Sona Takes Advantage of New NY Law
New York-based wireless solutions provider Sona Mobile Holdings Corp. (SNMB) is cashing in on a regulation adopted last month by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board allowing horse race wagering via the Internet and other electronic platforms, including cell phones.
Thanks to the new regulation, SNMB has formed a partnership with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the owner and operator of the three largest racetracks in New York, and will launch an NYRA-branded online wagering platform by the end of the first quarter of 2007.
The new rule, which came into effect on Jan. 22, was approved for only 90 days. The permanent rule is expected to be finalized upon satisfactory review by the state Office of Regulatory Reform and submission to the Department of State for public comment. The rule will not be adopted by the board until the completion of the 45-day public comment period
The rule outlines the reporting, record keeping, operational and application guidelines for racetracks and off track betting corporations that intend to offer wagering using electronic platforms.
Sci Games, Camarero Link Up
New York-based lottery and pari-mutuel solutions provider Scientific Games has signed an 11-year contract with Puerto Rico-based racetrack operator the Camarero Group to provide tote, data communications and simulcast satellite uplink equipment and services. The Camarero Group operates Hipodromo Camarero, the sole thoroughbred racetrack in Puerto Rico, and a network of 650 off track betting shops. It also broadcasts a television program called "International Thoroughbred Action" throughout the island and to other countries. The deal is expected to produce revenues of approximately $2 million per year.
Caborn: Tote Deal Close to Final
U.K. sports minister Richard Caborn is expecting a favorable decision "in principle" regarding the sale of the Tote to an alliance of racecourse operators, racehorse owners and Tote directors within a month. The Racing Post reported last month that the £400 million ($783.3 million) was submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) by the Jan. 26 deadline and that Caborn said it satisfied the requirements of Treasury and his team.
Betfair Mounts Challenge in Western Australia
Internet betting exchange Betfair has issued proceedings in the High Court of Australia challenging the constitutionality of Western Australian anti-betting exchange laws. "Betfair has been left with no choice but to challenge the WA government's attempts to restrict free trade between the states," Betfair corporate and business affairs director Andrew Twaits told virtualformguide.com. Twaits said that the legislation prevents WA residents from placing bets with Betfair and, more broadly, prevents betting exchanges from operating in the state. Betfair is . . . disappointed that former Racing Minister Mark McGowan introduced this legislation without being willing to meet with Betfair to test his arguments from doing so," Twaits added.
NCLGS Approves RCI Integrity System
U.S. state legislators attending this year's winter meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to support an integrity system developed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI). NCLGS, the only organization of U.S. state lawmakers convening on a regular basis to discuss gaming issues, voted to support the multi-jurisdictional independent pari-mutuel wagering monitoring system at its meeting in Duck Key, Fla., held on the weekend of Jan. 12.
While electronic wagering on horse and greyhound racing is the only legalized gambling service in the United States that is not independently monitored, the resolution will ensure that U.S. pari-mutuel wagering maintains a secure simulcast wagering system, the Council said in a prepared statement.
The resolution was presented to the NCLGS Committee on Pari-Mutuels at its summer meeting in June 2007 and was deferred by the committee until its winter meeting for legislators to obtain additional information from local industry and regulators.
Blue Square Inks Greyhound Deal
The Greyhound Racing Association has inked a three-year sponsorship deal of its Greyhound Derby with online bookmaker Blue Square. The bookmaker's title sponsorship rights of the Derby, including year-round branding rights at Wimbledon Stadium, which hosts the race, will take effect in June 2007.