§ 518. Off-track pari-mutuel betting; objectives. In the exercise of
the power vested in it by subdivision one of section nine of article one
of the state constitution, the legislature hereby prescribes that
off-track pari-mutuel betting on horse races, conducted under the
administration of the commission in the manner and subject to the
conditions provided for in this article, shall be lawful,
notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, general, special or
local, including any law prohibiting or restricting lotteries,
pool-selling or bookmaking or any other kind of gambling; it being the
purpose of this article to derive from such betting, as authorized by
this article, a reasonable revenue for the support of government, and to
prevent and curb unlawful bookmaking and illegal wagering on horse
races. It is also the intention of this article to ensure that off-track
betting is conducted in a manner compatible with the well-being of the
horse racing and breeding industries in this state, which industries are
and should continue to be major sources of revenue to state and local
government and sources of employment for thousands of state residents.