AmWest Entertainment allowing customers to donate to charity online

Customers of AmWest Entertainment, an account-wagering operation available to residents of most states, will be able to donate money to Thoroughbred Charities of America directly from their accounts under a new partnership with the TCA, it was announced Monday.

The direct-withdrawal option is believed to be the first at a North American account-wagering operation allowing customers to donate to a charity. The TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and it distributes grants to a variety of equine organizations, including retirement facilities and research institutions.

The homepage of AmWest’s account-wagering operation will feature a logo for the TCA that can be clicked to bring up a menu for making a donation, the two organizations said. A donation also can be made through a player’s account management page. Donations will be submitted directly to the TCA.