The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on July 4 that a contractual dispute between NYRA and FanDuel Racing has led to the removal of all NYRA content from FanDuel’s wagering platforms. This impasse means that pari-mutuel wagering and live video streams from the ongoing Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet are currently unavailable on FanDuel, which was previously known as TVG.

Ongoing negotiations aim for resolution:

NYRA has indicated that it will continue discussions with FanDuel in an effort to resolve the disagreement and achieve its goal of boosting the financial flow to the sport and its stakeholders within New York.

“NYRA provides the racing content that fuels the profits of out-of-state ADWs like TVG/FanDuel,” stated Tony Allevato, NYRA’s chief revenue officer, in a press release. “NYRA must prioritize the overall health of the sport and broader industry here in New York. We will continue negotiations to seek an equitable resolution so that our racing is widely available nationally.”

In response to NYRA’s announcement, FanDuel issued a statement expressing their hope to “have this content available again soon.”

“We cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements,” the statement, reported by Daily Racing Form, read. “We understand and regret that this will be an inconvenience to our customers. We have made, and will continue to make, substantial investments in horse racing and we remain very committed to our track and horsemen partners.”

FanDuel’s historical partnership with NYRA:

FanDuel, recognized as the largest processor of legal sports betting and horse racing wagering in North America, has been offering wagering on NYRA races since it launched its advance-deposit wagering services in 2000. Besides wagering, FanDuel’s network also provides extensive television coverage.

NYRA also plays an active role in broadcasting its races through FOX and its affiliated sports channels.

Contractual disputes between racetracks and advance-deposit wagering (ADW) providers are not uncommon, with many eventually leading to resolutions that restore signal and wagering access. Such negotiations often become more intense as significant races or race meets approach, heightening demand. NYRA’s prestigious summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course is set to begin on July 11, adding pressure to resolve the dispute swiftly.

In the release distributed by NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) voiced their support for NYRA.

“New York’s horse owners are deeply invested in making the NYRA racing product the best in the country,” said Tina Bond, NYTHA president, in the BloodHorse’s release. “We staunchly agree that fair compensation for that investment is absolutely imperative. If the New York Thoroughbred industry thrives, we all benefit.”

Najja Thompson, NYTB executive director, added, “NYRA is working to broaden the economic benefits flowing to New York’s horse racing industry, and our membership supports these efforts in every way. The funds generated by ADWs carrying NYRA support breeding farms throughout the state, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with NYRA.”

Despite the current unavailability of NYRA content on FanDuel, wagering on NYRA races remains accessible through other ADW platforms, including NYRA’s own NYRA Bets.