from Saratoga Casino and Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Empire City Casino and Batavia Downs/Western Off-Track Betting Corporation today announced they are forming a unique and unprecedented alliance devoted to the further marketing and promotion of their harness racing products, as well as NYRA and featured Thoroughbred racing from across the nation.

During the month of April, participating horseplayers from BataviaBets, EmpireCityBets, and SaratogaBets will have the opportunity to compete for more than $4,000 in online handicapping contest winnings throughout the month.

Contests will be held every Friday night featuring New York harness racing, and two separate contests will also be conducted on alternate Saturdays featuring Aqueduct and Keeneland racing content.

Players from the participating ADW platforms will play into the same contest pool, bringing a new synergy of competition and camaraderie in New York’s racing industry.

“First and foremost, we commend the New York State Gaming Commission for its support and assistance in this initiative,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations for Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “Traditionally, racing entities have focused on brick and mortar outlets to host handicapping competitions, but we see tremendous potential in the online component. This alliance was forged to reach this expanding demographic and help re-define that segment of this industry.”

“Working collectively with our partners in the New York racing industry is now more important than ever,” said Michael Kane, President and CEO of Western Region OTB in Batavia. “I would like to thank the New York State Gaming Commission for its approval of this concept, and we look forward to additional synergies amongst New York’s racing stakeholders in the coming months.”

“Special thanks to our horsemen, the Standardbred Owners of New York and the New York State Gaming Commission for their support of this initiative,” said Robert Galterio, General Manager of Empire City Casino. “It is imperative that we continue collective efforts such as this, on behalf of racing by all of New York’s stakeholders.”

Along with regularly scheduled handicapping contests, syndicated handicapping contents will also be made available across the three advance deposit wagering websites.

Kevin Cox, star of the Esquire reality series “Horseplayers” will be authoring a daily column providing free, full-card Keeneland selections and analysis throughout the upcoming spring meet. Furthermore, Nick Tammaro, a frequent guest on “Talking Horses” and “At The Races with Steve Byk” will be offering daily selections and analysis on the NYRA racing product.

Interested horseplayers are encouraged to log on to www.bataviabets.com, www.empirecitybets.com, or www.saratogabets.com for more information.