submitted annually on a date established by the executive secretary. The executive secretary may specify the types of occurrences that the plan must address.

(e) A totalisator company is subject to licensing, inspection, and regulation by the Commission to ensure the integrity of the information obtained by use of its software and equipment and employees.

§321.123.Personnel Requirements.

(a) General Requirements.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The totalisator company must have job descriptions containing the experience, education, and organization training requirements for each of the following totalisator positions:

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) totalisator operator; and

(E) technicians . [ ; and ]

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(5) The executive secretary may determine which totalisator employees must be licensed.

(6) [ (5) ] With each license application, a totalisator company must include a list of all certified totalisator personnel assigned to work in Texas. The list must indicate the position for which each person is qualified. If a new employee is assigned to work in Texas, the totalisator company must update the list of certified personnel and provide it to the executive secretary.

(7) [ (6) ] A totalisator company employee may not hold a position of programmer and totalisator operator simultaneously unless approved by the executive secretary.

(8) [ (7) ] A totalisator company employee is prohibited from wagering in Texas while on duty.

(b) (No change.)

(c) Totalisator operator. A totalisator operator shall:

(1) - (7) (No change.)

(8) provide to the pari-mutuel auditor an incident report , no later than 48 hours after the time of the incident, addressing [ detailing ] each unusual occurrence during totalisator system operations including a description of the probable cause of the occurrence and the corrective action taken;

(9) - (10) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502596

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


3. REPORTING AND LOG REQUIREMENTS

16 TAC §321.139, §321.143

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.139.Ad Hoc Reports.

When requested by the pari-mutuel auditor or executive secretary, the totalisator operator shall produce the following reports:

(1) - (6) (No change.)

(7) a Canceled Tickets Report, for a performance or race, showing each ticket canceled that day in the form of the Ticket History Report, the identity of the TIM that cashed the ticket, and an indication as to whether the ticket was cashed using a manual keyboard entry or an automatic machine read; [ and ]

(8) a Network Balance Report summarizing the activity and liabilities for each site within a Tote-to-Tote network ; and

(9) an Account Activity Report showing the following information for each E-wagering account:

(A) the unique account number;

(B) the date and time of each transaction;

(C) the location of each wager;

(D) the amount of each transaction;

(E) the type of pool, animal number, and amount of each wager;

(F) the account balance; and

(G) the account holders name.

§321.143.Logs.

(a) On-Line Logs. The totalisator system must produce various daily on-line logs. The totalisator operator shall provide a printed copy of a daily log to the pari-mutuel auditor on request. The totalisator system must produce the following logs:

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) a User Terminal Log showing the time of day of each entry for:

(A) (No change.)

(B) each TIM operated during a performance:

(i) (No change.)

(ii) each instance of loss/restoration of communication and the TIM; [ and ]

(4) a System Error Log showing the date and time of each error ; and [ . ]

(5) an Account Activity Log showing the following information for each E-wagering account:

(A) the unique account number;

(B) the date and time of each transaction;

(C) the location of each wager;

(D) the amount of each transaction;

(E) the type of pool, animal number, and amount of each wager;

(F) the account balance; and

(G) the account holders name.

(b) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502597

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter C. REGULATION OF LIVE WAGERING

2. DISTRIBUTION OF PARI-MUTUEL POOLS

16 TAC §§321.312, 321.313, 321.315

The Texas Racing Commission proposes amendments to §§321.312, 321.313, and 321.315, relating to the regulation of wagering on races conducted live in Texas. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with the Commission's review of Chapter 321, conducted pursuant to Government Code, §2001.039. The Commission has determined preliminarily that the reason for adopting the above-referenced sections continues to exist, with the proposed amendments.

The sections proposed for amendment relate to the pick (n) pool, the select three, four, or five pool, and the tri-superfecta pool. The proposals correct a typographical error, provide a protocol for determining which animals will be substituted for a scratched animal, and rearrange the order of subsections relating to the distribution of the tri-superfecta pool on a mandatory payout day.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendments.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the amendments are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with agency practice, be more easily understood by the persons required to follow the rules, and address advances in technology with respect to wagering while maintaining the integrity of wagering and enforcing applicable law. There is no cost to a small business required to comply with the amendments. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendments as proposed. The amendments will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 8, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The amendments implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.312.Pick (N).

