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Churchill Downs Incorporated said it will regain full ownership of United Tote Company by buying NYRA Content Management Solutions’ remaining 49% stake, a deal expected to close by Aug. 5, 2026. Separately, the company said it is reviewing strategic alternatives for nine wholly owned gaming properties across eight states.
For New York readers, the United Tote deal is the clearest local tie. NYRA will continue using United Tote’s pari-mutuel wagering systems through 2035 even after selling its stake back to Churchill Downs. United Tote provides pari-mutuel wagering systems and totalizator services to racetracks, off-track betting facilities, and other wagering operators.
Churchill Downs originally sold that same 49% interest to NYRA in April 2024. The company has now signed a definitive agreement to repurchase it, giving Churchill Downs full control of the tote business again.
The broader portfolio review covers seven casinos and two racinos: Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Ocean Downs Casino and Racetrack, Calder Casino, Terre Haute Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Iowa, Oxford Casino Hotel, del Lago Resort and Casino, Harlow’s Casino Resort and Spa, and Riverwalk Casino Hotel.
Churchill Downs said the review followed “a comprehensive review of the Company’s operational portfolio and long-term capital allocation priorities.” The company also cautioned that it “can provide no assurances that its exploration of strategic alternatives will result in the Company pursuing a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on defined terms or at all.”
The company said its core racing assets are not part of the review. That includes Churchill Downs Racetrack, Turfway Park, Ellis Park, Fair Grounds Race Course, Colonial Downs, Derby City Gaming facilities, and historical horse racing operations in Kentucky.
Churchill Downs also said racing at Presque Isle or Ocean Downs would not automatically end if either property is sold, because racing obligations are tied to gaming licenses and state regulations.
What to watch next: the United Tote closing is expected by Aug. 5, while Churchill Downs has not set a timeline for the casino review and said it does not plan to provide updates unless required by law.
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Source: As reported by news.worldcasinodirectory.com.
