§19-23-1. License required for horse and dog racing and pari-mutuel wagering in connection therewith; exception.

(a) No association shall hold or conduct any horse or dog race meeting at which horse or dog racing is permitted for any purse unless such association possesses a license therefor from the West Virginia Racing Commission and complies with the provisions of this article and all reasonable rules and regulations of such Racing Commission.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the provisions of this article shall not be construed to prevent in any way the use without a license of any grounds, enclosure or racetrack owned and controlled by any association for any local, county or state fair, horse show or agriculture or livestock exposition, even though horse or dog racing be there conducted, if the pari-mutuel system of wagering upon the results of such horse or dog racing is neither permitted nor conducted with the knowledge or acquiescence of the association conducting such horse or dog racing.