“Crisis Situation”: Racing Board Reacts to OTB Closing

Senate nixes rescue plan

The New York Racing and Wagering Board has approved measures aimed at capturing at least some of the revenue the state stands to lose with the shutdown of New York City Off-Track Betting.

The board had an emergency meeting Wednesday to authorize streamlining the process former New York City OTB bettors can use to quickly sign up for Internet betting on state-regulated sites.

The board also approved letting several betting entities start the process immediately, which would dramatically reduce delays for bettors to sign up.

The service will now be offered by the Nassau and Catskill off-track betting corporations, the Saratoga and Yonkers harness tracks and the New York Racing Association.

More OTBs and tracks are expected to follow.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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