Chapter Game 24

Game 24.14(1) (1) The Wisconsin host track shall do all of the following:

Game 24.14(1)(a) (a) Conduct simulcast wagering via core to core or (TIM) to tote transmissions with the out-of-state guest track.

Game 24.14(1)(b) (b) Be responsible for the content of its broadcast and use all reasonable effort to present a broadcast which offers the viewers an accurate depiction of its race performance, a display of wagering information, and a continuity of programming between racing events. All equipment to be utilized in the generation, transmission, reception, or in any way affecting the audiovisual signal for which ratings are supplied shall be rated as broadcast quality by the federal communications commission.

Game 24.14(1)(c) (c) Provide all the following:

Game 24.14(1)(c)1. 1. An uplink system or other systems or devices approved by the division.

Game 24.14(1)(c)2. 2. A transponder or other systems or devices approved by the division.

Game 24.14(1)(c)3. 3. Security controls over its communication system, as approved by the division, as are necessary to protect the security of the signals, protect the best interests of the public and to maximize revenues to the state as approved by the division.

Game 24.14(1)(d) (d) Encrypt every audiovisual signal transmitted via satellite using a time displacement decoding algorithm encryption system which has been approved by the division or an equivalent encryption system approved by the division. Any method of transmitting audiovisual signals may not be used until approved by the division.

Game 24.14(1)(e) (e) Maintain a facsimile machine utilizing an independent private telephone line located in the vicinity of the mutuel or totalizator room. Except as provided under par. (f), any changes in the host track race performance shall be transmitted by facsimile machine by the mutuel manager. All information shall be faxed on report forms approved by the division.

Game 24.14(1)(f) (f) Maintain a direct telephone line in the totalizator room. The direct private line telephone communication will be used to relay information during instances when facsimile transmission is not possible, or when facsimile transmission is not timely due to urgency of communication.

Game 24.14(1)(g) (g) Ensure that the primary means of transmitting wagering data is through a dedicated digital data line or a line of sufficient speed as approved in advance by the division. There shall be backup data lines in the event of primary line failure. The backup lines may be dial-up lines. In all circumstances when a dial-up line is used as a backup method of transmission, a report shall be filed with the division within 48 hours. The report shall contain the date and time of the occurrence, the duration, the steps that were taken to correct it, and, if known, the reason for the failure.

Game 24.14(1)(h) (h) Communicate from the host track mutuel manager to all guest track mutuel managers or their designee immediately upon receipt of the information wagering format changes or other information relative to the races or wagering thereon. Host track and guest track mutuel managers shall notify totalizator managers, the public, and division staff where applicable upon receipt of the information.

Game 24.14(1)(i) (i) Not delay post times for purposes of accumulating wagers from guest track locations, with the exception of an emergency which requires a manual merge of wagering data as described in s. Game 24.17 (2) (a). Post times for a race displayed at host track locations and guest track locations shall be the same, with time zones taken into consideration.

Game 24.14(1)(j) (j) Keep at least one television monitor, in a location to be approved by the division, exclusively for reviewing the outgoing signal being sent to its guest track facilities during a simulcast performance.

Game 24.14(1)(k) (k) Issue the stop bet command at the moment the lure begins its movement.

Game 24.14(2) (2) The audiovisual contractor or host track shall ensure that every audiovisual signal shall contain the following in its video content:

Game 24.14(2)(a) (a) The date.

Game 24.14(2)(b) (b) A digital display of the actual time of day.

Game 24.14(2)(c) (c) The name of the racetrack from which it emanates.

Game 24.14(2)(d) (d) The minutes to post for each race.

Game 24.14(2)(e) (e) The number of the race being displayed.

Game 24.14(2)(f) (f) An indication that a race being shown is a replay of a previously run race, if it is a replay.

Game 24.14(3) (3) The audiovisual contractor or host track shall, not earlier than one hour and not later than 15 minutes prior to the commencement of transmission of a race performance, perform a test program of its transmitter, encryption, decoding, data communication, or other systems or devices approved by the division, to assure proper operation of the broadcast system. Any irregularity shall be reported within 24 hours to the division stewards.

