Local bettors weigh in on simulcast blackout

December 26, 2014 at 11:03p.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Some bettors at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course haven’t noticed a blackout of tracks due to a simulcast spat, while others have.

“I miss those tracks. I wish they would solve it,” said Pat Tondo, 83, of Girard.

MidAtlantic Cooperative LLC, a purchasing cooperative that represents 23 racetracks, including Hollywood Gaming in Austintown, and Monarch Content Management Co. have yet to reach an agreement after negotiations stalled in late September. The blackout of tracks available for simulcast betting — when live races are broadcast to other tracks or gaming facilities for wagering — began Dec. 1.

Read which tracks are involved and more about the dispute in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.