Last year while presenting at the Keeneland race course in Lexington, KY, I was impressed at the wide range of technology there. Of course, the Kentucky Derby (being held today) is much bigger and Churchill Downs is a much bigger technology player
“In early 2007, Evans announced the launch of TwinSpires.com, CDI's first owned and operated ADW platform, in addition to a 50-percent ownership in HorseRacing TV (HRTV), a national television network featuring live horse racing from popular tracks around the country. CDI acquired three additional ADW platforms (Winticket.com, BrisBET.com and TsnBET.com) in June 2007 and, later in the year, consolidated all four businesses under the TwinSpires.com brand. As part of the June 2007 acquisition, CDI also acquired the industry-leading data and pedigree information provider, Bloodstock Research Information Services (BRIS) and continues to operate the data business under the BRIS brand.
CDI invested in a 33,000 square foot expansion and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots was opened in November 2008 with a facility capacity of over 700 slot machines, in conjunction with their simulcasting relocation and the opening of their new racing season.
Calder Casino and Studz Poker Club were completed and opened adjacent to the existing Calder Race Course in January 2010 and, coupled with Fair Grounds Slots, put 1,863 slot machines and 807 video poker machines into operation for CDI, between Louisiana and Florida, complimenting its core racing business.
In june 2010, CDI added to its ADW holdings by acquiring Youbet.com, one of North America's largest and most-established online horse racing and wagering platforms. CDI fully integrated Youbet.com into TwinSpires.com in November 2010 and now operates both businesses under the TwinSpires brand.
As part of the Youbet.com purchase, CDI also acquired Youbet's United Tote subsidiary, a leading supplier of totalizator systems, equipment and technology, including mobile wagering technology, that process wagers and payouts and is a provider of pari-mutuel tote services to racing operations such as leading racetracks Aqueduct, Belmont, Churchill Downs, Keeneland and Saratoga.”
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