The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board this week approved a resolution which supports efforts to invest in horse health and welfare.

Commissioner Gary Sojka introduced the resolution and encouraged its passage as a way of showing the Board’s support for equine health as a result of recent high-profile catastrophic injuries to Thoroughbred racehorses.

“Pennsylvania’s horse racing industry has made tremendous progress since the introduction of slots gaming,” Sojka said. “With the passage of this resolution, the Gaming Control Board has pledged its commitment to work with industry stakeholders to help prevent life-threatening injuries to our equine athletes and to ensure the long-term success of racing.”

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 is delivering on its promise of strengthening the Commonwealth’s horse and harness racing industries. To date, slot machine gaming has generated more than $190 million for purses, breeder and sire stakes awards, and health and pension benefits for horsemen, their families, and employees