Symposium on Racing Slates Range of Topics

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Wagering Systems Task Force report and a look at emerging pari-mutuel markets are among the topics to be discussed at the University of Arizona Symposium on Racing Dec. 7-10 in Tucson.

The symposium will kick off with the Racing and Gaming Summit, which is co-hosted by Ascend Media Group, Dec. 7. Churchill Downs Inc. president Tom Meeker will be the keynote luncheon speaker.

The Dec. 8 slate includes a panel discussion on whether the United States should embrace betting exchanges, while the Dec. 9 lineup includes a discussion on the potential for handle growth in South America. On Dec. 10, panelists will discuss the task force report on wagering, as well as the future of the NTRA moving forward.

The NTRA presentation, the final one of the symposium, will include a 20-minute question-and-answer session. The organization is now mapping out its strategy for the next five years.

The symposium as usual will be held at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The university's Race Track Industry Program will offer a "Charity Casino Night" Dec. 7, at which participants can play casino-style games to benefit a student scholarship fund.