NYSRWB offers new rules

The New York State Racing and Wagering Board Thursday authorized the use of the internet and other communication devices as ways in which bettors can wager on horse races in New York State. The amended rules establish reporting, record keeping, operational and application requirements for racetrack operators and off-track betting corporations that intend to offer internet and telephone account wagering.

“The New York State and the Racing and Wagering Board needs to ensure that the hundreds of millions of dollars that may potentially be wagered by telephone and the internet, in any given year, can be accounted for using uniform and reliable methods,” said chairman Daniel D. Hogan. “These new guideless provide the necessary safeguards that allow for the use of state-of-the-art communication equipment in account wagering while preserving the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering throughout the state.”

Currently, authorized entities can only offer telephone wagering accounts at OTBs and racetracks throughout the state. The new rules, which come into effect on Jan. 22, 2007, allow account wagers to be made in person, via any telephonic device including cell phones, by the internet, or by communication through other electronic means.

Along with receiving approval from the Board before offering the expanded internet and telephone account wagering to customers, each pari-mutuel wagering entity must also:

• Require that account holders be at least 18 years of age;
• Require that each account holder provides verification of age and identity;
• Verify all account wagering transactions before acceptance of an account wager;
• Verify that the account has sufficient funds to pay for the wager;
• Provide for a recording for each transaction on a system separate from the totalisator system

The rules were authorized on an emergency basis so that entities offering the new forms of wagering can have time to implement the rules before the Jan. 22, 2007 effective date of the law. The Board also authorized a formal rule making process to run concurrently with the emergency rules so that the public will have an opportunity to comment.

To view the expanded internet and telephone account wagering guidelines, visit the “Rules & Proposed Changes” section of the Board’s website at: http://www.racing.state.ny.us/index.html. (NYSRWB)

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