Michigan Racing Commissioner Annette M. Bacola today announced that the State of Michigan Office of Racing Commissioner (ORC) has been granted the authority to pay rewards up to $5,800 per incident to any person providing information leading to the arrest and conviction on a felony or misdemeanor charge for a crime that involves the horse racing industry.

Today's announcement came as a result of the onset of the 2001 fiscal year budget, as approved by the Michigan legislature, effective October 1, 2000.

"Deterring illegal activity at the racetracks is clearly our highest
priority," said Bacola.  "We are continually working in conjunction with the Michigan State Police, local and federal law enforcement agencies to protect the public interest and safety as it relates to horse racing.  These reward monies are a tool to help us meet this challenge."

People with information concerning a crime related to the horse racing industry should call the ORC Hotline at 800-973-5000.  The Hotline is free and accessible 24-hours a day.

The ORC is the official state agency charged with regulating, promoting and serving the horse racing industry in the State of Michigan.  ORC programs serve all sectors of horse racing, which is a $1.2 billion industry that supports more than 42,000 jobs statewide, and is an important part of Michigan agriculture.