CDI, Nevada Reach Agreement for Winter Simulcasting

An agreement is in place between Churchill Downs Inc. and the Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association that will allow for a resumption in simulcast betting in Nevada this winter on racing from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Oaklawn Park, and Turfway Park, CDI confirmed Dec. 2.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Dec. 1 the breakthrough of the long-running simulcast dispute. The three tracks offer some of the best racing in the country during the winter months.

Signals for CDI-owned or simulcast-managed tracks began being withheld in late 2019 amid a dispute over a simulcast wagering fee increase from CDI, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. CDI owns both Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, while Oaklawn Park contracts with the company for simulcasting.

The NPMA is a non-profit corporation that allows the racebook operators in the state to negotiate as one entity. 

"We are thrilled that the Nevada horseplayers will have access to these great products and we look forward to continuing the ongoing discussions with our partners at the NPMA on a long-term arrangement for these tracks," CDI announced in a portion of a statement sent to BloodHorse.

The contracts do not resolve the underlying dispute over the Churchill Downs signal, but Patty Jones, executive director of the NPMA, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal it was "positive movement" toward a long-term simulcasting agreement with the company.