PoliticsNY’s special edition, Inside Government: Racing, Gaming & Wagering, highlights key public officials shaping New York’s racing and wagering sectors, featuring Sarah Klein, director of the New York State Gaming Commission’s division of horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering. Klein emphasizes the industry’s significant economic impact, employing thousands statewide and supporting local economies, farms, and green spaces. She highlights ongoing efforts to enhance safety in horse racing through technology, such as wearable health monitors, and notes a major three-year study with Cornell University aimed at improving injury detection in Thoroughbred racehorses.
Klein is particularly excited about the redevelopment of Belmont Park, which includes nearly $500 million in investments for new track surfaces, year-round training capabilities, and improved living conditions for horse caretakers. Her passion for the industry stems from a lifelong connection to horses and a unique legal education focused on equine, racing, and gaming law. This blend of personal experience and professional dedication positions her to contribute meaningfully to the future of New York’s racing and wagering landscape.
