Lexington, KY — With major structural changes coming to horseracing regulation and a growing need for common integrity standards in other sports, the 2022 annual conference of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) will focus on issues and details surrounding implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).   The confab will also identify needs associated with the expanded responsibility of many RCI members involving regulation of sports betting.

The conference will kick off on Monday (April 11) in Lexington, Ky., at the Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott. Those interested in attending may register at www.arci.com.

With animal welfare a top priority, safety initiatives by regulators in California and the mid-Atlantic states that have shown considerable progress will be highlighted as will details of the soon to be implemented Racetrack Safety program of the newly formed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

There will also be an open discussion about potential legal issues that may emerge as a result of the postponed implementation of the HISA anti-doping and medication program. Transparency in rule making will also be discussed as will the applicability of federal laws requiring open meetings and public accountability.

The conference kicks off on Monday with remarks from Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Chair Jonathan Rabinowitz, award winning racing analyst and commentator Donna Brothers, and ARCI Chair Robert Lopez. The opening session will be followed by a briefing on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority entitled “What’s Next.”

Panels will focus on successful results of equine welfare policies that have been implemented by the California Horse Racing Board and regulators working with the industry in the Mid-Atlantic states. Details of how the new HISA racetrack safety program will work will also be presented.

On Tuesday, Sports Journalist Tim Livingston, host of the groundbreaking Podcast “Whistleblower,” will discuss his investigation into human sport and allegations that the NBA, through the assignment of certain referees, may have manipulated the outcome of games to favor teams that draw larger television audiences in order to generate additional revenue for the sport.

Prominent attorneys and experts will analyze possible legal issues that may arise from implementation of the HISA program as well as a briefing on the issues pending in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the HISA statute. Federal laws pertaining to transparency in the making of public policy will be discussed, particularly as to their applicability to the newly formed HISA.

Prominent industry leaders will discuss the future of horse racing and opportunities for small and mid-sized tracks to develop synergies with sport betting companies. Jurisdictions who have yet to authorize fixed odds wagering may find that approvals they have granted for simulcast exports may result in such wagers being accepted on contests in their jurisdiction without their knowledge.

The ARCI develops model rules and standards for clean sport, primarily horse racing and associated wagering. Since the legality of sports betting, the group has authorized staff to begin work to develop standards for human sport through a subsidiary Sports Betting Regulators Association (SBRA).

The annual ARCI conference attracts senior racing regulatory personnel from across North America as well as racing industry leaders representing Thoroughbred, Standardbred, Quarter Horse, horsemen, racehorse owners/breeders and veterinary organizations.