NEWS
Alliance adds wagering security to code of standards
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 4:00 PM
by Jeff Lowe
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance has added a wagering security section to its 2010 code of standards for member racetracks.
The new standards have been circulated to member tracks for a public comment period. Once finalized, the updated standards will serve as the basis for future Alliance accreditation.
The uniform protocols for wagering security include adherence to the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s model rule regarding stop wagering devices and the chain of command for responsibility for stop wagering.
The model rule calls for tote companies to install two separate devices that activate the stop-wagering function, with the primary device in or near the stewards or judges and a backup device in the tote room.
Past-posting incidents have typically occurred when the host track fails to execute a stop-wagering command and wagers at simulcast outlets are subsequently accepted after a race begins.
Under wagering incident protocols, the code of conduct requires members to record the date and time of the official start time of every race in hours, minutes, and seconds. Timing systems associated with the video broadcast and recording and with totalisator records are to be synchronized in atomic time. Time stamps also must be placed on tote transactions.
The standards also require members to adopt protocols for wagering incident investigations and for performing due diligence investigations for any simulcast partner who is not licensed by a regulatory authority.
The Alliance first issued a code of conduct in 2009 and has inspected 18 racetracks.
“The addition of several protocols to promote wagering security and integrity is the single biggest change to the Alliance’s 2010 Code of Standards,” said Mike Ziegler, executive director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. “In addition, the code has been made even more rigorous in a number of other areas, including aftercare and transition of retired racehorses, pre-and post-race veterinary inspections; and safety training and continuing education. We hope that everyone in the industry will review the 2010 code online and provide us feedback.”
A track’s accreditation lasts for two years. To view the complete code of standards, click here.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
