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TVG Betfair to Demonstrate Exchange-Bet Model

A test model of the first exchange wagering system proposed for the United States will be demonstrated at the University of Arizona Symposium on Racing & Gaming in Tucson beginning Dec. 6.

Groups Seeking to Halt Florida 'Race' Meet

Two Florida Quarter Horse Associations late in the day Nov. 30 asked a state court in Tallahassee to issue an emergency motion for a stay that would prevent the scheduled Dec. 1 start of pari-mutuel barrel racing.

Second FL Group Applies for Barrel Racing

Hamilton Downs Horsetrack in Jasper has asked the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering for permission to use its Quarter Horse racing permit to hold pari-mutuel barrel racing.

BC Officials Still Working on Common Pools

The Breeders' Cup World Championships will be simulcast in about 25 countries this year, but officials said they continue to work on regulatory issues that are road-blocking common pools in those markets.

KY Downs Placing Judge Posted Wrong Finish

The president of Kentucky Downs said a placing judge's error was responsible for an incorrect placing of the horses' finish position in a Sept. 10 race at the Franklin, Ky., track.

Kentucky Downs Says Instant Racing Play Good

Kentucky Downs is reporting receipts of more than a half-million dollars from Instant Racing machines during their first five days of operation.

KY Downs to Launch Instant Racing Sept. 1

Kentucky Downs will inaugurate Instant Racing in Kentucky Sept. 1 and believes the form of pari-mutuel wagering can help restore "vibrancy" to the state's horse racing industry.

Keeneland Launches Its Own ADW Platform

Keeneland has launched its own advance deposit wagering system, which is available to residents of Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio.

Lone Star: Attendance Up, Overall Handle Down

Lone Star Park ended its 2011 meet July 10 with gains in daily average attendance and purses but an overall decline in pari-mutuel handle.

KY Downs Preparing Instant Racing Application

It appears Kentucky Downs will be the first racetrack in the state to apply to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for an Instant Racing license.

KY Tracks Wait-and-See on Instant Racing

Regulations governing Instant Racing in Kentucky apparently will be on the books July 1, but there won't be a rush by racetracks to move forward on implementing the games.

Internet Poker Bill Introduced in Congress

Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Barton of Texas has introduced legislation that would legalize Internet poker but no other forms of online casino gambling.

Keeneland Adds Oaks/Derby Drive-Thru Outlet

Keeneland, in an attempt to ease congestion at its drive-through betting windows May 6-7, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (both gr. I) days, is partnering with The Red Mile to add betting windows.

Georgia Gets Horse Racing Study Committee

The Georgia House of Representatives has created the House Study Committee on the Horse Racing Industry, a boost to those seeking to win approval for pari-mutuel racing in the state.

Report: KY Instant Racing to Appeals Court

The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled the Instant Racing case will be heard by the state Court of Appeals before it tackles the issue.

Evans: CDI Prepared for Internet Gambling

Churchill Downs Inc. plans to expand beyond pari-mutuel wagering should online gambling be legalized on the state or federal levels, company officials said March 15.

KY Bill to Regulate ADW Providers Progresses

Legislation calling for state licensing of advance deposit wagering companies advanced March 2 as Kentucky lawmakers try to get a handle on the fast-growing operations.

KY Group Does About-Face on Instant Racing

The Family Foundation of Kentucky, in an about-face, is attempting to slow the process by which a ruling on Instant Racing will be issued by the courts.

Instant Racing Bill Passes Virginia Senate

The Virginia Senate has again approved legislation authorizing Instant Racing--wagering on historical races--but the bill's reception in the House remains uncertain.

Judge: Instant Racing Rules Under KHRC Valid

A Kentucky circuit court judge has ruled draft regulations for Instant Racing "are a valid and lawful exercise" of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's statutory authority.

Distribution Plan Has Potential, Some Bumps

A transition of simulcast signals to the DISH Network offers long-term positives for the horse racing industry -- including the possibility of new revenue -- but in the short term, the road has been a bit bumpy.

Racing Keeps Eye on Internet Poker Bill

The pari-mutuel industry could end up with some benefits should Congress opt to use legalization of Internet poker to help fund continuation of broad tax cuts agreed upon by Republicans and President Obama.

Aspects of ADW Hashed Out in Kentucky

A Nov. 19 discussion of proposed regulations for advance deposit wagering in Kentucky drew calls for disclosure of revenue and concerns over the impact ADW is having on purses in the state.

Bowker Named GM of Premier Turf Club

Long-time racing industry executive Todd Bowker has been named general manager of Premier Turf Club, which operates a wagering platform that hubs through Oregon.

'Jockey Bet' Returns for Breeders' Cup

John Velazquez and Julien Leparoux are the co-second choices at 5-1 behind a 3-1 "mutuel field" for the 2010 Breeders' Cup Jockey Bet during the Nov. 5-6 World Championships at Churchill Downs.