Game 24.14 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.15 Game 24.15 Duties of Wisconsin host track in accounting and reporting. The Wisconsin host track shall do all of the following:

Game 24.15(1) (1) For purposes of distribution of the wagering pool, breakage pools and minus pools shall be allocated pro-rata based on the percentage of winning dollars wagered at each location for each entry, pool and race, pursuant to s. 562.065 (3) (e), Stats., and s. Game 8.07.

Game 24.15(2) (2) In order to facilitate the transfer of money between host tracks and guest tracks, each host track shall perform a daily reconciliation of its racing accounts and all amounts due to or from guest tracks. The frequency of transfer of monies between host tracks and guest tracks shall be as specified by contract. A weekly report of the accounts payable and receivable incurred from simulcast pari-mutuel activity shall be submitted to the division by the host track listing the balance of the host track and all guest tracks that are commingling pools with the host track. The forms used to monitor the accounts payable and receivable for each racetrack shall be approved by the division.

Game 24.15 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.16 Game 24.16 Duties of the Wisconsin guest track in simulcast wagering. The Wisconsin guest track shall do all of the following:

Game 24.16(1) (1) Conduct simulcast wagering via core to core or machine (TIM) to tote transmissions with the out-of-state host track.

Game 24.16(2) (2) Discontinue simulcast wagering upon the issuance of the stop bet command issued by the host track, or if the stop bet command is not received, at the time the greyhounds are placed in the starting box in greyhound racing, when the first horse is loaded into the starting gate in thoroughbred racing or when the starting gate begins to move in harness racing. The locking of windows is the ultimate responsibility of the mutuel departments.

Game 24.16(3) (3) When commingling, only offer pools which are the same as those offered by the host track, but the guest track is not required to offer all pools offered by the host track. Guest tracks may elect to exclude pools offered by the host track upon contractual agreement between the guest track and the host track. The host track shall also determine the minimum ticket price that is available for each pool.

Game 24.16(4) (4) Cycle of frequency of the change of odds displayed on the display devices at intervals determined by the host track. An explanation shall be posted in prominent locations throughout the facility or provided in the daily race program indicating that odds and other wagering information may be delayed due to the accumulation and transfer of simulcast wagering data.

Game 24.16(5) (5) In order to facilitate the transfer of money between host tracks and guest tracks, perform a daily reconciliation of its racing accounts and all amounts payable or receivable to the host track. The frequency of the transfer of monies between host tracks and guest tracks shall be as specified by contract.

Game 24.16(6) (6) Ensure that tickets sold at Wisconsin guest tracks conform to the requirements of s. Game 10.06 (7), and are identified as simulcast wagers.

Game 24.16(7) (7) Not earlier than one hour and not later than 15 minutes prior to the commencement of transmission of a race, perform a test program of its transmitter, encryption, decoding, or other systems or devices approved by the division, data communication to assure proper operation of the broadcast system. Any irregularity shall be reported to the division within 24 hours.

Game 24.16(8) (8) To ensure for the cessation of wagering in accordance with sub. (2), provide sufficient television monitors in each totalizator room at the guest track to provide key totalizator and mutuel employees a view of all animals starting in each race at any host track.

Game 24.16(9) (9) Make available to its patrons a copy or facsimile of the official daily race program from each host track sending its signal to the Wisconsin guest track.

Game 24.16(10) (10) Maintain a facsimile machine using an independent private telephone line located in the vicinity of the mutuel or totalizator room. If a manual transmission of data is necessary the facsimile machine shall be the priority method of receiving any changes in the host track’s official daily race program, racing information or any wagering data.

Game 24.16(11) (11) Maintain a direct telephone line located in the totalizator room to receive information when facsimile transmission is not possible, or when facsimile transmission is not timely due to urgency of communication. Any direct private line telephone communication shall be confirmed in writing by the mutuel manager or designee within 24 hours after the end of the performance. A copy shall be provided to the division within 24 hours.

Game 24.16(12) (12) Display the same post time as the host track for all simulcast races, with time zones taken into consideration.

