HOUSTON (AP) _ The companies behind a new joint venture that will own several Texas racetracks are betting their partnership will help even the odds in efforts to convince state lawmakers to pass gambling proposals that would allow slot machines at such facilities.
Penn National Gaming Inc. and the parent company of Sam Houston Race Park in Houston announced Wednesday they have partnered to own and operate the Houston racing facility as well as the Valley Race Park in Harlingen and a planned racetrack in Laredo.
The new joint venture comes as the state’s struggling racing industry is readying its efforts to convince lawmakers during next year’s legislative session to legalize slot machines at horse and dog tracks.
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