Three racetracks in the state of New York have formed what they describe as a "unique and unprecedented" alliance to help better promote their harness racing products.
The three racetracks – Empire City Casino, Saratoga Casino and Raceway and Batavia Downs – will launch an online handicapping contest through their eBet Technologies-powered advance deposit wagering sites EmpireCityBets, SaratogaBets and BataviaBets.
Throughout April, the sites will offer over $4,000 in prizes through contests that will be held every Friday night, featuring New York harness racing, with two separate contests to be conducted on alternate Saturdays, featuring Aqueduct and Keeneland racing content.
Players from each site will pay into the same contest pool, marking the first time such a collaborative game has been launched by the trio.
Alongside the regularly scheduled contests, syndicated handicapping content will be made available across each of the three ADW sites, with daily selections and analysis provided by pundits.
The three racetracks praised the New York State Gaming Commission for supporting and assisting in launching the initiative.
“Traditionally, racing entities have focused on brick and mortar outlets to host handicapping competitions, but we see tremendous potential in the online component,” Saratoga Casino and Raceway director of racing operations John Matarazzo said. “This alliance was forged to reach this expanding demographic and help re-define that segment of this industry.”
Michael Kane, president and CEO of Batavia owners Western Region OTB added: “Working collectively with our partners in the New York racing industry is now more important than ever.
“I would like to thank the New York State Gaming Commission for its approval of this concept, and we look forward to additional synergies amongst New York's racing stakeholders in the coming months.”
Empire City Casino general manager Robert Galterio said that it was “imperative” that the racetracks continue such collective efforts to secure the future of horse racing in New York.
Gaming Intelligence
