2002 - Harness Tracks of America, Inc.

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA
Executive Newsletter
A daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyond
Stanley F. Bergstein, Editor
MAGNA, TVG GET CAL OKS
In action that surprised some skeptical observers
who doubted that California phone betting would
progress this fast, the California Horse Racing
Board yesterday approved applications by
XpressBet, a division of Magna Entertainment,
and Television Games Network to operate advanced
deposit wagering systems in-state. The
systems will enable account holders to legally wager
on races run in California and other jurisdictions
by phone. The XpressBet license was granted
for two years, TVG’s for this year only. Magna’s
television will be launched soon, and will be offered
free on satellite TV through the end of February,
when a charge will be imposed for subscribers.
TVG already is in place, of course, and seen
in some 700,000 homes in California on the Dish
network. Board concern over cannibalization presumably
played a role in the differential in license
duration. Two commissioners, William Bianco and
television producer Alan Landsburg, voted against
the Magna license. TVG’s approval was unanimous,
7-0.
Because Magna and TVG were unable to reach
accord, those account holders wishing to bet on
Santa Anita, Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows,
and harness racing at Capitol Racing at Cal Expo
and out-of-state tracks, must use Magna’s
XpressBet. Those betting on races at Hollywood
Park, Los Alamitos, Del Mar, Fairplex and Oak
Tree at Santa Anita must wager through TVG.
Bettors wagering on out-of-state races can use
either service.
Both Jim McAlpine, president and CEO of Magna
Entertainment, and Mark Wilson, president
and CEO of TVG, said they are ready to roll immediately.
The board tabled applications
submitted by Youbet.com and Autotote Enterprises
until applications are complete.
Youbet said it expected that would be next
month.
January 25, 2002
MORE ON STICKS AND STONES
Fur has been flying in racing these days, as reported
yesterday. At the Maryland Racing Commission
meeting Wednesday, little got done except
name calling and ill will. The board deferred action
after more hassling, with the thoroughbred
horsemen and Maryland Jockey Club still feuding.
One commissioner, Terry Saxon, told the two
sides, “You guys can’t agree on anything. It’s
amazing.” Then, commissioner John Franzone and
MJC counsel and treasurer Marty Jacobs got into
a shouting match after Franzone called Laurel
dirty, saying a dead bird had been laying in the
same corner of the clubhouse for two months.
In Florida, meanwhile, it turns out that the heavyweight
bout between Palm Beach Kennel Club’s
Pat Rooney and lobbyist Jack Cory of the Florida
Greyhound Association, reported here yesterday,
was caught on videotape by a camera crew from
Tampa’s WFTS, channel 28. It showed Rooney
pushing Cory and saying, “That’s the last time I’m
going to put up with any of your s---.” Rep. Johnnie
Byrd told the station, “This is the American way.
Sometimes tempers flare. This is important work.”
Two lobbyists who broke up the fracas had nothing
to say.
ON THE VLT FRONT
If a crowd of 300 who gathered this week for a
public hearing on VLTs for the Saratoga Equine
Sports Center is any indication, things are in good
shape for the track. The Albany Times Union reports
a majority of the crowd “made it clear” that
they wanted the VLTs approved. In Batavia, meanwhile,
the Genesee county legislature approved
operation of video lottery terminals at Batavia
Downs 8-1, saying the move was “in the best interest
of the county and economic development
and tourism.” Marty Basinait hopes to be
in operation with the VLTs by Nov.1.