A judge says the Texas Racing Commission exceeded its authority by clearing the way for historical racing at dog and horse tracks.
Judge Lora Livingston in Austin on Monday ruled the commission on Aug. 29 wrongly approved such betting on slot-type machines. She says the Texas Legislature should make such decisions.
Critics of historical racing, including groups running charitable bingo games, sued in Travis County over the machines that let people bet on races that already happened. The videos are stripped of identifying information so bettors have no such specifics on the races.
Andrea Young with Sam Houston Race Park says Monday's ruling was a blow to racing and industry officials will consider their options.
Tracks considering historical racing would have still needed commission approval for their specific plans.