Game 24.16(13) (13) Provide all of the following:

Game 24.16(13)(a) (a) If satellite transmission is utilized, a downlink system which does not interfere with the closed circuit television system utilized by the guest track association for patron information.

Game 24.16(13)(b) (b) Security controls over its communication system, as approved by the division, as are necessary to protect the security of the signals, protect the best interests of the public and maximize revenues to the state as approved by the division.

Game 24.16(13)(c) (c) One or more information windows or designated areas to address patron complaints, questions, and which shall contain a copy of the division’s administrative rules and rules for all out-of-state host tracks for patron review.

Game 24.16(14) (14) If live on-track racing is being conducted during the same period simulcast wagering is provided, all purse payment monies generated from the simulcast wagering pools shall be paid in accordance with the identified time frame for payment as identified in s. 562.065 (3) (b) 2., Stats. If simulcast wagering is conducted during periods when no live on-track racing is occurring, a plan for the distribution of purse monies generated from simulcast wagering pools shall be submitted to the division for approval prior to the start of the live on-track racing. The division shall establish the percentage of simulcast handle wagered on both horse and greyhound races from out-of-state host tracks to Wisconsin guest tracks that shall be allocated toward the payment of purses for greyhound racing in Wisconsin.

Game 24.16(15) (15) Ensure that the primary means of transmitting wagering data is through a dedicated digital data line or a line of sufficient speed as approved in advance by the division. There shall be backup data lines in the event of primary line failure. The backup lines may be dial-up lines. In all circumstances when a dial-up line is used as a backup method of transmission, a report shall be filed with the division within 48 hours. The report shall contain the date and time of the occurrence, the duration, the steps that were taken to correct it, and, if known, the reason for the failure.

Game 24.16 History History: Emerg. cr. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; CR 03-070: am. (14) Register November 2003 No. 575, eff. 12-1-03.

Game 24.17 Game 24.17 Simulcast wagering - emergency procedures. The following emergency procedures are established:

Game 24.17(1) (1) Prior to the commencement of wagering on the first race on a simulcast wagering program, either the audio or video signals must be present at the Wisconsin guest track in order for simulcast wagering at the Wisconsin guest track to be conducted. If both the audio and visual signals are lost, wagering may continue only until the scheduled post time of the current race at the out-of-state host track and may not resume until either the audio or visual signal is restored. Any advance bets made, provided there has not been an accompanying data transmission failure, must be treated as valid bets and paid out accordingly. Wagers that encompass more than one race shall be unaffected by signal problems encountered in any race of the sequence other than the first.

Game 24.17(2) (2) If there is an impairment of the ability of a totalizator to record, classify, or accumulate wagering data or to do calculations, or if wagering data is lost, the following procedures shall apply:

Game 24.17(2)(a) (a) If the Wisconsin guest track’s totalizator system fails, all money wagered on the race that was entered into the host track’s pools from that guest track’s totalizator system prior to the time of failure shall remain in the host track’s pools only if the guest track’s totalizator system is reestablished by the start of the race. If the guest track’s totalizator system is not reestablished by the start of the race, all money wagered on the race at that guest track shall be distributed pursuant to s. Game 24.21 (3). If money wagered on the race did not enter into the host track’s pools and the pool data is available in the guest track’s totalizator system, a manual merge with the host track’s pools shall be performed.

Game 24.17(2)(b) (b) If the host track’s totalizator system fails, all wagering at the Wisconsin guest track and all transmission of data from the guest track to the host track’s totalizator system shall cease until the host track system is fully operational.

Game 24.17(2)(b)1. 1. If the host track’s totalizator system becomes operational before the start of the race and wagering data is available, transmission of data from Wisconsin guest tracks and wagering shall resume at the Wisconsin guest tracks until the stop bet command is issued by the host or guest track.

Game 24.17(2)(b)2. 2. If the host track’s totalizator system is not operational before the start of the race and wagering data is lost, all wagers at all Wisconsin guest tracks on the affected races shall be refunded.

Game 24.17 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.18 Game 24.18 Simulcast wagering - ticket cashing requirements and procedures.

