You Bet International, Inc., a Los Angeles-based interactive technology company and Delta Downs horse racing track in Louisiana have announced a relationship whereby Delta Downs' live racing and wagering will be offered through the You Bet Network. The addition of Delta Downs results in all four tracks in Louisiana now offering online wagering. You Bet currently covers 16 tracks across the United States.
You Bet! essentially offers computer generated phone wagers via a relationship with Ladbroke in Pennsylvania. According to Steve Molnar, You Bet! Executive Vice President, this form of wagering has been approved by Pennsylvania's Harness Track Commission as an extension of the phone wagering law. They take bets from over 40 states in the US and simulcast the signals from the 16 member tracks. This system has been operating for over a year.
"We are delighted to be joining the You Bet Network," said Steve Nick, Director Of Media Relations of Delta Downs race track. "Now that all tracks in Louisiana are part of this revolution, the state positions itself as a forerunner in offering American horse racing to a global marketplace. Horse racing in the information age is here and we are proud to be a part of it."
IGN checked with Molnar about the addition of the four Louisiana tracks since Louisiana is one of two states that has expressly passed laws prohibiting "computer gambling." He noted that there were initially some questions and visits from the state police there; but, once the simulcasting arrangement was explained, "they understood."
"You Bet is delighted to have attracted Delta Downs to our roster of the best of the nation's horseracing. Delta Downs is going to be extremely popular because of its full fields, night racing and a variety of exotics," added Molnar.
Delta Downs celebrates its 26th year of operation this year, covering both quarter horse and thoroughbred horse racing. The You Bet Network will broadcast the thoroughbred races, which will run from January 14th to April 11th.