Ellis Changing Historical Racing Operations
Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky., is seeking to make changes in its historical racing operations, including removal of 50 terminals that will be sent to Kentucky Downs in Franklin.
Pari Mutuel Wagering
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KY Instant Racing Handle Nears $600 Million
If the monthly average holds, total wagering on historical races in Kentucky will top $600 million by the end of February. The devices have been operating in the state for 29 months.
Fair Grounds Cuts Overnight Purses 10%
Overnight purses at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots have been reduced 10% for the rest of the current race meet, track officials said Feb. 20.
Split Decision in Instant Racing Ruling
The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled the state's horse racing commission has the statutory authority to allow wagering on historical racing, but questions about taxation will require further action in circuit court.
Report Reflects Competition Faced by Delaware
Total on-site pari-mutuel wagering at Delaware Park in 2013 totaled $149.2 million, down 4.1% from $155.5 million in 2012, according to the annual report released Feb. 6 by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.
Status of Florida Gaming Bill Uncertain
The Florida Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries Feb. 3 renewed their request for the Florida legislature to clarify state laws on the definition of a horse race and released a study on breeding and racing's impact.
Charles Town Gets Funds for Barn Surveillance
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races Jan. 21 received funding to install a camera surveillance system in its barn area and make upgrades to existing equipment.
NJRC to Discuss Closure of Casino Race Books
An agenda for the Jan. 15 New Jersey Racing Commission meeting lists the following item for discussion and information: a shutdown of four Atlantic City casino race books.
Wagering Declines Lead to Fair Grounds Cuts
Citing an overall decline in wagering, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has canceled four stakes and cut purses for a dozen others, including the Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II), which went from $500,000 to $400,000.
Wagering on U.S. Harness Races Up 6% in 2013
- By Tom LaMarra
Wagering on harness races in the United States increased 6.07% in 2013, while purses paid were up 4%, according to statistics released Jan. 6 by the United States Trotting Association.
Average Daily Handle, Purses Up in Maryland
The Maryland Jockey Club reported average daily pari-mutuel handle on live racing was up 4.1% in 2013 versus 2012 thanks to growth in export wagering. Purses, meanwhile, continued to increase in Maryland.
Penn National Sets Average Handle Record
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course posted a record daily average pari-mutuel handle for its 197-night meet in 2013, a track official said Dec. 30.
Questions Linger as FL Dates Deadline Nears
With New Year's Eve approaching, it's time for Gulfstream Park and Calder Casino & Race Course to fire the first shots in their next battle over racing dates.
NJ Senate Committee OKs Instant Racing Bill
A New Jersey Senate committee Dec. 9 approved legislation that would authorize historical race wagering, also known as Instant Racing, at the state's racetracks, off-track wagering parlors, and casino race books.
Rebate Standards Signed Into Law in New York
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation to create a statewide standard for rebate programs at racetracks and off-track betting corporations.
October Handle Increases 8.3% From 2012
- By Tom LaMarra
Despite 25 fewer racing programs, commingled wagering on United States races increased 8.3% in October versus the same month in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators.
Two-Day Breeders' Cup Wagering Up 11%
Strong wagering on Nov. 2 fueled an 11% increase in total commingled pari-mutuel handle for the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park, according to figures released by the organization.
Breeders' Cup Reports 8% Hike in Total Handle
Breeders' Cup reported that total commingled pari-mutuel handle for its Nov. 1 program at Santa Anita Park on Friday was up 8% from 2012.
Breeders' Cup Hoping Fields Fuel Wagering
When the overnight sheets for Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park were released, Breeders' Cup officials couldn't help but be satisfied. And they're hoping it means strong pari-mutuel wagering on this year's World Championships.
Positive Signs for 2013 Delaware Park Meet
Despite 12 fewer live racing days, all-sources pari-mutuel handle during the Delaware Park meet was only down about $1.5 million, while average daily handle increased 13.2%.
Breeders' Cup: Tradition, But Not Status Quo
As the Breeders' Cup World Championships approaches its 30th edition, some things have become standard from an operations perspective, while others continue to change. As questions are answered, new ones are asked.
Mixed Bag for NYRA at Fan Advisory Meeting
Pari-mutuel takeout rates and other issues were discussed during a lightly attended meeting of the New York State Racing Fan Advisory Council Oct. 19 at Belmont Park.
Broad Takeout Changes? Don't Hold Your Breath
Racing executives indicated Oct. 9 there is little chance of the Thoroughbred racing industry developing a comprehensive analysis of lower pari-mutuel takeout rates.
Projections Indicate Fewer Races a Necessity
- By Tom LaMarra
By 2016 the number of starters in Thoroughbred races is projected to be about 39% less than it was in 2003 based on Equibase statistics discussed Oct. 8 during the International Simulcast Conference in Lexington.
Panel: Transform On-Site Racing Experience
Upgrading the on-site customer experience, be it for live horse racing or full-card simulcasts, is critical to the growth of the business, panelists said Oct. 7 on the first day of the International Simulcast Conference.
