[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 379]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL HANDICAPPING CHAMPIONSHIP

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to bring awareness to 
an event being hosted in my State this weekend. The National 
Handicapping Championship, NHC, will take place on January 27 and 28 at 
Treasure Island Las Vegas. Tourism and gaming are the backbone of 
Nevada's economy. It's a legacy that we must continue to nurture and I 
welcome events like the NHC to my state.
  Las Vegas is a world-class destination unmatched by any other, and I 
have and will continue working to support policies that will keep 
Nevada's gaming industry growing and prosperous. Travel and tourism are 
a major part of my State's economy, attracting millions of visitors 
every year because of the variety of attractions and entertainment 
options available.
  Considered the most anticipated tournament in the world for 
horseplayers, the NHC marks the conclusion of a year-long series of 
tournaments endorsed by the Daily Racing Form and the National 
Thoroughbred Racing Association, NTRA, where Thoroughbred racing 
handicappers wager more than $12 billion each year. In turn, these 
dollars are put back into the horse industry contributing significantly 
to this agribusiness' future growth.
  I commend the Daily Racing Form and the NTRA for choosing Las Vegas, 
NV to host this prestigious tournament and wish them a successful event 
this weekend. I look forward to building upon this success and 
encourage more events to visit my State. As a United States Senator 
from Nevada, I will continue do all that I can to make sure that 
organizations such as these have the opportunity to enjoy all that my 
great State has to offer.

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