Section 24.16. Duties of the Wisconsin guest track in simulcast wagering.

  The Wisconsin guest track shall do all of the following:

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

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

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

(13)  Provide all of the following:

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

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 .