Back in March 2026, I posted that I was going to stop using the Fanduel/TVG app for betting on horse racing. Since then, I have been receiving $5 offers from them to lure me back. I counted six so far, averaging about one per month. I left under $10 in my account, so it is most likely their algorithm detecting my inactivity and low account balance that is triggering the free bet offers. I won a few wagers with the free money but have not added any money to my account… until yesterday.
I still think it was a big mistake for Fanduel to layoff the majority of their broadcast talent ending on track coverage and race commentary in 2026. Most of the talent has found work with NYRA for races on the east coast. The problem now is that it is more difficult to view races at certain tracks. I used to be able to watch almost every race on Fanduel TV. This past weekend, Fox Sports had coverage of the races at Keenland. “Today at the Races”, normally viewable on YouTube, was locked behind a member login. I had to watch the Belmont races on the TVG app.
On Saturday’s, I usually look for stakes races to wager. Now I also have to determine who will be broadcasting the races I want to wager on. If I would have known Belmont was only viewable on my cell phone, I would have probably looked for races at a different track. As I mentioned, I went back to using the TVG app… at least temporarily. 1st Bet finally added the previous/next race navigation buttons I requested. But I still find it difficult to win money using their race analysis tools. I also don’t like the $5 charge for adding money to my account (unless I’m at the track).
Canterbury Park is done with live racing for the 2026 season. So, I probably won’t be going there again until the 2027 season starts. I went there twice in 2026 and had moderate success. It is nice to see live racing once in a while, but sometimes it can be tedious waiting for the next race. With the race coverage changes at Fanduel/TVG, it will be interesting to see what happens as horse racing fans look for alternative ways to enjoy their favorite sport.