Online Gambling Operator Betfair Deals American Horsemen In

Although Betfair does not accept U.S. players to avoid persecution under the hated UIGEA, the company does take bets on races within the U.S.

Horsemen in the United States are pushing for the same returns enjoyed by racing operators in other countries, asking that Betfair, the online gaming operators from Great Britain, compensate the American racing industry for use of its product.

Although Betfair does not accept U.S. players to avoid persecution under the hated UIGEA, the company does take bets on races within the U.S. The Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group is seeking to increase purse sizes, and would like to make a deal with Betfair similar to that several European racing associations have.

Betfair is noted as being a wagering exchange, and not a pari-mutuel outfit. This means, rather than pick a horse from a field to win, bettors are gambling against each other. Horses can be bet to lose.

But Betfair notes that it has a fraud team operating at bases around the world, 24 hours a day, analyzing information to watch for suspicious or unusual betting patterns. This is designed to prevent the temptation of fixing a race or other sporting event.

Nick Coukos, director of the Ontario Horsemen's Association, said Betfair signing an agreement with Canada, which not only provides race results but also gamblers, would be a good first step to agreeing with U.S. horsemen.

Betfair and U.S. representatives felt a deal could be reached soon. As Betfair does not take pari-mutuel play, a flat fee is most likely.

Paul Boudreaux, a horse enthusiast found playing cards at Pompano Park, said ,"It's right that they should contribute to raising the purses, cause they're making money off our races. Course, what's right doesn't always happen, or else we could all gamble on the Internet without fear of our own government."