TVG Reports Total Handle Gain of 18% on Derby Day

TV Games Network set a one-day handle record of $7,555,958 Kentucky Derby day, May 6. The amount was up 18% from Derby day in 2005.

The total handle included $2,937,067 on the Derby, held at Churchill Downs.

For the first-quarter of 2006, TVG processed $71,555,173 in wagers, up 16% from the same period in 2005 and the highest first-quarter total in company history.

"Our Kentucky Derby handle and overall first-quarter results continue to show that consumers are responding positively to TVG, and that our network provides significant value for our racetrack and cable partners," TVG general manager David Nathanson said in a statement.

TVG this year expanded its pre-Derby "The Works" show to one hour, and for the first time offered "The Works" on demand to customers of Insight Communications. On May 10, TVG will launch 11 new shows and new graphics.

"On the heels of a very successful year for TVG, we're excited about these changes to our program schedule which are intended to contemporize our approach to coverage of horse racing, improve the viewing experience for TVG's fans, and take the network to the next level," Nathanson said.