Schedule Changes Fuel Portland Handle Growth
Portland Meadows in Oregon concluded its short summer meet Sept. 29 with substantial increases in pari-mutuel handle.
Tampa Bay Tops Again in FL Host-Track Battle
Tampa Bay Downs finished first again in August in Florida for host-track revenue on import simulcasts, and it appears that questions about the track's year-round eligibility for host status will remain unresolved for now.
FL Lawmakers to Review Many Gaming Scenarios
The Florida Senate Committee on Gaming was told Sept. 23 it will review multiple scenarios prepared by a consultant in regard to the possible expansion of gambling in the state.
Wagering, Purses Have Healthy August
- By Tom LaMarra
Wagering on United States races was strong in August, with a 4.69% increase from the same month in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase Sept. 4.
No Easy Answers in South Florida Track Battle
Southeast Florida began its fourth head-to-head racing weekend July 27 with Gulfstream holding an almost 2-1 edge in pari-mutuel handle and Calder rejecting speculation it might soon cancel racing dates.
Mixed Bag as Florida Tracks Go Head-to-Head
The first weekend showdown between Calder Casino & Race Course and Gulfstream Park had both tracks claiming some wagering success.
NJ Legislation Would Authorize Instant Racing
A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced a bill to authorize historical race wagering, also called Instant Racing, at racetracks, off-track wagering facilities, and casinos in the state.
Total Handle Up, Average Down at Pimlico
Seven more live racing dates during the spring meet at Pimlico Race Course led to an increase in total pari-mutuel handle, but the daily average declined, the Maryland Jockey Club reported June 11.
Penn Mile Boosts PNGI 'Big Event' Program
The inaugural $500,000 Penn Mile June 1 helped Penn National Gaming Inc. continue a trend of sharp gains in pari-mutuel handle on "big event" programs at the company's racetracks.
Legislature OKs Instant Racing at Portland
The Oregon Senate May 23 passed legislation authorizing Portland Meadows to install historical racing machines. The measure now goes to the governor for his consideration.
Judge Rules Barrel Racing in Violation of Law
An administrative law judge in Florida ruled May 6 the state can't allow pari-mutuel barrel racing under current law.
Handle Up Slightly, Purses Drop in April
Wagering on United States racing in April registered a small year-over-year gain, but purses were down from April in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase May 5.
NY Lawmaker Uses Derby to Push City OTB
A New York lawmaker May 4 said he will introduce legislation authorizing off-track betting at New York City bars that offered it before New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. went bust and closed in 2010.
IL Racing Threatened by Legislative Stalling
Illinois racing dates may be vacated and laboratory operations curtailed if the state legislature does not quickly reauthorize advance deposit wagering, Illinois Racing Board officials said April 30.
Average Daily Handle Down 4% at Turfway Meet
Though total pari-mutuel handle during the recent winter/spring meet at Turfway Park fell almost 30% from the same meet in 2012, average daily handle was down 4% because of 11 fewer live racing days.
Keeneland Again Tops HANA Racetrack Ratings
For the fifth consecutive year, Keeneland, which begins its spring meet April 5, topped the 2013 racetrack ratings produced by the Horseplayers Association of North America.
March Wagering Down Slightly From 2012
- By Tom LaMarra
Commingled pari-mutuel handle for March was $983,428,969, down only 0.11% from the same month in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase April 4.
Handle on Live Pennsylvania Races Up 12%
Purses paid at six racetracks in Pennsylvania in 2012 increased 1% while wagering on the live product was up 12% from the previous year, according to the latest benchmark report prepared by regulators.
Handle, Purses, Race Days Decline in February
- By Tom LaMarra
Pari-mutuel wagering, purses, and race days all declined in February compared with the same month in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase March 4.
KY Lawmaker Questions Raid on Instant Racing
The Kentucky House Feb. 27 passed legislation that in part would take revenue from historical race wagering to fund pensions for state workers, but one lawmaker questioned the bill's impact on the horse industry.
Historical Race Wagers Now Legal in Wyoming
Wyoming became the second state to enact wagering on historical races via legislative action and the signature of the governor Feb. 27.
Mountaineer Approved for Mobile Wagering
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, which begins its 2013 meet March 1, has been cleared to offer mobile wagering.
Portland Meadows Seeking Historical Racing
The Oregon horse racing and breeding industry is making a push for historical race wagering at Portland Meadows, which last year raced in the summer and fall with mixed results.
Kentucky ADW Tax Clears House Committee
The Kentucky House Appropriations and Revenue Committee passed legislation authorizing a tax on advance deposit wagering Feb. 12, but it remains to be seen if all parties agree on the language in the measure.
Handle Down, Purses Increase in January
- By Tom LaMarra
Wagering on United States races dropped 2.02% in January when compared with the same month in 2012, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase Feb. 4.
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