Hoosier Park racino construction 'on track' in Anderson

At the regular meeting, the group discussed several topics, all leading up to how the industry could continue to improve and promote the integrity of horse racing around the state.

Even while discussing the plans for the casino, Brown noted that 6-foot windows on the casino floor would look out onto the track so people could watch live races while playing the slots.

Hoosier Park is also looking at remote betting from the casino floor, Brown said.

"The casino should be ready in late May," he said.

Operations are in full swing for the opening, Brown said, with management staff hired and more than 3,000 applications on file for employment. The Indiana Gaming Commission will be on site starting April 1.

"We're trying to be thoughtful and thorough in all we do," Brown said.

The commission also discussed the impact the racino legislation would have on the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and the community.

Joe Gorajec, executive director of the commission, explained to the group that the legislation would affect the Indiana Gaming Commission more than the horse-racing group, but some details would need to be considered for both racinos.

Both Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs of Shelbyville, for example, agreed to increase racing dates by a minimum of 28 days annually. The legislation requires tracks to race between 140 days and 165 days each year. The commission would also be in charge of the funding for horsemen's associations and breed development programs, as well as increasing equine drug testing and research.