TVG, AmericaTAB Sign Licensing, Content Deal

TV Games Network and AmericaTAB have signed a patent license and content agreement that allows AmericaTAB to accept wagers on TVG's exclusive partner tracks, and implement TVG technology.

AmericaTAB, which like TVG operates a wagering hub in Oregon, is an umbrella for several wagering services, including WinTicket.com. The primary partners in AmericaTAB, which actually began years ago as Ohio TAB, are Beulah Park and River Downs, two Ohio racetracks.

"We believe that this agreement will continue to accelerate revenue growth for TVG and our racetrack partners," TVG president Mark Wilson said in a statement. "Along with the Youbet.com agreement that we completed last year, this is another example of the open licensure model for account wagering that TVG has advocated for some time.

"The model maximizes the deployment of our television network and our track partners' racing content in a way that provides fair and secure revenue streams--making this a winning proposition for all parties involved."

According to a prepared statement, TVG granted AmericaTAB a non-exclusive license to make and use automated telephone and PC-based interactive wagering systems that incorporate TVG's patented technology, and the non-exclusive right to video stream and accept interactive bets by telephone or computer from the company's exclusive partner racetracks.

In follow-up comments, Wilson said TVG wouldn't discuss the revenue model in place for the deal.

"We're not disclosing particulars of the agreement other than to our partners, but I will say that TVG feels the deal we have with AmericaTAB fairly compensates us for our patent-protected technology, production, and distribution systems," Wilson said.

"We believe that this agreement ensures the continued growth of AmericaTAB by giving our company the ability to offer our customers telephone and PC wagering on the best racing in the U.S. on a year-around basis, and to benefit from TVG's nationally distributed television network," AmericaTAB president and Beulah Park owner Charlie Ruma said. "This relationship is in the best interest of horseracing."

According to the WinTicket.com Web site, AmericaTAB began taking wagers on tracks owned by Churchill Downs Inc., an exclusive TVG partner, in early May. The agreement with the Churchill Downs Simulcast Network covers Arlington Park, Calder Race Course, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Hollywood Park, and Hoosier Park.