NYRA content axed from TVG/FanDuel wagering platforms over contract row
Dispute means no pari-mutuel betting on the ‘Belmont at the Big A’ meet available on the Flutter-owned services
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) – a not-for-profit corporation that operates the three largest thoroughbred tracks in New York – has removed all its content on TVG and FanDuel TV with immediate effect.
The reason behind the move is a “contractual impasse” between the NYRA and the Flutter-owned horseracing wagering platforms.
It meant that yesterday, July 4, all pari-mutuel wagering and live video from ‘Belmont at the Big A’ spring and summer meet were not available on TVG or FanDuel TV.
With the popular summer meet at Saratoga taking place in under a week, on July 11, there are concerns this will also be pulled from the platforms.
FanDuel TV and OTT platform FanDuel+ launched in 2022, with FanDuel TV available in up to 60 million homes.
Tony Allevato, NYRA chief revenue officer, said: “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.”
The NYRA pointed out that the NYRA Bets website and app is the official wagering platform of Belmont at the Big A, while betting on the meet is also accessible via Caesars Racebook, BetMGM, and other advance deposit wagering platforms.
Addressing the contractual impasse, Tina Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), stressed the need for “fair compensation” to support the racing product.
“New York’s horse owners are deeply invested in making the NYRA racing product the best in the country,” Bond said.
“We staunchly agree that fair compensation for that investment is absolutely imperative. If the New York thoroughbred industry thrives, we all benefit.”
A spokesman for FanDuel said in a statement: “We cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements.
“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.”
Elsewhere, in the UK, Flutter-owned Sky Bet and Paddy Power opted not to offer odds on a race meet at Bath this week over a dispute with Arena Racing Company regarding the cost of media rights.
However, both bookmakers later performed a U-turn and offered wagering on the six-race card, albeit starting price only.