Title: Director Pari-Mutuel Operations
Employee Status: Regular Full Time
Work From Home Option: Not Applicable
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Overview:
The Director of Pari-Mutuel Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of pari-mutuel wagering at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. This role ensures the integrity, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of wagering systems and operations while working in close partnership with NYRA’s tote provider.
The Director of Pari-Mutuel Operations manages a team of mutuels staff and supervisors to deliver an excellent customer experience and ensure that wagering at a NYRA facility is a positive experience for all participants. This position drives service excellence, maintains compliance with state regulations, manages tote system compliance, and implements strategies that enhance customer satisfaction and employee engagement.
Operational Oversight
• Direct daily mutuel operations across NYRA’s tracks, including live race days and simulcast operations while interfacing with NYRABets digital platforms, as needed.
• Oversee mutuel clerks, money room and supervisory staff, ensuring efficient customer service and accuracy in all transactions.
• Coordinate with NYRA’s tote provider to ensure system reliability, integrity, and rapid resolution of technical issues.
• Work closely with customer service, hospitality, and NYRABets teams to ensure wagering is seamlessly integrated into the broader guest experience.
Compliance & Integrity
• Ensure strict adherence to New York State Gaming Commission regulations and internal protocols governing wagering activities.
• Serve as NYRA’s point of contact with the New York State Gaming Commission for mutuel-department related matters.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing pari-mutuel wagering, tote systems, and settlement procedures.
• Implement internal controls and auditing processes to safeguard wagering integrity and minimize operational risk.
Financial Management
• Track handle performance across pools, tracks, and channels; analyze trends to identify opportunities for growth.
• Oversee statistics related to daily mutuel pools and assist in reporting to state regulators and industry stakeholders, as required.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and cost-control measures.
Customer Experience
• Work with the Customer Experience team to improve the on-track and digital wagering experience for on-track customers.
• Support marketing initiatives aimed at increasing wagering participation and enhancing customer experience.
• Leverage customer feedback and wagering data to inform product design and service enhancements.
Essential Functions:
• Develops tactical and operational plans for the Pari-Mutuel Operations team and supports organizational objectives and business goals.
• Oversees multiple supervisors and teams, ensuring smooth execution of wagering operations.
• Manages budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to optimize financial and operational performance.
• Leads process improvement initiatives to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Acts as a liaison between operational teams and senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations for strategic growth.
• Ensures compliance with all licensing, regulatory, and risk management requirements related to wagering operations.
• Responsible for managing operational aspects of their team (e.g., workflow, performance, and compliance), as well as ensuring the achievement of team goals within established timelines and budgets.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Sports Management, Animal Sciences, Equine Science and Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pari-mutuel operations or wagering systems, preferably in a racing or gaming environment.
• Understanding of tote systems, wagering protocols, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.
Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
Primarily sedentary in nature
Pay Range / Salary: 126,000-189,000