The goal of the meeting is to adopt and implement an international tote protocol to facilitate growth in global wagering. "Any significant expansion of the pari-mutuel sector in North America requires, at a minimum, a secure and robust international network" stated J. Curtis Linnell, director of wagering analysis for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau.

Maurits Bruggink, IFHA executive director said, "This meeting is a logical follow-up not only to last year's meeting in Tucson but also the first IFHA Round Table on the Promotion of International Commingling to be held in Paris on October 3, 2008." He continued; "I am confident this meeting will help facilitate the progress and spread of international commingling of pari-mutuel pools to new jurisdictions."

"We are pleased to host our international visitors again this year. We have some excellent activities to show off our southwestern hospitality and make their visit here not only productive but also enjoyable" said Doug Reed, University of Arizona's RTIP director.

The 35th Symposium on Racing & Gaming will be held at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson Arizona, December 8 -11, this year. The Symposium, held every December since 1974, attracts over 900 attendees representing all the stakeholders in the pari-mutuel racing industry. For more information on the Symposium on Racing & Gaming go to http://www.ua-rtip.org