(a) - (j) (No change.)

(k) If a pick (n) ticket designates a selection and the selection is scratched or otherwise prevented from racing, the favorite, as determined by the largest amount wagered in the win pool at the start of the race, will be substituted for the nonstarting selection for all purposes, including mutuel pool calculations and payoffs to the public. If there are two or more [ identical ] favorites in the win pool, both favorites will be substituted for the nonstarting selection.

(l) - (q) (No change.)

§321.313.Select Three, Four, or Five.

(a) - (h) (No change.)

(i) If a selection on a select three, four, or five ticket in one or more of the races is scratched or determined by the stewards or racing judges to be a nonstarter in the race, the actual favorite, as shown by the largest amount wagered in the win pool at the time of the start of the race, will be substituted for the non starting selection for all purposes, including pool calculations and payoffs. If there are two or more favorites in the win pool, both favorites will be substituted for the non-starting selection.

(j) - (k) (No change.)

§321.315.Tri-Superfecta.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) In the first tri-superfecta race [ ace ] only, the first-half tri-superfecta pool shall be distributed according to the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish for the first tri-superfecta race:

(1) - (8) (No change.)

(e) - (q) (No change.)

(r) Distribution on Mandatory Payout.

(1) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meet or a designated mandatory payout performance, exchange tickets will be issued for those combinations selecting the greatest number of betting interests in the first tri-superfecta race in the following order:

(A) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(B) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(C) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first and third betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(D) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

(E) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the second and third betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(F) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the second-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

(G) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the third-place betting interest.

(2) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meeting or a designated mandatory payout performance, if there are no wagers selecting the finishers in the order described in paragraph (1) of this subsection and there is a carryover, all first-half tickets are considered winners and the tri-superfecta pool for that performance and the tri-superfecta carryover shall be distributed equally among them.

(3) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meeting or a designated mandatory payout performance, if there are no wagers selecting the finishers in the order described in paragraph (1) of this subsection and there is no carryover, the tri-superfecta shall be canceled and the entire tri-superfecta pool shall be refunded.

(s) [ (r) ] Notwithstanding subsections (f) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meeting or on a designated mandatory payout performance, the following precedence will be followed in determining winning tickets for the second-half of the tri-superfecta:

(1) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first four betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(2) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(3) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(4) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

(5) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the second-place betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

(6) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the third-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

(7) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the fourth-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

(8) As a single price pool to holders of valid exchange tickets; but if there are no such persons, then

(9) As a single price pool to holders of outstanding first-half winning tickets.

[ (s) Distribution on Mandatory Payout.]

[ (1) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meet or a designated mandatory payout performance, exchange tickets will be issued for those combinations selecting the greatest number of betting interests in the first tri-superfecta race in the following order:]

[ (A) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (B) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (C) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first and third betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (D) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (E) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the second and third betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (F) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the second-place betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then]

[ (G) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the third-place betting interest.]

[ (2) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meeting or a designated mandatory payout performance, if there are no wagers selecting the finishers in the order described in Paragraph (1) of this subsection and there is a carryover, all first-half tickets are considered winners and the tri-superfecta pool for that performance and the tri-superfecta carryover shall be distributed equally among them.]

[ (3) Notwithstanding subsections (e) and (t) of this section, on the last performance of a race meeting or a designated mandatory payout performance, if there are no wagers selecting the finishers in the order described in Paragraph (1) of this subsection and there is no carryover, the tri-superfecta shall be canceled and the entire tri-superfecta pool shall be refunded.]

(t) - (w) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502598

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter E. TICKETLESS ELECTRONIC WAGERING

The Texas Racing Commission proposes new §§321.601, 321.603, 321.605, 321.607, 321.609, 321.621, 321.623, 321.625, and 321.627, relating to wagering on horse and greyhound races at Texas racetracks via an electronic wagering system. The new sections are proposed in conjunction with the Commission's review of Chapter 321, conducted pursuant to Government Code, §2001.039. The Commission has determined preliminarily that the reason for adopting Chapter 321 continues to exist, with the proposed new sections.

