The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission launched an Integrity Hotline for reporting suspected illegal or unethical behavior at Pennsylvania’s six racetracks.
Tips can be reported anonymously at any time by leaving a detailed message at 717-787-1942.
Commission staff will follow up to determine whether official action by the commission or track management is warranted. If an issue is reported that would not fall under the commission’s regulatory authority, staff will refer the call to the entity with jurisdiction.
The hotline is posted at locations throughout each racetrack, in public areas as well as barns and backside locations accessible only to licensees. The number will also be published in racing programs, on each racetrack’s website and on the commission’s webpages at agriculture.pa.gov. The hotline will also be posted during Harness Racing events held during county and local fairs across the state.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior surrounding potential racing violations and the treatment and care of horses can call the number and leave a message detailing the time, date, location, actions witnessed and other relevant information.
The commission will also begin implementing most measures in the Equine Safety and Welfare Plan, which the commission adopted in January to protect horses racing at the state’s three thoroughbred tracks, which include Parx in Bensalem. The commission and industry representatives developed the plan after examining the feasibility and effectiveness of actions taken in other states and steps likely to be implemented in coming years as a result of federal legislation.
