Betting on remote control

The Dish satellite network on Wednesday launched an interactive television channel for the account-wagering and broadcasting company Television Games Network, allowing the network's customers to place bets on horse races using a remote control. Previously, bets through TVG had to be placed via telephone or computer.

TVG has long said that bettors would be able to use the television and a remote control for wagering. The company had previously run an experimental interactive-wagering service for cable subscribers in Louisville. The Dish network provides more than 20 interactive television channels to its customers.

TVG is the most widely available horse racing television service, reaching nearly 14 million customers through Dish, DirecTV, and various cable channels across the country. The network takes bets from residents of 12 states, including California, Kentucky, Maryland, and Louisiana.