Autotote Gets Permission For Connecticut Racing Channel

• Print

Scientific Games Corp., parent company of Autotote, received the go ahead from Connecticut officials to broadcast horse and dog races on cable channels in the state.

Approval for the racing broadcast was granted Friday by the state Gaming Policy Board. Autotote officials hope to have the signal available to cable companies by the beginning of next year.

Autotote, which is based in Connecticut, takes wagers from 30 states and does about $30 million a year in handle through its account wagering service, "On the Wire," said Autotote president John Ponzio. He added about 50% of On the Wire's handle comes from Connecticut residents.

"The increased visibility could lift the handle another 50% in the state," Ponzio said.

Autotote's simulcast signals from its partner tracks will be donwlinked to New Haven and sent through fiber optic cable to the cable companies. Autotote will make video changes and audio announcements but there will be no additional production, Ponzio said.

The Gaming Policy Board did rule against Autotote by not allowing the account wagering service to be advertised during the broadcast.

• Print