Kentucky approves account-wagering licenses

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission unanimously approved licenses for eight account-wagering companies at a meeting on Wednesday after a three-month review of the applications.

The companies that received licenses were AmWest Entertainment, eBet Technologies, Keeneland Select, Premier Turf Club, Racing2Day, TVG, Twinspires, and XpressBet. The licenses allow the companies to accept wagers from bettors in Kentucky for one year.

The racing commission had approved new regulations governing the conduct of account-wagering late last year. The new regulations required applicants to meet a significant number of new requirements, making the regulations largely comparable to the licensing requirements for racetracks.

Also at the meeting, veterinary officials of the commission noted that one horse has suffered a catastrophic injury at Turfway Park since the track’s meet began in late November, from a total of 4,532 starts. Nationally, the average in the United States is approximately two fatalities per 1,000 starts.

Dr. Mary Scollay, the commission’s equine medical director, congratulated horsemen, the track’s maintenance staff and management, and veterinarians for helping to reduce fatalities at Kentucky tracks.

“The bar has been raised, and I’d like to congratulate everyone for contributing,” Scollay said.

Fatality statistics at Turfway’s winter meet have declined sharply since the track installed an artificial surface in 2006.