Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission Under Audit, Investigations, and Leadership Shakeup

Leadership Shakeup at the Commission

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission is facing major challenges after the resignation of Executive Director John Chancey. His departure leaves the agency searching for new leadership at a time of mounting legal and organizational troubles.

Multiple Investigations Underway

The commission is currently the subject of:

• A forensic audit into financial and administrative practices

• An OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation) probe

• Three Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints filed by staff

These overlapping investigations highlight growing scrutiny of the agency, which oversees horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering across Oklahoma.

What Comes Next for Horse Racing in Oklahoma

The leadership vacancy, combined with multiple legal challenges, raises questions about the commission’s ability to effectively regulate horse racing in the near term. Industry insiders say maintaining public trust is critical for both the horse racing industry and the state’s gaming revenue streams.