New York lawmakers have approved a measure redirecting 1% of purse enhancements from the state’s track-based video lottery terminal (VLT) program to fund new initiatives to improve equine safety at racetracks in that state.

The movement of the money away from the equine industry into the New York State Gaming Commission was given final approval late March 28 as part of a new 2013 state budget.

The provision, just a few paragraphs in a budget totaling thousands of pages, states the money must be "used exclusively to promote and ensure equine health and safety in New York.”

The Cuomo administration estimates the redirection will add about $1.5 million a year to the gaming commission it controls, though Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee chairman Gary Pretlow said it could end up being several million dollars a year