eagle river betting on the table again

This time, it's the Vilas County Board bringing up the issue of pari-mutuel betting. Voters in Vilas County will be able to vote in a referendum on November 7, 2000, asking, "Do you favor allowing pari-mutuel betting on motor sports in Vilas County?"

The County Board approved the referendum to the ballot on Tuesday, June 20th. The board resolution states, "The board believes that the issue of wagering on snowmobile racing and other motor sports is of importance to the entire county community, and would like to get the input of voters on the issue so that it will be informed on the issue in its future considerations."

This January, residents complained they had not been consulted when the Eagle River Derbytrack received a Gaming Board permit for betting on snowmobile races. Owner Chuck Decker gave back the permit after it created such uproar in the community.

If approved in the future, betting would be allowed at the Derbytrack in Eagle River, Wisconsin for 15 races over two days.