Game 24.18(1) (1) Each Wisconsin guest track shall do all of the following:

Game 24.18(1)(a) (a) Honor tickets issued for simulcast wagers shall be honored in conformity with requirements of ch. Game 10.

Game 24.18(1)(b) (b) Publicly display or explain in the official daily race program information regarding the amount of time patrons have to cash simulcast winning tickets at the guest track location, and the location and method of remitting winning tickets for cashing.

Game 24.18(2) (2) All outstanding tickets shall be subject to the laws of the state in which they were sold and may only be redeemed in that jurisdiction.

Game 24.18 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; CR 03-070: r. (3) Register November 2003 No. 575, eff. 12-1-03.

Game 24.19 Game 24.19 Termination of approval. Any approval issued under this chapter shall terminate if the entity approved to offer simulcast wagering is no longer licensed under s. 562.05 (1) (b), Stats. If the holder of the license issued under s. 562.05 (1) (b), Stats., is also the holder of the license issued under s. 562.05 (1) (a), Stats., and the s. 562.05 (1) (a), Stats., license is revoked or suspended by the division, all prior simulcast approvals shall be terminated on the effective date of the revocation or suspension.

Game 24.19 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.20 Game 24.20 Duration. Approval to offer simulcast wagering shall expire on the t expiration date of a license to conduct pari-mutuel wagering under s. 562.05 (1) (b), Stats.

Game 24.20 History History: Emerg. cr. eff. 8-25-95; cr. Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.21 Game 24.21 Interstate broadcasts - emergency procedures.

Game 24.21(1) (1) When a Wisconsin licensee is acting as a host track, in the event of a failure in the totalizator system of any component of a commingled pool network, no decision to terminate the participation of any guest track facility in the commingled pool, or to conduct a manual merge of wagering information, shall be made without prior consultation between a division representative, the mutuel manager of the host track or designee, and the mutuel manager of the affected guest track facility or designee.

Game 24.21(2) (2) Any contract for interstate common pools entered into by a Wisconsin host track shall contain a provision to the effect that if, for any reason, it becomes impossible to successfully merge the bets placed by another state into the interstate common pool formed by the Wisconsin host track, or if, for any reason, the division’s or the Wisconsin host track’s representative determines that attempting to effect transfer of pool data from the guest track may endanger the host track’s wagering pool, the host track shall have no liability for any measures taken which may result in the out-of-state guest track’s wagers not being accepted into the pool.

Game 24.21(3) (3) If, for any reason, it becomes impossible to successfully merge the bets placed into the interstate common pool, and after any required refunds provided for by s. Game 24.12 (6), the Wisconsin guest track shall make payouts in accordance with payout prices that would have been in effect if prices for the pool of bets were calculated without regard to wagers placed elsewhere; except that, with permission of the division, the Wisconsin guest track may alternatively determine to either pay winning tickets at the payout prices as determined at the out-of-state host track, or declare the accepted bets void and make refunds in accordance with the applicable rules. The Wisconsin guest track shall notify the division in writing prior to the commencement of simulcasting with an out-of-state host track as to their method of payout if their wagers are denied by the out-of-state host track. The method shall also be publicly displayed at the Wisconsin guest track. Only one method shall be applicable to all simulcasts.

Game 24.21 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1994, No. 460, eff. 5-1-94; emerg. renum. from WGC 24.14 and am. (1), eff. 8-25-95; renum. from WGC 24.14 and am. (1), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

Game 24.22 Game 24.22 Off-site totalizator clearance. Any association or totalizator company engaged in intertrack or simulcast wagering that will be utilizing the equipment, services, or property of an association or totalizator company, with which it does not have a contractual arrangement for the services, shall provide the division with a written agreement which permits the association or totalizator company to utilize the equipment, services, or property. This agreement shall be between the host track, guest track and all totalizator companies providing services. This agreement shall be submitted for approval to the division prior to the commencement of intertrack or simulcast wagering.

Game 24.22 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1994, No. 460, eff. 5-1-94; emerg. renum. from WGC 24.15 and am. eff. 8-25-95; renum. from WGC 24.15 and am., Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.