• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Horse Gamblers Pull Away Online

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Fox Sports announced last month it will expand its relationship with the New York Racing Association through 2030. 

The deal includes a media rights extension as well as a 25% equity stake in NYRA Bets, the horse racing association’s gambling platform. Fox Sports has the option to increase its stake to 49.9% in the coming years.

Since Fox Sports first expanded its coverage of NYRA a few years ago, wagers on NYRA Bets have grown from $7.2 million in 2016 to $225 million in 2020.

Horse racing betting became popular in England in the early 1600s when attending a race was held in especially high regard. Betting has been a significant part of the sport’s appeal since its inception.

Mulvihill says that while overall horse racing gambling has stayed flat for years, the number of bets placed through advance-deposit wagering platforms — like NYRA Bets — is increasing. 

Although there were no fans in the stands, over $14 million in wagers were made at Churchill Downs — the home of the Kentucky Derby — on opening day in 2020, a 183.7% increase over 2019. 

Fox’s latest move into horse racing adds to its ownership of other gambling platforms in traditional sports betting and online poker and casino games.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

opinion

Caitlin Clark’s Media Supporters Pushing Harder Against Slights

Dick Vitale, Colin Cowherd, and others are accusing other WNBA players of jealousy.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

Amazon NASCAR Ratings Down 17%, but Skew Younger

Prime Video averaged 2.16 million per race during its five-event stretch.

Broadcasting With Benefits: Networks Gaining League Equity Is Now the Norm

ESPN gained an equity stake in the PLL as part of a rights deal.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
Leo Messi
June 27, 2025

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
June 19, 2025

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.