Multiple Moving Parts in Monarch, AZ Simulcasting Morass
The simulcasting signal from 1/ST-operated racetracks has been missing in Arizona for over two years. The reason is a dispute between the owners of Arizona Downs and the arm of The Stronach Group. Stakeholders argue that the blackout has hit bettors and industry. Arizona Horseman's Benevolent & Protective Association projects lost revenue to California purses between 2020 and 2021. Turf Paradise's general manager estimates the loss to the company between 2021 and 2022. 1-ST has visited TurF Paradise with the intention of buying the facility.
Monarch has been negotiating with Arizona Downs over simulcasting rights since the start of the winter meet. Arizona Racing Commission passed a law in January requiring all tracks to offer all simulcast content uniformly. Monarch has not beamed its signal into Arizona since. The company claims Arizona downs made unilateral changes to the contract. The state passed the law to resolve industry stakeholder disgruntlement. It also raises Arizona's history of delinquent payments. According to Daruty, Monarch can't abandon its principles and abandon reasoned business approach. He claims the company can’t abandon the principle of distributing signals.
