Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

SBOAJN Settles TVG Issues with NJSEA

FEbruary 15, 2007

The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey has amicably resolved differences with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) and Television Games Network (TVG) regarding interstate wagering on harness racing simulcast from The Meadowlands racetrack.

As a result of an agreement signed by all parties, the SBOANJ’s lawsuit against the Sports Authority and TVG will be dropped without prejudice and preserving horsemen’s rights, including approval or disapproval of the acceptance of interstate off-track wagers on Meadowlands races under the Interstate Horse Race Wagering Act of 1978.

The lawsuit was filed after the Sports Authority awarded an exclusive, one-year contract to TVG. One of the major concerns of the SBOANJ about that exclusive contract was the availablity of the Meadowlands harness racing signal to the Racetrack Television Network (RTN), which is watched by thousands of harness fans and bettors.

Under the signed agreement, TVG, which subsequent to the awarding of the contract made the signal available to RTN, has agreed to continue that practice. In addition, TVG has agreed to use reasonable efforts to enter into sublicense agreements for NJSEA races with other licensed U. S. account wagering providers recommended by NJSEA.

Another important aspect of the settlement is that the Sports Authority will give a title sponsorship to TVG for an existing major Standardbred stakes race at The Meadowlands of at least $500,000. TVG also has agreed to meet with the SBOANJ and discuss the marketing of Meadowlands racing and an affiliates program for SBOANJ members to receive TVG programming.

“The horsemen are not giving up any legal rights,” said SBOANJ president Thomas F. Luchento. “If anything comes up in the future, the SBOA will still have its full rights,” he added. (SBOANJ)