by Jane Murray, Director of Services, Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America

Elkton, MD — The 18th annual International Simulcast Conference in Clearwater Beach, Fla. will feature discussion among representatives of some of the North American pari-mutuel industry’s largest computer players.

With computer-generated wagering now accounting for approximately 15 percent of the annual U.S. handle, a panel discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 21, will address its growing role in pari-mutuel wagering.

David Bernsen of Global Wagering Group LLC, Don Johnson of Heritage Development, Dana Parham of Racing and Gaming Services, and Bill Wass of PW Enterprises, Inc. will comment on the current and future state of computer wagering in the North American pari-mutuel arena.

The Monday afternoon opening session on Sept. 20 will be devoted to the current dynamics, issues, and opportunities of international simulcasting. Panelists include Alex Dadoyan of the Meadowlands, Ramon Rionda Jean of Codere America, Terry Spargo of the Emirates Racing Authority, John Stuart of Phumelela, and Nelson Clemmens of AmWest Entertainment, which was the North and South American disseminator of the Dubai Carnival 2010.

Mark Thurman of CHRIMS, Inc. will also make a presentation Monday regarding the development of a national initiative to address industry settlement and financial issues.

On Tuesday, Jim VanderBosch of Trackmaster and Victor Espinosa, Jr. of Equibase will detail software being developed and implemented by both companies to take advantage of the latest technology.

The deadline for timely registration for the Conference (September 20-22) is Friday, September 10. A limited number of rooms are still available at the host hotel, the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. For more information, please see the TRA website at: tra-online.com/conference.html.

The Thoroughbred Racing Associations and the Harness Tracks of America, in conjunction with the American Greyhound Track Operators Association, co-sponsor the annual conference.