The new sections provide procedures and restrictions on the conduct of ticketless electronic wagering at Texas racetracks. The new sections provide for an e-wagering plan to be submitted and approved by the agency, restrictions on e-wagering to ensure strict compliance with application wagering laws, the cancellation of e-wagers, and the suspension or termination of e-wagering.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the new sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the sections.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the new sections are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will address advances in technology with respect to wagering while maintaining the integrity of wagering and enforcing applicable law. There may be a minimal cost to a pari-mutuel racetrack associated with preparing and submitting the electronic wagering plan. Due to the various organizational structures and management philosophies of the racetracks, the cost of preparing an e-wagering plan will vary widely and therefore, the Commission cannot estimate the cost. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the sections as proposed. The sections will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 8, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

1. CONDUCT OF E-WAGERING

16 TAC §§321.601, 321.603, 321.605, 321.607, 321.609

The new sections are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The new sections implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.601.Purpose.

(a) The Commission recognizes that the technology for placing wagers is ever changing. The Commission adopts these rules as guidelines to conduct E-wagering that maintains the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering.

(b) E-wagering may be conducted only within the enclosure of an association.

(c) Only persons meeting the age restriction in §321.17 of this title (relating to Activities by Minors Restricted) may participate in E-wagering. E-wagers must be made in person.

§321.603.Authorization for E-Wagering.

An association may not conduct E-wagering unless approved by the executive secretary.

§321.605.E-Wagering Plan.

(a) To be approved to conduct E-wagering, an association must submit a plan to the executive secretary. The plan must include:

(1) the procedures for opening an account;

(2) the procedures for establishing identity of account holder;

(3) the procedures for making deposits to the account;

(4) the procedures for making withdrawals from the account;

(5) the procedures for closing an account; and

(6) a description of the totalisator system and E-wagering access system.

(b) The executive secretary may approve a plan to conduct E-wagering if the executive secretary determines that the association's plan meets the requirements of this section and does not conflict with the Rules or the Act.

§321.607.E-Wagering Account Restrictions.

(a) The mutuel manager of an association shall establish and manage E-wagering within an association's enclosure.

(b) The making and acceptance of wagers over the communications facility known as the "Internet" or "telephone" is prohibited.

(c) An association may accept deposits to an account only in the form of cash, cashier's check, money order, or other method determined by the executive secretary to be a cash equivalent.

(d) The association may not accept wagers in an amount that exceeds the account balance.

(e) An account holder must be at least 21 years of age.

(f) An account holder is responsible for all activity associated with his or her account.

(g) An association may use E-wagering devices only if the devices are connected to the totalisator system.

§321.609.Testing E-Wagering.

An association's E-wagering system is subject to testing and inspection by the Commission. All forms of access to an account, including hardware used directly by the account holder for E-wagering are subject to testing and inspection by the Commission.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502599

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


2. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

16 TAC §§321.621, 321.623, 321.625, 321.627

The new sections are proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races; and §11.04, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules regarding the location of wagers and the use of telephones to wager.

The new sections implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§321.621.Ticketless Electronic Wagering Hardware.

An E-wagering device must be configured for loss of signal when removed from an association's enclosure.

§321.623.Cancellation of E-Wagers.

An account holder may cancel an E-wager only as provided by §321.43 of this title, (relating to Cancellation of Win Wagers.) A statement approved by the executive secretary must appear in or accompany the account wagering application form advising the wagering account applicant of this requirement.

§321.625.Discrepancy/Dispute Resolution.

If an account holder believes a discrepancy exists in his or her account, the account holder may file a claim for payment with the executive secretary. The executive secretary shall investigate all claims for payment and the executive secretary's determination is final.

§321.627.Suspension or Termination of E-Wagering.

(a) The executive secretary may issue a cease and desist order terminating the E-wagering system if the executive secretary determines that the operation of the E-wagering system:

(1) violates the Rules, the Act, or other state law;

(2) is detrimental to the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering; or

(3) does not comply with the requirements of an E-wagering system as defined in this Act or a Commission rule.

(b) The executive secretary may deny, suspend, or terminate an individual's E-wagering account if the executive secretary determines the activities on the account:

(1) violate the Rules, the Act, or other state law; or

(2) are inconsistent with maintaining the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 2005.

TRD-200502600

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 7, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699