TVG exclusivity strikes again

[trigger]

"The program will be eligible to customers of NYRA Rewards telephone wagering program. For new customers, who must also sign up with Rewards, the program will only be eligible to residents of New York and Connecticut; Ryan said a NYRA broadcast contract with TVG prevents residents from other states from participating in the new internet program. (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38636)"

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38636

[andicap]

Look at the bright side. NYRA's deal with TVG expires at the end of 2007 with the franchise. In the current enviroment I highly doubt it will sign another such deal.

[Indulto]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/84415.html (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84415.html)
Account-wagering battle leaves bettors out in cold By MATT HEGARTY

… NYRA officials aren't happy. When AmericaTab lost its TVG contract, it meant that NYRA lost access to AmericaTab's extensive subscriber base, leading Charles Hayward, NYRA's chief executive, to question TrackNet's motives.

"What's ironic is that TrackNet is saying that they didn't think it was right dealing with an exclusive - quote-unquote - but now they've created their own exclusivity," Hayward said. "So what's being asked is a little disingenuous. They're saying you can't do business with an exclusive unless it's our exclusive. But the biggest problem is, who's the biggest loser? Once again, the biggest loser is the racing fan."

[trigger]

Look at the bright side. NYRA's deal with TVG expires at the end of 2007 with the franchise. In the current enviroment I highly doubt it will sign another such deal.

Don't count on it. TVG paid NYRA about $14 million up front for the last exclusivity renewal....details of about this payment were never made public.
Also,interestingly, per the NYRA bankruptcy listing of their outstanding debts, TVG shows up for big bucks.

[garyoz]

It is unlikely that NYRA-One will attract many users from outside the region, unless they cut-off all other ADW services from their signal. Unlikely given the TVG payment. Also, as posted elsewhere, TVG at least takes monies from their handle and puts it back into programming and production. The wild card of course, is who gets the franchise and their degree of stupidity. If the Magna and CDSN venture win, it will all be moot (and we have some idea of how stupid they are). There are so many threads on this topic and TrackNet that it is becoming redundant.

Finally if you don't like TVG, the off button is always available. I've always been ambivalent of TVG, but I'm becoming a supporter given the behavior of the tracks, and TrackNet in particular. Unintended consequences, TrackNet is creating sympathy and support for TVG and ill will toward ADW services like AmericaTab--not to mention that vaporware service of Twinspires.

[highnote]

not to mention that vaporware service of Twinspires.

Excellent point. This is a major blunder. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

Pardon the pun.

Care to venture what the odds are that they will be online by Derby day?