The Arizona Racing Commission conducted a special meeting on Friday to approve simulcast agreements between the state's two major racetracks – Arizona Downs and Turf Paradise – and tracks represented by Monarch Content Management LLC, a subsidiary of The Stronach Group.
The signals have been shut off nearly three years after Monarch balked at selling its signal to Arizona Downs and its off-track betting facilities, preferring to only do business with Turf Paradise and its OTBs.
The position by Monarch, in violation of a 2019 state law requiring all tracks to have equal opportunity and pricing of simulcast signals, led the Arizona Racing Commission in January 2020 to deny approval of the imported signals.
The commission voted 3-0 on several motions to approve Arizona Downs and Turf Paradise to receive signals from Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Maryland Jockey Club (Laurel/Pimlico), Santa Anita (all owned by The Stronach Group/1/ST) plus Lone Star and some international signals controlled by Monarch.
Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms spoke briefly during the meeting to say simulcasting represents 25 to 30 percent of the track's business. The blackout has reduced revenue to racetracks and purses and angered horseplayers.
The contracts, which also will permit Arizona residents to bet on the Monarch tracks through advance-deposit wagering accounts, are to go into effect immediately.
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