No Impact Expected for Online Racing Wagers Under New Wire Act Interpretation

Alex Waldrop | Mike Kane photo

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion Monday that reversed its view that the Federal Wire Act applies exclusively to sports betting, but industry leaders do not believe the decision will have an impact on online parimutuel wagers placed on horse races. In a statement issued Tuesday, NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop said parimutuel wagering on horse racing remains safe under the provisions of the Interstate Horseracing Act.

“As expected, yesterday the Department of Justice issued a lengthy opinion reversing its 2011 opinion by stating that the Wire Act applies to all forms of online wagering, not just sports wagering,” Waldrop said. “This opinion does not affect our longstanding right to conduct interstate online wagering on horse racing as long as it is conducted in compliance with the Interstate Horseracing Act. We will continue to review the opinion and update the industry as this situation develops.”

The opinion issued Monday, which replaced a 2011 opinion that applied the Wire Act exclusively to sports wagering, could be applied to any form of interstate gambling aside from horse racing, including online casino games.

 

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