Three of New York State’s six regional off-track betting corporations -- Western, Capital and Suffolk -- have announced formation of a state-wide betting council
and joint venture agreement, under which they will work together to streamline operations with coordinated projects.
The plan, which makes overtures to New York City OTB, Catskill and Nassau to join the loose federation, was announced by Marty Basinait, president and CEO of Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs.
John Signor, president of Capital OTB, said as a result of the amalgamation racing fans in New York state would see improvement in a new joint website, internet wagering, marketing, video streaming and customer service.
Betting at state OTBs dropped 10.3% last year.
The three current members of the betting council will launch a radio campaign in the next two months, announcing benefits for bettors from the new entity.
(With files from HTA)