Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races has announced a 10% purse increase starting in the upcoming condition book, made possible by the passage of West Virginia Senate Bill 75. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Patrick Morrisey, restores critical funds to the horsemen’s purse account previously impacted by the 2014 “Haircut Bill.” In a further show of commitment to the racing community, Charles Town will add three additional racing days to its 2025 calendar.

This positive development underscores West Virginia’s leadership in supporting its horse racing industry, a vital economic and cultural asset for the state, particularly in the Eastern Panhandle. The purse increase and calendar expansion highlights West Virginia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable racing future.

“West Virginia’s horse racing industry is a vital economic engine, supporting thousands of jobs and driving millions in revenue for our state,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “Senate Bill 75 restores critical funding to the horsemen’s purse account, ensuring that horse racing continues to thrive as a cornerstone of our agricultural and tourism sectors.”

Senate Bill 75 was championed by Senator Patricia Rucker, the bill’s lead sponsor, and co-sponsors Jason Barrett, Darren Thorne, and Tom Willis, whose support ensured the restoration of purse funds critical to the livelihoods of horsemen, trainers, and the broader racing community.

“The passage of Senate Bill 75 is a win for the Eastern Panhandle, where horse racing is more than a sport — it’s a way of life for our community,” said Senator Barrett. “By restoring funds to the horsemen’s purse account, we’re supporting local jobs, small businesses, and the families who depend on a strong racing industry. I was proud to prioritize this legislation in our finance committee to ensure our constituents in Jefferson County, and beyond, continue to benefit from the economic and cultural contributions of racing in West Virginia.”

“This is a small business jobs bill,” said Delegate Joe Funkhouser, who co-sponsored the bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates. “It will provide stability and growth for continued and increased investments in the small business ecosystems of farmers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, feed and supply stores, tourism, banking, and insurance, who are local and state taxpayers that rely on a stable industry which provides thousands of jobs and livelihoods for hardworking West Virginians.”

“The 10% purse increase made possible by Senate Bill 75 will elevate the quality of racing at Charles Town, as we aim to deliver an even more attractive and exciting product for our fans and horseplayers,” said Charlie McIntosh, Director of Racing Operations at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. “We’re deeply grateful to the West Virginia legislature for their leadership in restoring these critical funds. Their commitment ensures our racing community thrives and continues to shine.”

In a further commitment to its horsemen and fans, Charles Town will expand its 2025 racing calendar by adding three additional racing days. The track lost five days to winter weather-related cancelations earlier this year, but was only required to make up two of the five according to an agreement between the track and the horsemen. However, following the passage of Senate Bill 75, the two sides have agreed to make up all five days by adding all five Wednesdays in the month of October to the racing calendar.

“The purse increase and addition of days has a positive effect to the Charles Town racing program,” said Jim Miller, the President of the Charles Town HBPA. “Owners’ earnings will increase, providing funds for opportunities to invest in racing and breeding in West Virginia.”

Live racing continues at Charles Town on a Thursday through Saturday schedule through September, with the track’s premier night featuring the $1M Charles Town Classic (GII) and $750K Charles Town Oaks (GII) scheduled for Friday, August 22nd.