PHOENIX, AZ—JANUARY 4, 2018—Turf Paradise has announced that its phone-wagering convenience will end, effective January 9.

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Turf Paradise is currently in the midst of its 2017-18 season, which offers Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing. Track general manager Vincent Francia issued the following announcement to current phone-bet account holders:

"Effective January 9, 2018, all Phone Betting Accounts for Arizona residents will no longer be active. This includes phone betting accounts with TVG, Twin Spires, Express Bet and Turf Paradise Bets.

"Contact your Phone Bet Provider to get the return of your money.

"Dear Arizona Phone Bet Account Holder:

"First, Turf Paradise apologizes for any inconvenience the cancellation of Phone Betting services in Arizona has caused you.

"Due to strict gaming regulations, we were never able to offer Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) the way you the customer deserved: with full Internet access and the ability to use Phone Apps. So, rather than enhancing your experience by creating more and easier ways to play and creating new fans, it resulted in quite the opposite: Phone Betting cut into Turf Paradise’s on-track and Off-Track Betting (OTB) handles, the two sources from which we derive benefit for our purse account and our business.

"With Phone betting, less money was being wagered on-track and thru our OTB system. Thus, less money was available for purses and our business.

"In the three years we have conducted Phone Betting, approximately $3.6 million has been taken from the Arizona horse racing industry.

"Turf Paradise thanks our Phone Betting partners: TVG, Twin Spires and Express Bet. They have been helpful at every turn of the road; they have been excellent to work with and they understand why we are making this decision.

"Each Arizona Phone Bet Account customer should contact your Phone Bet provider to get the return of your money.

Turf Paradise is mindful of its fans: the sport does not exist without the horseplayers. We regret any inconvenience this cancellation may cause. We want you to continue to be patrons of Turf Paradise horse racing, on-track and thru our OTB system.

"Again, this decision was not made lightly. But it was a decision that had to be made in the best interest of Arizona horse racing.

"Please feel free to call or email me."

Vincent Francia
General Manager