North Dakota company wants to take horse racing betting offshore

Lien Games is seeking approval from the state Racing Commission to funnel wagering on horse races to North Dakota through an offshore hub based in the Caribbean.

The company took over simulcast wagering of horse races to North Dakota off-track betting sites after the bankruptcy of Racing Services.

“The plan has the potential to rejuvenate the state\’s flagging gambling industry,” said Mike Cichy, the company\’s general manager.

Bill Peterson, an assistant attorney general who represents the commission, declined to say whether he believed it was legal.

“I cannot advise you whether it complies with North Dakota law, federal law or international law because I do not understand what we are dealing with here,” he said.

The commission decided to get a written proposal from Lien Games and seek the advice of a national group of horse racing regulators before going ahead.