Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga to

Support and Highlight Backstretch Employee Service Team


Executive Director Nancy Underwood will Address Attendees

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY: The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS) will highlight the work of the non-profit organization Backstretch Employees Service Team (BEST) at the 2024 conference to be held August 12-14 at the Saratoga Hilton.


BEST is devoted to addressing the health and social needs of the several thousand barn-area (“backstretch”) workers at the Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks. BEST’s services include providing on-site counseling and primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management assistance.

BEST’s Executive Director, Nancy Underwood, will address RGCS attendees on August 13. Underwood’s mission is to ensure that the hardworking men and women at the three NYRA tracks receive the care, support, and respect they deserve, while preserving their dignity.


“I am honored to lead BEST and to participate in the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga,” Underwood said. “This event provides a unique platform to highlight the critical work we do and to collaborate with industry leaders to further support the backstretch community. Our collective efforts ensure that those who are essential to the racing industry receive the comprehensive care and respect they deserve.”


"Every year the Racing and Gaming Conference raises funds for an equine-related charity. But just as important, we raise awareness about the critical work of those charities. This year, we are pleased to support BEST, and the essential work they do," Saratoga Racing and Gaming Conference Owner Patrick Brown stated.


The RGCS offers an extensive agenda of vital topics and features a broad mix of industry experts that includes academics, elected officials, lawyers, regulators, gaming operators and racing patrons. They will examine the trends, challenges and opportunities facing the racing and gaming industries, including the central issue facing New York State: the expected introduction of three full-service commercial casinos in the New York City area.


The conference agenda has been expanded to include 12 panels spread over three days. This year’s event also will include two evening networking receptions – including an Opening Night Reception at the historic Adelphi Hotel – as well as an option to attend a Day at the Races on August 14. Space for the Day at the Races is limited, and registration is required.


Although the deadline for our room block at the Saratoga Hilton has expired, rooms may still be available for conference attendees. Note that the hotel is sold out on the night of Wednesday, August 14. As usual, the event coincides with the iconic summer Thoroughbred racing season at Saratoga Race Course, making it a must-attend event for both racing and gaming professionals. To register for the conference and book your hotel, click here.


RGCS has several sponsorship opportunities available for this event, which attracts attendees from both the gaming and horse racing industries. Please contact Josh Faber for more information.


Visit www.racingandgamingsaratoga.com and sign up for our mailing list to receive continued updates for the 2024 event.

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Spectrum Gaming Group: Spectrum is a non-partisan consultancy that specializes in the economics, regulation and policy of legalized gambling worldwide. Spectrum has provided independent research and professional services to public-sector and private-sector clients since 1993, having worked in 44 US states and territories and in 48 countries on six continents. Employing renowned experts in every facet of the gaming industry, Spectrum serves state, tribal and national governments, casino operators, suppliers, regulators, developers, investors, law firms, and other gaming-related professionals in all sectors of the legalized gambling industry. Contact Spectrum at solutions@spectrumgaming.com or +1.609.926.5100.
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