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  • US Horse Racing's NTRA Explains Wagering Systems Task Force
Press Releases

US Horse Racing's NTRA Explains Wagering Systems Task Force

Horse racing - 08 Mar 2004
   
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced further details of its Wagering Systems Task Force, recently approved by the NTRA Board of Directors at its first quarter meeting.

The objective of the Wagering Systems Task Force (WSTF) is to conduct a systematic, but expedited, review of the causes of reduced purse levels in U.S. horseracing, despite overall handle continuing to increase (along with other positive factors such as continued increases in public interest in horseracing, TV ratings and sponsorship). Among the possible factors that will be examined are: changing wagering patterns (e.g., from on-track to off-track); the growing practice of rebating (e.g., by some OTB or account wagering operators); evidence of simulcast signal piracy; the advent of Internet-based betting exchanges (e.g., in the U.K.); and perceived reductions in normal winning patterns or 'churn' due to computer-assisted pari-mutuel wagering.

With initial funding by the NTRA and, it is anticipated, other industry contributions, the Task Force will have access to a variety of expert professionals and specialists, in order to establish the facts in this complex set of circumstances and to make recommendations to the NTRA Board and industry at large for any appropriate remedial steps.

These resources will include the advice and participation of Giuliani Partners, led by former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani; National Economic Research Associates, led by partner Louis Guth; and the NTRA’s antitrust counsel, Richard Cirillo of King & Spalding (New York office), along with an intellectual property specialist.

'The NTRA Board, along with others, believes that it is essential to determine the facts in this situation, the reasons behind the recent purse declines and the best alternatives available to promote renewed growth including both track commissions and owner purses,' said NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith. 'We plan on taking the same approach as used on the wagering security issues last year: gather the relevant expertise and information, involve all major stakeholders and shape coordinated policy responses based on as much consensus and solid analysis as possible.'

Besides the NTRA, initial contributors to the Task Force include Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club and Keeneland.

The National HBPA, the TRA, TOC and other industry organizations are also contributing research, resources and expertise.

In addition, the NTRA will contribute substantial staff time and resources to the work of the WSTF, including Deputy Commissioner Greg Avioli as the Task Force’s Chair, and Sharon O’Bryan, recently named as Director of the National Office of Wagering Security, among other staff members and consultants.

The initial members of the WSTF, several of whom also served on the Wagering Technology Working Group last year, are listed below. The first meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for March 18th and 19th in New York City.

Wagering System Task Force Members

Greg Avioli, NTRA (Chair)

Paul Berube, TRPB

Ira Block, NYCOTB

Gary Carpenter, AQHA

Ron Charles, TOC

Drew Couto, TOC

Robert Flynn, NYTHA

Ed Hannah, MEC

Frank Lamb, NAPRA

Curtis Linnell, TRPB

Maggie Johnson, Keeneland Association

Alan Marzelli, The Jockey Club

Chris McErlean, HTA

Bill Nader, NYRA

Ron Nichol, Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency

Sharon O'Bryan, National Office of Wagering Security

Lonny Powell, ARCI

Doug Ramsey, TVG

Becky Reid, CDI

John Roark, National HBPA

Chris Scherf, TRA

David Willmot, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Maury Wolff, Economist and NTRA Players' Panel Representative

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horseracing interests, including the American Quarter Horse Association, charged with increasing popularity of horseracing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA and Breeders' Cup Limited also administer the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of eight races and $14 million in purses and awards, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com.

For more details contact:

Chip Tuttle (978) 804-3361
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