NYRA switching tote deals

The New York Racing Association has selected United Tote to replace its longtime bet-processing provider, Scientific Games Racing, the association's chairman, Barry Schwartz, said Thursday.

Officials of the racing association selected United Tote after a long review of sealed bids from several bet-processing companies, Schwartz said. He made his comments after Scientific Games Racing, formerly known as Autotote, issued a statement saying it had lost the NYRA contract. Schwartz said United Tote was selected because of the company's ability to provide "fan-friendly" self-service machines.

"This wasn't a decision I made because of any dissatisfaction with Autotote over the 20 years we've done business together," Schwartz said. "We've had no difficulties with them. This is a case of choosing what company will give the best technology to our fans. I was extremely impressed with what United Tote showed us."

Scientific Games Racing is the largest bet-processing company in the country. NYRA's contract with Scientific Games Racing expires at the end of the Belmont fall meet, on Oct. 24. Schwartz said that although United Tote has been selected, the association and United Tote have yet to work out a contract. Negotiations are ongoing, Schwartz said.

United Tote's clients include all of the racetracks in Kentucky.