Govt allows betting at BTC for Mysuru races

The Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) got some relief in the licence issue on Tuesday after the government permitted off-course betting for Mysuru races scheduled on Wednesday.

Following the government’s denial of licence for the month of June due to a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe on the club’s affairs, the summer meeting had received a huge blow. The issue, which forced the club to cancel two race days last weekend, had threatened to hit the upcoming races as well.

However, in their attempt to resume racing activities as early as possible, the club officials met chief minister Siddaramiah twice in the span of four days, resulting in the latest development.

“The BTC has been permitted to conduct off-course betting for the Mysuru races on Wednesday and the licence has been issued for the same,” said an order signed by K S Padmavathi, Additional Secretary, Finance Department.

Pleased with the development, the BTC is hopeful of receiving the licence for the rest of the week’s racing activities on Wednesday. “We have been given the licence for Wednesday’s off-course betting and we hope to get the licence for the remainder of the week on Wednesday,” said a committee member.

After the Mysuru races on Wednesday, Ooty races are scheduled on Thursday and Friday before the weekend races at the BTC.

The sources said the club was considering the demand of the government to increase the membership quota. There are 350 members at the BTC currently.

The club could raise the number by 150 –– 50 each to government nominees, horse owners and general public.

“Though we are thinking on the lines of making it a more broad-based membership, a decision can be taken only at a Special General Body meeting,” said the member.

A racehorse owner welcomed the government’s request, saying it would bring more accountability into the club’s functioning.

“If we have more members then the club can operate in a much better way and it would bring more transparency. The stakeholders will have more say if the membership is broad-based,” the owner said.