The New York Racing Association announced July 4 that a contractual impasse between NYRA and FanDuel Racing has led to the eliminating of all NYRA content from FanDuel wagering platforms. As a result, pari-mutuel wagering and live video from the ongoing Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet are not currently available on FanDuel, formerly known as TVG.
NYRA said it would continue negotiations with FanDuel to resolve the dispute and fulfill its goal of increasing funds flowing to the sport and its stakeholders in New York.
"NYRA provides the racing content that fuels the profits of out-of-state ADWs like TVG/FanDuel," Tony Allevato, NYRA chief revenue officer, said in a release. "NYRA must prioritize the overall health of the sport and broader industry here in New York and we will continue negotiations to seek an equitable resolution so that our racing is widely available nationally."
Following NYRA's announcement, FanDuel issued a statement saying it hopes to "have this content available again soon."
"We cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements," the statement continued. "We understand and regret that this will be an inconvenience to our customers. We have made, and will continue to make, substantial investments in horse racing and we remain very committed to our track and horsemen partners,"
FanDuel, the largest processor of legal sports betting and horse racing wagering in North America, has offered wagering on NYRA races since the company first launched its advance-deposit wagering in 2000. In addition to wagering, the network provides wide television exposure.
NYRA also is actively involved in televising its races via FOX and its supporting sports channels.
It is not uncommon for racetracks and ADW providers to have contractual disputes, often with an eventual resolution that restores signal and wagering access. Negotiations are often most contested when a racetrack is nearing an important race or race meet, creating rising demand. NYRA's prestigious summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course begins July 11.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and New York Thoroughbred Breeders expressed their support for NYRA in the release distributed by the racetrack operator.
"New York's horse owners are deeply invested in making the NYRA racing product the best in the country," NYTHA president Tina Bond said in the release. "We staunchly agree that fair compensation for that investment is absolutely imperative. If the New York Thoroughbred industry thrives, we all benefit."
"NYRA is working to broaden the economic benefits flowing to New York's horse racing industry, and our membership supports these efforts in every way," added Najja Thompson, NYTB executive director. "The funds generated by ADWs carrying NYRA support breeding farms throughout the state, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with NYRA."
Wagering on NYRA races remains available via other ADWs, including the operator's NYRA Bets platform.
