The Kentucky Derby’s parent company, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), is divesting a substantial portion of its subsidiary, United Tote, to the New York Racing Association (NYRA). In this transaction, NYRA, a non-profit overseeing New York’s premier racetracks, will obtain a 49% ownership interest in United Tote.
While relinquishing nearly half of the company, Churchill Downs will maintain authority over United Tote’s pari-mutuel betting activities. This strategic alliance aims to capitalize on the strengths of both entities to innovate and broaden the scope of horse racing, especially within the rapidly expanding realm of sports wagering.
Under this partnership, NYRA will migrate its pari-mutuel betting systems to United Tote in 2023. Both CDI and NYRA express confidence that this collaboration will yield a more efficient and technologically sophisticated betting platform for racing aficionados.
The agreement, anticipated to be concluded by late 2022 subject to regulatory clearance, aligns with the strategy articulated by Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen during the company’s latest financial results announcement. He underscored the significance of adjusting to the dynamic sports betting environment and engaging new demographics in the sport of horse racing.
Hes completely certain that wagering on equestrian events has a place within the realm of sports gambling. He firmly believes it will eventually be available throughout the United States, accessible to every sports gambler.
At the start of this year, Caesars Sportsbook collaborated with NYRA Bets, the New York Racing Association’s official wagering platform, to introduce a new application aptly named “Racebook.”
The app became operational in Florida and Ohio in early June.