Total TVG Handle Up 42% in 2004

Total wagering on the TV Games Network increased 42% in 2004, and grew 29% in the fourth-quarter of 2004, the network said in a Feb. 24 release. The increase in business was punctuated by record single-day total wagering of $5,148,375 on May 1, Kentucky Derby (gr. I) day.

For the year, TVG processed $303,490,689 in wagers, up from $213,725,181 in 2003, when wagering rose 34% from the previous year. Wagering for the fourth quarter of 2004 was $81,804,481.

"We are pleased about the growing consumer acceptance of TVG's television and wagering products," TVG president Ryan O'Hara said. "In the coming year, we will continue to focus on creating a unique customer experience through enhancements in TVG network television programming and our online service, TVG.com, to further establish product acceptance and brand loyalty in the marketplace."

In addition to record wagering, TVG's television network experienced a 14% increase in cable and satellite television distribution and is currently available in more than 14 million homes.