West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 178 - Racing Commission
West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 178 — Racing Commission
Overview
The West Virginia Racing Commission (Agency 178) is the regulatory body established to oversee and regulate horse racing and related pari-mutuel wagering activities within the state. Agency 178 outlines the Commission’s structure, responsibilities, licensing processes, operational rules, and enforcement procedures.
Key Components of Agency 178
1. Purpose and Authority
The Commission exists to regulate horse racing events and associated wagering to ensure fairness, integrity, and compliance with established standards.
It ensures that racing and wagering activities are conducted in a lawful and ethical manner.
The agency’s rules provide for licensing, inspections, monitoring, and enforcement actions.
2. Commission Structure and Membership
The Commission is composed of appointed members who direct policy and rulemaking.
Members serve fixed terms and must meet qualification criteria established within the agency rules.
The Commission elects officers such as Chairperson and Secretary to facilitate governance.
3. Licensing and Registration
License Types:
Owners, trainers, jockeys, and other racing participants must obtain licenses.
Wagering operators and racetrack facilities require licensing.
Other personnel such as veterinarians and officials also require registration or licenses.
Application Procedures:
Applicants must complete forms provided by the Commission.
Background information, qualifications, and fees must be submitted.
Licenses are subject to renewal with continuing eligibility requirements.
4. Racing Operations
The Commission regulates race scheduling, entry conditions, and race day procedures.
Rules govern horse eligibility, jockey conduct, and race officials’ duties.
Pari-mutuel wagering is supervised, including ticket sales, pools, and payout procedures.
5. Drug and Medication Control
Strict controls are established for the use of medications and substances on racing animals.
Prohibited substances and dosages are defined within the rules.
Testing procedures and penalties for violations are outlined.
6. Conduct and Discipline
The Commission establishes standards of conduct for licensees and participants.
Violations of rules may lead to disciplinary actions including:
Warnings or reprimands
Fines or suspensions
License revocation
Disciplinary proceedings are conducted according to internal rules guaranteeing due process.
7. Enforcement Procedures
The Commission or its appointed agents may conduct inspections, investigations, and hearings.
Complaints against licensees or participants must be filed in writing.
Licensees have the right to notice and a hearing before adverse actions are taken.
Decisions are made based on evidence presented at hearings.
8. Fees and Penalties
Fee schedules are established for licensing, race day operations, and wagering.
Penalties for violations are assessed based on the nature and severity of the offense.
The Commission collects fines and may impose additional sanctions.
Summary Table of Agency 178
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose & Authority | Regulates horse racing and wagering to ensure integrity |
| Commission Structure | Membership, officer roles, appointment, and governance |
| Licensing | Types of licenses, application, renewal, and eligibility |
| Racing Operations | Rules for races, entries, jockeys, and pari-mutuel wagering |
| Drug Control | Medication rules, prohibited substances, testing, and penalties |
| Conduct & Discipline | Standards of conduct, disciplinary procedures, and sanctions |
| Enforcement | Investigations, hearings, due process, and complaint handling |
| Fees & Penalties | Fee schedules, fines, and collection procedures |
Example (Hypothetical) Enforcement Scenario Based on Agency 178 Rules
Scenario: Trainer Smith is found to have administered a prohibited substance to a horse entered in a race.
An investigation is launched by the Commission’s agents.
Smith is notified of the alleged violation and given an opportunity for a hearing.
Evidence includes test results confirming the substance’s presence.
After the hearing, the Commission decides to suspend Smith’s license for 60 days and imposes a fine.
Smith may appeal the decision following the procedures set by the Commission’s internal rules.
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