Remington Bomber Posts Win Payoff Record

Halt Thoroughbred Inc.'s Van Nistelrooy Gal set a new record for a win payoff at Remington Park when the 5-year-old mare won a $7,500 claiming event at 141-1 the evening of Oct. 21.

Handle Down, But Decline Not as Severe

Total pari-mutuel handle on United States racing through September 2010 was about $700 million behind the figure for the same period in 2009, according to the latest Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators.

Hialeah Cuts Takeout Rate to 12% for All Bets

Hialeah Park, a racetrack traditionally known for its high pari-mutuel takeout, has greatly reduced it to 12% across the board.

Issues Hinder International Simulcast Growth

Widespread international simulcasts may be a goal of the United States horse racing industry, but it could be a pipedream unless numerous obstacles are overcome and there is a mindset change.

Computer Bettors Survey Industry Landscape

Proponents of computer-assisted wagering sought Sept. 21 to dispel what they say are misconceptions -- and they also offered some advice to the struggling pari-mutuel industry.

BC Has Deal for British, Irish Wagering

At The Races and SIS won the exclusive right to license betting operations in Great Britain and Ireland for pari-mutuel wagering on the Nov. 5-6 Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Changes in CA Bill Trigger Track Opposition

A bill that would not only increase takeout on exotic wagers in California but also introduce "exchange wagering" to the state has drawn opposition within the racing industry.

ADW Fee Cap Impacting Illinois Racing

A 5% cap imposed by the Illinois Racing Board on account wagering fees charged by out-of-state racetracks to send their signals to customers in Illinois has led to a significant downturn in wagering from those sources.

Document Outlines Suggestions for NYCOTB

A group of creditors involved in the NYCOTB bankruptcy proceeding has suggested a number of changes, including a 1% surcharge on wagers, according to a June document.

NJ Panel OKs Bill on Betting Exchange

A New Jersey Assembly committee released a bill June 17 that would allow exchange betting on horse racing.

What's Going On Here: Hidden Handle

How can handle numbers be so elusive in an industry as regulated as pari-mutuel wagering?

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Industry Hoping to Avoid ADW Disruptions

The pari-mutuel industry is taking steps to avoid disruptions to advance deposit wagering stemming from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

TrackNet Media Partnership Coming to an End

Churchill Downs Inc. and MI Developments said May 14 they will dissolve TrackNet Media Group, a company formed to address signal pricing and distribution.

Avioli: Domestic Issues Thwart Global Promise

The United States Thoroughbred industry is making efforts to expand into the global marketplace but must get past its domestic-centric mindset, Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli said April 26.

Dogs to Horses: Pay Attention, Be Proactive

The Greyhound racing industry has some words of advice for the horse racing industry: Pay attention to what's going on.

Calder Casino Gets Off to Modest Start

During the first full month of operation, slot machines at Calder Casino & Race Course placed third in pre-tax revenue among the five pari-mutuel casinos in southeast Florida.

Sci Games to Sell Racing-Related Business

Scientific Games Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its racing and venue management businesses to Great Britain-based Sportech Plc for about $75 million.

Georgians Are Divided Over Horse Racing

While some horse racing officials in Georgia believe a resolution that would allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering has a good chance of being approved, others oppose the proposal in its current form.

Churchill, Youbet.com to Provide Merger Data

Churchill Downs Inc. has announced that the United States Justice Department has asked for more information related to its proposed $126.8-million deal to buy online rival Youbet.com.

New York OTB Report: Racing Being Threatened

A state task force is recommending a series of changes in the law to address new competition for dwindling betting dollars and repair a situation that has created a damaging war in New York racing.

Aussie Debate Rings True in North America

Racing industry participants in Australia are seeking "certainty based on a fair return" from betting operators and have taken their case to a commission charged with helping government make better policies.

TRPB Developing 'Tote Security Initiative'

The Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau publicly acknowledged Dec. 17 its work on a "tote-enhancing initiative designed to address fan concerns with pari-mutuel wagering and improve efficiency and security in the future."

Betfair Wants to Expand U.S. Wagering

Betfair, operator of the Great Britain-based betting exchange and owner of TVG, wants to work with the United States pari-mutuel industry to expand wagering opportunities, a top official with the company said Dec. 8.

Horsemen Seek Involvement in Betfair Deals

Thoroughbred horsemen plan to meet with Betfair officials Dec. 7 to ensure they are party to contracts the Great Britain-based company is signing with United States racetracks for their content.

Kentucky Commission Hires Wagering Supervisor

Gregory Lamb, an auditor with the Colorado Division of Racing for the past 18 years, has been hired as supervisor of pari-mutuel wagering for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.