The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS) is returning to the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, New York from Aug. 10-12.
The RGCS is an intensive, premier forum for industry decision-makers, stakeholders and racing and gaming patrons to analyze trends in all sectors – both in New York and nationally – as well as to discuss critical issues and to share ideas.
NBC’s Steve Kornacki will headline this year's conference with a discussion called “Concentration, Competition and the Future of American Horse Racing.”
Other topics include:
- Integrity, Horse Welfare, and the Human Element in Racing
- Regulatory Modernization in U.S. Racing and HISA Update
- Prediction Markets: Innovation or Regulatory and Legal Challenge
- Downstate Casinos and the Future of Gaming in the Northeast
- Prop Bets, Point Shaving, and Game Integrity
- iGaming: Inevitable Innovation or Passing Fancy?
- Regulation, Competition, and Conflicts in the Gaming Ecosystem
- The Future of Historical Horse Racing
- Can the $100/Week Bettor Compete with CAWs?
- A Bet Is a Bet … Or Is It?
The conference will also offer signature events such as a welcome party at the historic Adelphi Hotel, twilight racing Happy Hour and a day at the races at Saratoga Race Course.
Registration for the RGCS is open. Early-bird rates are available for those who register before July 9. Registration fees and hotel information is available by clicking here.
This year’s event will include a special charitable initiative supporting the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association (SHHA). This year’s RGCS charitable focus follows heightened attention to the needs of the Saratoga harness community after a tragic barn fire last month. As reported by the New York Times, the incident resulted in significant loss and has prompted industry‑wide efforts to provide relief and long‑term support for affected horsepeople and their families. The SHHA has been central in coordinating assistance, underscoring the importance of strengthening resources for those who sustain the sport.
To recognize the vital support this organization provides to the harness racing community, RGCS encourages conference attendees to make a donation to the dedicated GoFundMe page available by clicking here. In addition, RGCS will be making a $2,500 USD contribution to assist during this difficult time.
“The harness racing community is built on resilience, dedication and a deep love for the sport,” said Patrick Brown, Co‑Director of RGCS. “In a year when the Saratoga community has faced unimaginable hardship, it is more important than ever for all of us to stand together. Supporting SHHA is not only the right thing to do, but it also reflects the values that define this conference and the people who make racing possible.”
“RGCS has always been about bringing people together to strengthen the future of racing and gaming,” said Juliann Barreto, Co‑Director of RGCS and COO of Spectrum Gaming Group. “This initiative allows us to give back to the individuals and families who form the backbone of the harness racing community. We are proud to help amplify their needs and encourage our attendees to join us in making a meaningful impact.”
(With files from Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga)