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The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has proposed a $72.7 million budget for 2027, a plan that includes a $5,441,916 gross assessment for California racing.
For California readers following horse betting, the state-specific figures are part of a broader national funding plan for HISA’s safety and anti-doping programs. The proposal lists Santa Anita at $2,857,748 and Del Mar at $1,549,241 in track-level assessments.
HISA said its proposed 2027 budget totals $72,730,613, down about 5.75% from the $77.17 million assessment referenced for 2026. Budgeted expenses come to $74,034,117, offset by $1,303,503 in projected revenue from fines, laboratory test fees, and track reimbursements.
The biggest cost center remains anti-doping and medication control at $53,574,017. HISA also budgeted $8,981,688 for technology, $3,218,382 for Racetrack Safety, and $1,027,091 for Veterinary Services. The authority expects $16,242,070 in sample-collection credits, which would reduce the net cash ask to $56,488,543. That compares with a $60,611,331 net figure in the comparable 2026 budget.
Nationally, Florida has the largest gross assessment at $9,076,759, followed by Pennsylvania at $8,321,712 and New York at $8,155,674. California’s $5.44 million figure trails those states but remains one of the larger assessments in the proposal.
The budget process is still open. Public comments are due by noon Eastern on July 27, after which HISA’s board is expected to vote and file the final budget with the Federal Trade Commission.
The proposal also arrives while HISA remains tied up in federal litigation. On June 11, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that, “Insofar as HISA is enforced by private entities that are not subordinate to the FTC, we DECLARE that HISA violates the private nondelegation doctrine.” On July 14, the court agreed to hold its mandate while HISA prepares a petition for certiorari.
Two states, Louisiana and West Virginia, were excluded from the assessment tables because of a preliminary injunction blocking HISA’s rules there. HISA has asked the FTC for permission to assess those states on a pro rata basis if that injunction is dissolved, and made the same request for any Texas track that conducts covered races next year.
For California horse racing stakeholders, the next key question is whether the board changes any state or track assessments before sending the final version to the FTC.
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Source: As reported by Lorcan Palaca.
