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Friday
May 18, 2007
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TVG Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Magna, HRTV

TVG Cannot Take Bets On Preakness
Due To Exclusivity Dispute

TVG has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC), HRTV and XpressBet in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint claims MEC, HRTV and XpressBet infringed on patents audio and video racing feeds as well as wagering on multiple tracks. TVG is seeking monetary damages and an injunction against the companies (TVG).

HIGH STAKES: In L.A., Larry Stewart notes TVG cannot take bets on Saturday’s Preakness Stakes at MEC’s Pimlico Race Course because of a “dispute over exclusivity.” Many track officials and horse owners “contend they are not getting their fair share from TVG and Youbet.” TVG’s 3.5% fee that goes to the track hosting the race being bet was a “driving force behind [Churchill Downs Inc.’s] decision to buy 50% of HRTV,” which is affiliated with XpressBet and CDI’s TwinSpires. CDI and MEC also own TrackNet Media Group, which oversees advance deposit wagering at all CDI and MEC tracks. TVG was also prohibited from taking bets on the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, though it does have an exclusive contract with NYRA and will be taking bets on the Belmont Stakes on June 9 (L.A. TIMES, 5/18).

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