NYRA site taking members

The New York Racing Association began taking registrations for its new Internet wagering platform on Friday, but was restricting account-holders to residents of New York only.

The launch of the platform was delayed earlier this week because of concerns by Connecticut regulators that NYRA planned to take bets from residents of that state. The application that NYRA had made available online on Friday stated that "online wagering is currently available to residents of New York State only."

Connecticut's attorney general said in a letter sent to NYRA and New York regulators on Tuesday night that NYRA would be breaking state law if it took Internet bets from Connecticut residents. Connecticut does allow telephone betting.

NYRA had planned to launch the platform on Wednesday, opening day of the association's meet at Belmont Park. On Friday, the platform did not appear to be operational, though the site was taking registrations on line. Officials of NYRA did not return phone calls on Friday.